March 30, 2017

Safety first. Remote Visual Inspection for high pressure Pneumatic Tests

Safety first. Remote Visual Inspection for high pressure Pneumatic Tests
Safety first. Remote Visual Inspection for high pressure Pneumatic Tests
Safety first. Remote Visual Inspection for high pressure Pneumatic Tests
A Proof-Pressure Test verifies if a component can withstand pressure above its intended operating pressure without permanent damage. It is a form of stress test to demonstrate the fitness of an Expansion Joint under the test pressure conditions. 

If it is not possible to perform a hydrostatic test (preferred method) then, Pneumatic testing may be considered.

The test (hydrostatic or pneumatic) shall always be carried out under controlled conditions, with appropriate safety precautions and equipment and in such a way that the persons responsible for the test can make adequate inspections of all pressurized parts.

Pressure testing is a high-risk activity. When applying stored energy to an assembly, especially for the first time, there is potential for an unintended or premature pressure release while people are in the danger zone.

It is well known fact that as water cannot be compressed, the energy stored in a vessel under hydrostatic pressure is lesser as compared to that of a vessel under same pressure with air. This stored potential energy gets converted to kinetic energy at the time of rupture and that is what makes pneumatic test very dangerous.

The potential risk from fragments and missiles and blast wave must be assessed. The stored energy is calculated and a minimum blast wave and fragment throw distance is determined.

Due to the hazards of a high pressure pneumatic test procedure and to ensure the safety of people and to minimize risk to property MACOGA carry out these tests under very strict safety regulations and rules, including:

- A pre-test safety meeting and emergency response plan takes place.
- No person is allowed in the exclusion area during the proof-pressure test and test is observed and controlled at a safe distance by means of video camera and video recording.
- Carry out the test in a specific test bunker.
- Parts of mechanically assembled systems must not be adjusted while the system is under pressure.
- Establishment of an exclusion zone and restrict access to the area. 
- Safety pressure relive devices.
- Delimited Safe Distance, is kept at all times.