Weld Testing Unit provides localized pressure testing of pipe.
March 25, 2011 -
Suited for testing any installation, repair, or modification, inline Hydrablock uses double-block and bleed isolation to test welds on standard pipes from 0.75-36 in. Integrity of weld can be checked with water or inert gas at up to 10,000 psi. Hydrablock can also be used as vapor barrier during welding. Fixed and activated within minutes, unit achieves full testing on butt welds, joints, or other welded pipe components.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Biach Industries, Inc.
75 Chestnut St., P.O. Box 280
Cranford, NJ, 07016
USA
Hydratight Introduces In-Line Weld Testing Unit
PIPELINE and engineering solutions company Hydratight's new HYDRABLOCK inline
weld testing unit is set to bring world-class testing to any installation, repair or
modification.
Using double-block and bleed isolation, the Hydrablock offers easy operation and
accuracy for testing flange welds on standard pipes from 0.75in - 36in, and up to
72in.
Full testing is quick and easy to achieve on butt welds, joints or other welded pipe
components, meaning downtime and production losses are minimised. The device
can be fixed and activated within minutes once the test site is exposed.
Hydrablock can also be used as a vapour barrier during welding. The device is simply
pushed into the pipe beyond the work area, isolating the weld site and forming a
certified vapour barrier while work proceeds. After work is completed, the tester can
be pulled back to the weld area for testing to continue.
The Hydrablock operates as a pair of radial pressure seals, one at each end of the device. When activated these seal the pipe, either as a double-block device to plug the line, or on either side of the weld. Activation can be mechanical (up to 2in), or hydraulic. Once the weld is isolated between the seals, its integrity can be checked either with water or inert gas at up to 690Bar (10,000psi).
The seals can accommodate weld beads and even slightly oval lines, and since the tester
doesn't require the expensive filling, pres - surisation and drying of the entire line, the chance of inducing leakage in other parts of older systems is eliminated.
"Hydrablock offers the best combination of materials, weight, durability and versatility," said Hydratight's commercial director, Wayne Dennis. "We use heavy elastomer seals, for example, which make better contact with the internal surfaces even of pitted pipework. As long as the contact surfaces are cleaned and debris removed, a seal is far easier to achieve, so tests can be more accurate. The seal material also lasts far longer, despite continual pressure and release."
The tester can be used at any physical angle, subject to suitable lifting equipment for
larger sizes. Units are available for sale or rent, with full instruction from Hydratight specialist staff on their use, and full ancillary equipment.
Contact: wayne.dennis@hydratight.com
Website: www.hydratight.com
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