You should know several essential things about Hydrostatic Testing Pumps before purchasing one. They come in various types, including Positive displacement, hand pumps, and electric plunger pumps. The most important thing to note about these pumps is that they should be used for testing only water that is free of contaminants. Never fill a pipe with water before testing, and never rest the intake hose against the drum wall. The pump should constantly be running without interruption. Never tamper with the engine setting or run dry. Finally, you can lubricate the pump with a 50/50 water-antifreeze solution. This will prevent rust from developing the pump.Hydrostatic Testing Pump

Electric plunger pumps

There are a variety of advantages to using electric plunger pumps in hydrostatic testing applications. These pumps are ideal for hydrostatic testing because they maintain constant pressure during the testing. Therefore, a higher flow rate will fill the system faster. In addition, electric plunger pumps are compact and can be maneuvered into small spaces. 

There are various types of electric pumps, and they all have different functions. Some pumps, such as the Triple R Tru-Test, weigh just 22 pounds and are protected by a metal case. These hydrostatic test pump can pump two GPM and pack 250 psi of pressure. Other pumps, such as the HT-90E, are larger and heavier than electric plunger pumps. These pumps can be used in unfinished buildings without working power and quickly be transported to other locations.

Positive displacement pumps

When it comes to selecting the correct positive displacement pump for hydrostatic testing, many factors are essential. Flow rate and efficiency are critical because the pumps must fill the system quickly and maintain constant pressure. An electric plunger pump and a water-filled cylinder pump are two examples of positive displacement pumps. While both have advantages, plunger pumps are less flexible and have lower flow rates. However, the high-pressure system must be reliable when it comes to hydrostatic testing.

Another type of positive displacement pump is the gear pump. Two interlocking gears characterize this type. Separate shafts support them. The fluid moves from the inlet to the discharge and is trapped between the gears. As a result, the fluid cannot transfer back through the center of the gears, which means there is a higher chance of leakage. These pumps are more expensive than a water-powered version but are a better choice for most purposes.

Hand pumps

Hand pumps are available for testing small pressure tanks, sprinkler systems, boilers, and more. A hand pump has advantages over a benchtop hydrostatic testing machine. It’s portable, comes with a pressure gauge, and doesn’t require a hydraulic system. It can also test high-pressure input devices such as pressure transmitters and gauges.

Hydrostatic test pumps are essential tools depending on the type of testing a company performs. They help to reduce the risk of system failure by pumping water into a piping system at higher pressure. When using hydrostatic pumps, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before performing hydrostatic testing, fill all water lines with water and remove any air. To do this, open the pressure regulator on the hand pump.

Positive displacement pumps 

A complete hydrostatic testing pump system includes an in-house test facility with full-fledged in-house testing facilities. The system consists of a three-ring binder with all operation and maintenance data, applicable piping isometrics, wiring diagrams, and a written description of the system design. A user-friendly operation manual must also include specific troubleshooting procedures and emergency response strategies.

The pump’s design and operation must comply with applicable standards. Its tube fouling factor must be 0.001 mm. The tubes must be 20 mm (3/4 inches) OD copper. The head or bonnet must be cast iron or steel. The pump’s fixed frame and connection fittings must meet ASME BPVC Section VIII requirements. Stainless steel and chlorobutyl elastomer pump components are required. Corrugated channel plate assemblies are made from 316 or 304 stainless steel. The porting components must be double-gasketed.

Hazards of hydrostatic testing

When you hydrostatically test a pump, you deal with a high-pressure liquid that can tear human skin or damage internal organs. In addition, if the hose connection is not adequately secured, high-pressure fluid can hit a nearby person. To avoid this danger, always conduct the test under the guidance of a qualified person, and ensure the area is adequately barricaded or marked with caution signs. In addition, ensure all of the accessories and equipment used for the pressure build-up process are certified and calibrated.

Hydrostatic testing pumps use three power sources: gas, plug-in, and battery-powered. The power source determines the size of the pump’s motor and the amount of pressure and volume to be tested. For example, a pump rated for 1,200 PSI on one day could be used to test a fire sprinkler the next. A pressure regulator allows the pump to be adjusted to the desired threshold. A gas-powered pump must be checked for leaks before using it, while battery-powered pumps must be tested to ensure that they do not contain fluids.

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