PIPELINE TESTING

[REMCON]

We currently have a low pressure PVC brine waste line that requires air testing. Is there a method for equating an air test pressure to a hydrostatic water test? The only information I have found is 150% of working pressure for Hydrostatic vs 110% of operating pressure for air.

WDB/REMCON

 

[semo]

You won't be able to corrolate the two tests comparing pressure. Air is a compressible fluid and water is not.

With water pressure, the pvc pipe gives by expanding. With air, both the pvc pipe expands and the air compresses.

As air is less vicous than water, it will leak far faster if the pipeline is compromised. At least that is what I've seen.

 

[willis]

Is the waste line gravity fed or is it being pumped?

If it's gravity fed-
I believe the Uniform Plumbing Code state's 10 psi for 15 min., but I don't have the book here and it's been awhile since I've needed to know that. I'll re-post tomorrow if I'm incorrect.

If it's pumped- What's the approximate pressure?

Also, not sure where you got the "150% of working pressure", but I don't think that information applies to waste lines. Testing a pvc line for water distribution is 1.5(150%) times working pressure.

 

[REMCON]

Thank you Semo and Willis for your response.
This is a pumped line. I will have to confirm the pressure...+/-20 psi.

 

[stanier]

Pressure testing in Australia requires a special permit from the WOrk Cover Authority. AS 2556.2 Buried Flexible Pipelines Installation limits pressure to 35 kPA ( 7psi). Standard can be obtained from

http://www.standards.com.au