INS - OUTS of HYDRO TESTING

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The Ins & Outs of Hydrostatic Testing

by hadmin | May 21, 2018 | Hose Inspection, Hose Testing |

Hydrostatic testing is one of the most common methods for testing hoses, pipes and other
pressured vessels. If the test is successful, it then qualifies the product to be used under a
specific stress or environment and for a specified length of time. The market for scientifically
proven pipes, hoses and assemblies is extremely competitive. These products need to bear up
against stringent and methodical testing over a long period to determine their strengths and
weaknesses.
Hydrostatic testing is typically conducted under the specifications of the hydrostatic testing
supplier, the industry standards or the customer. Generally, the testing is carried out inside a
sealed and closed system to minimise any errors and give ultra-precise readings. A regular test
procedure is to fill a container with a liquid that has incompressible properties, usually water,
dyed water or oil, and then to place the vessel (i.e. the hose) inside the container and apply
pressure inside the closed system. The applied internal pressure and the duration are normally
always fixed.
This known pressure is typically a great amount larger than the usual specified operating
pressure of a device – generally around 150%. As the pressure is applied it causes the vessel to
expand and both the permanent and the total pressure expansion are carefully measured.
These measurements, together with internal and external visual checks, are used to ascertain
whether or not a pressurised vessel can be used safely. This also gives an understanding of the
lifetime of the container – this is typically determined by the exemption or specification to
which a pressure vessel has been manufactured. A product must be condemned if its structural
integrity is abnormal, is degraded or if it fails.
This is an extremely important testing procedure to identify how safe and/or durable a device is
under pressure and also to identify any leaks that a vessel may be prone to developing. These
hoses and pipes can be used to transport dangerous or hazardous substances – areas where
there is no room for errors or manufacturing floors.
All quality hose testing and hydrostatic testing companies keep computerised records of their
products and will monitor each unit throughout the course of its lifetime. This ensures that
mistakes are kept to a minimum and if any unexpected problem occurs the computerised
systems will quickly notify the user or the manufacturer.
The process of hydrostatic testing procedure is known universally as the primary method of
determining the fitness level and longevity of an industrial component, most commonly an
industrial hose or pipe. It should be known that it is the responsibility of the owner of each
industrial component and the hydrostatic testing company to create and develop a safe
hydrostatic testing plan, which takes note of all the elements present inside the machinery and
the relevant documentation. Once the hydrostatic testing procedure is completed, it can be
expected that the successful testing of a component means that it is capable of safely
containing its intended material and operating pressure.
However, it is recommended that a consistent check of each component is carried out due to a
constant risk of leaks or damage due to a variety of reasons. The main purposes of carrying out
a hydrostatic test are the following:
 To discover any occurring or potential faults in any type of industrial hose or pipe.
 To discover the reasoning behind the occurring or potential faults in an attempt to
prevent further risk of damage.
 To ensure that the industrial hose or pipe can withstand a pressure greater than it’s
working pressure to reduce the risk of damage.
Straining the industrial hose or pipe beyond its working pressure will display any obvious signs
of stress or flaws within the components. Pushing the hoses and pipes beyond their limits for a
period of time will determine whether the component is removed from service or placed back
into service, sometimes only for a specified period of time if a non-hazardous flaw has been
detected.
Should you wish to acquire further information on the hydrostatic testing procedure then do
not hesitate to contact your local hose management company. They will be more than willing to
provide you with information on industrial hose testing and how it can benefit you.
A Hydraulic hose is a style of industrial hoses. There are lots of reasons which can lead to
an early failure of hose assemblies, and operators should be aware of these – including
improper hose routing, and just using them wrong! If you’re wondering how long they
should last – this is hard to determine, as it all depends on its usage and the conditions
its exposed to. Industrial hoses should be checked often.
Elemental exposure 
Hoses that are exposed to high levels of heat or extremely cold temperatures tend to break
down faster than hoses at an average room temperature. If you need to use a hydraulic hose in
such temperatures, there are specific compounds used in the manufacturing process of some
hoses which can postpone the effects of these conditions. Alternatively, you could get
protection covers for your hoses that can help protect it from abrasion, sparks, and metal
splash in some industries. However, under these conditions, hose covers are only delaying the
inevitable.
Improper Hose Routing
One of the main reasons for industrial hose failure is improper routing. This causes
unnecessary stress and abrasion on the hose. If there is extra stress placed on a hose assembly
that is improperly routed – it will lead to failure. This usually occurs where the fitting is crimped,
towards the end of the hose assembly. 
Frequent Usage
Another thing to consider when keeping on top of your hoses, is their usage. A hose that is
being used as part as commercial earth moving equipment for 40 hours a week would need
more attention and management than a hose which is being used on consumer grade
equipment for only a couple of hours a month. If you frequently check your hoses on high-use
equipment, you can catch any problems just as they start occurring and get them resolved. This
can prevent any stoppage caused by full failure. 
Dry/Aged Air
The inner tube of hoses can develop loads of tiny cracks from dry or aged air. This failure can
be difficult to spot as the hose won’t be cracked on the exterior, and will remain flexible. Still, if
this has occurred there will be signs of leakage. To avoid this problem, you should check if your
hose is rated for dry air. Hoses with PKR or EPDM rubber inner tubes are best for this, or if
possible, raise the dew point of the environment. 

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