PNEUMATIC TESTING

Hydrotesting is not possible in certain instances when the weight of hydrotest water is too high for pipe support systems or introduction of water into piping system is detrimental to the process (catalyst or reactor, cryogenic services), in such cases the components or systems may be tested with nitrogen or air. Detailed risk analysis and system design specifications will be reviewed before testing with a compressible medium. As the medium is gases it has the ability to compress and contain a large amount of stored energy (typically 200 times greater than a hydrotest test at the same free volume and pressure condition). Extreme caution is therefore required when using this technique.