Now that we’re done with bell expansion, we want to validate the weld with nondestructive testing. We’re going to transfer the pipe to the hydrostatic testing station.
Once the pipe is in the hydrostatic testing station, we’re going to place rubber gaskets on each end. The intent of the rubber gasket is to hold the pressure during the pressure test.
Once the gaskets are in place, the pipe is going to be loaded into the hydrostatic tester. The ends will then be adjusted to the specific pipe length.
Once the pipe is loaded into the hydrostatic testing machine, the pipe will be filled with water. Once filled, we’re going to pressurize that pipe to induce a stress on the cylinder equal to 75% of the pipe seal strength. This is the nondestructive test of the pipe cylinder and weld.
Once that process is complete, the pipe will be drained and then the pipe will be transferred over to cement lining.
