definition for: #Hydrotest

http://*** We specialize in the design, set-up, management and operations of hydrotest water supply systems required for the hydro-testing of API 650, 620 and 653 storage tanks, AWWA storage tanks, pipelines and ASME pressure vessels. We have over 150 years of combined experience in the water management and hydrotest markets throughout Canada, and have processes and procedures of the highest quality to support our clients' specific needs and conditions. We have operational capability year round, and are able to operate in extreme cold weather with our specialized heating equipment and comprehensive cold weather operating procedures. We are also able to operate in remote and environmentally sensitive locations given our methodical processes, and procedures that reduce environmental impact and meet federal waterway compliance requirements.

OUR SERVICES - HYDROTESTING MAY ALSO BE KNOWN AS HYDROSTATIC TESTING We perform storage tank hydrotesting services on all sizes and types of atmospherically operated tanks both in newly built applications and the re-certification of existing storage tanks. We perform all hydrotest services covering the entire spectrum from the sourcing of any crossing agreements on public and private land, diversion licensing from applicable regulatory bodies, permanent or temporary water pumping systems, particulate filtration, water sampling and code specific functional test of the storage tank completed to applicable construction code or standard. The final step in our services is to supply a professionally assembled turn over package with detailed information required for the applicable regulatory body or utility commission granting the fit for service authorization. This particular hydrotest is not only performed for leak detection, but is also intended to provide the client a full operational test environment for such things as foundation settlement, rolling ladder operational check or a floating roof pontoon leak test and operational run through. Our skilled technicians and project managers are trained to support all elements of the test procedures in a safe and professional manner. Like all the services we offer, our processes and procedures have been carefully developed to minimize our environmental impact. We also support hydrostatic tests required for other products such as pipelines, spheres and ASME (American Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Division 1 or Division 2 pressure vessels. This integrity test involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid and pressurizing the item to a specific test pressure.

HYDROTESTING / PRESSURE TESTING A common misunderstanding in the market is the purpose of Hydrotesting or also known as Hydrostatic testing of new built API storage tanks. Many folks are of the belief that the hydrotest on a new built API 650 tank is just a leak tight test while others believe that hydrotesting is important to do for settlement measurement. Both are partially correct, but also demonstrate the inconsistency around a full understanding of what is involved in Hydrostatic testing a new built tank. Without getting to involved in specific risk management guidelines in specific end users’ and owners’ specifications or considering the exemptions or the waivers that are granted within the body of the API-650 Standard the following are quite simply summarized that “the main reasons for Hydro testing a new built tank are”: Confirm that the tank is leak free and tight, nozzles, manways, shell seams, attachments etc. In the event a pontoon style floating roof is installed, confirm pontoons are leak free and manway access operational. Confirm weld integrity is suitable to withstand operational conditions Allow for confirmation of uniform settlement on the tank base. Perform full functional test of all working components of the tank accessories, such as: Check rolling roof stairways for full range of operation and self leveling functional test, floating roof drain range of operation, floating roof range of operation, floating roof seal may be elected to be installed and tested for range of operation, anti rotation devices etc.… In summary, Hydrotesting demonstrates a tanks fitness for service by providing an integrity test, minimizing the risk of catastrophic failure by using test conditions that replicates operational conditions using test medium (water) with a specific gravity greater than the designed for cargo. Therefore, this hydrostatic test subjects the tank to a harsher condition than the tank would see during normal operation. Additionally, other testing steps may also be added to a hydrostatic test situation for items such as, uplift test of anchor bolts and chairs as well when tanks are designed for elevated internal pressures (lower than those in a API- 620) or in situations where a tank is designed to operate in a seismic zone, tests for uplift can be confirmed.