For owners and operators of liquid storage tanks, scheduling regular professional inspections is crucial. This applies to all commercial and industrial water and chemical storage tanks. Thorough examinations, conducted according to industry standards, ensure the safety and integrity of these tanks throughout their operational life.
What is Hydrotesting/Hydrostatic Testing
This testing method is utilized to assess the integrity and identify leaks in pressure vessels such as pipelines, plumbing systems, gas cylinders, boilers, and fuel tanks.
The procedure involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid, typically water, which may be dyed to aid in visual leak detection, and then pressurizing the vessel to the specified test pressure.
Pressure integrity is evaluated by closing the supply valve and monitoring for any pressure loss. The presence of dye in the water helps in visually pinpointing the location of leaks. Additionally, the structural strength of the container is assessed by measuring any permanent deformation.
The hydrostatic test procedure is performed to detect leaks in shell weld joints and to observe the stabilization of liquid levels at various heights. Throughout the test, all instrumentation must be removed to prevent damage to the instruments.
Importance of Hydrotesting in Water Tanks
Hydrostatic testing, as its name implies, involves testing a tank by filling it with water.
The primary and most apparent purpose of filling the tank with water is to detect any leaks. The tank is filled at a specified rate and inspected after a 24-hour period to ensure there are no cracks, pinholes, or other irregularities in the welds.
Another objective of the test is to evaluate the mechanical strength of the tank. Weak points become evident when the tank is filled with water, which poses significantly lower risks to workers and the environment compared to when the tank contains hazardous chemicals.
A crucial aspect observed during a hydrostatic test is the stability of the tank’s supporting foundation. The foundation plays a critical role in preventing tank damage.
Furthermore, the hydrostatic test serves as an assessment of stability, allowing both the client and builder to verify that the settlement of the tank base falls within an acceptable range. This assessment is conducted using a test medium such as water, which typically has a higher specific gravity than the cargo intended for the tank.
How to Know if My Tank Needs Testing?
Just like any piece of safety equipment, paintball air tanks require regular hydro-testing to ensure their integrity. The specific timeframe for this test can vary depending on the manufacturer, but most high-pressure paintball air tanks need it every 3 to 5 years.
The manufacturing date is usually stamped on the tank label. As the owner, it’s your responsibility to monitor this date and schedule a re-hydro test before the validity period expires.
During the hydro-test, the tank is pressurized to a level exceeding its normal operating pressure. If the tank holds up without any signs of weakness or leaks, it gets a clean bill of health and its validity is extended for another 3 to 5 years. However, a failed test means the tank is no longer safe to use and needs to be replaced.
CO2 and SCBA cylinders typically require hydro-testing every 5 years, although some newer models may have extended intervals of 10 years. The cost for a CO2 tank hydro-test is usually around $20.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the importance of hydro-testing your water tank is essential for its upkeep. Despite being overlooked at times, regular use can lead to wear and tear, potentially causing leaks or bursts due to accumulated pressure.
For top-tier water tanks in the United States, consider NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks! With over two decades of expertise in water tank quality testing, we manufacture products that meet the highest standards of quality control.
Alongside our outstanding water tank quality testing services, we provide various industrial water tank maintenance solutions, including concrete water tank inspections and general maintenance. At NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks, we are committed to inspecting and hydro-testing your water tanks to prevent future issues.
Contact us today for a quote tailored to your needs.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la
