If you need to pressure test, Sarum Hydraulics knows how to do it. We’ve condensed our knowledge into one easy guide, so you can test equipment easily and safely. Read on to make sure you’re pressure testing correctly. 

1. First thing is to get people to agree on pressure, fluid and “acceptance criteria”. The specification might just call for pressurising to 1.5 times the working pressure, holding for five minutes with no leakage or permanent deformation. That is probably the simplest test specification.  Look what it actually says on the customer drawing or procedure. Have you got the current issue? People change things.

2. Check the fluid. Oil, water or something else? Don’t pick a fluid that you cannot pump. What is more, don’t pick a fluid that contaminates the fabrication or system.

Micropac MP pressure test pump

A Micropac(R) MP series pressure test pump – a long service life provides value for money.

3. Can you measure the pressure? A pressure gauge that is not calibrated is no use. Did a bloke drop it yesterday and now it measures 60 bar out? I don’t know and you don’t, but at least we know that on a certain date it was checked to National Standard.

4. Test safe. Hoses and fittings rated to correct pressures. Properly engineering jobs on the connections to the test piece. If the thread is an obscure UNF thread, then use it, not some BSP size that a guy at a trade counter says is probably ok. Use your Zeus tables or the web for thread details.

5. Get the air out. Bleeding from the highest point is best.

6. Be careful of PTFE tape. Not good stuff to have floating around. Although it has its place, we rarely use it.

7. Use a decent pump, preferably one of our Micropac units. We would say that, but easy and long lasting are what professionals need. Talk to us.

8. Record the results. No point in doing the pressure test otherwise.

9. Simplify the fittings so you have the minimum of searching around next time. Time is money.

10. Look for external leaks on pipe work and hoses before worrying that the job is leaking. When you certify that something shows no permanent deformation, do quietly look at the job. Things can deform dreadfully and can easily be missed.

Sarum Hydraulics manufacture reliable manual pressure test kits from 7 – 49cc up to 700 bar. For harsh environments we also provide 316 stainless units ensuring corrosion resistance. Our kit needs minimal maintenance, reducing your costs and saving you time, and our innovative engineering, including a lockable pump handle which doubles as a carry handle, reducing weight to make your job easier. When you next need a high quality pressure test set, talk to  Sarum.