D. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
1.
2.
3.
8.
9.
Contractor shall use a hydrostatic test pump specifically designed for
performing hydrostatic pressure tests on pipe.
Clean potable water shall be used as the testing medium to fill the pipes.
Pipe shall be tested at 1.5 times the rated working pressure of the pipe or
the lowest rated pressure of any component of the system being tested.
In no case exceed maximum allowable pressure for any pipeline
component, including valves, fittings, and instruments.
Apply test pressure slowly, and once the test pressure has been reached,
allow the pressure to stabilize, without adding additional pressure. This
may take 2 to 3 hours.
Once pressure has stabilized, add additional water to achieve the test
pressure and begin the test.
After 1 hour, additional water shall be added to return to the test
pressure. If the volume of water required to achieve the test pressure
after 1 hour is less than shown in the table, then the pipe has passed the
pressure test.
The total test time, including the initial pressurization, initial expansion
and time at test pressure, shall not exceed eight hours. If the test is not
completed within that time, the test pressure shall be removed for at least
eight hours, prior to performing the test again.
If pressure test is not accepted, correct leaks or defects in the pipe and
retest.
Remove temporary sectionalizing devices after tests are complete.
E. Pnematic Testing
WARNING: Compressed air or any pressurized gas used as a test medium may
present severe hazards to personnel in the vicinity of pipelines being tested.
Personnel protection precautions must be observed when a gas under pressure
is used as the test medium.
WARNING: Explosive Failure. Pipe system rupture during pneumatic pressure
tests may result in explosive, uncontrolled movement of system pipe, or
components, or parts of components. Keep personnel a safe distance away from
the test section during testing.
1.
2.
The test period at the test pressure shall last no more than 10 minutes.
Provide all necessary connections, bulkheads, flanges, bracing, and
blocking, as well as all required test equipment.
Test pressure gauge shall have a maximum range of no more than 20 psig,
with minor gradations no greater than 0.1 psig.
File No. 3066.09
High-Density Polyethylene Pipe 15210 - 11 of 15 Revised February 2019
