Hydro Test
Hydro Test, or hydrostatic test, is a mandatory, non-destructive quality assurance procedure used across the pipe, tube, and pressure vessel manufacturing industries.
Purpose and Mechanism
The primary purpose of the hydro test is to verify the structural integrity and leak-tightness of the newly produced pipe or tube.
- Process: The pipe is securely sealed at both ends and completely filled with water, which acts as the testing medium. A specialized pump then increases the internal water pressure far above the intended maximum working pressure of the finished product, sometimes by as much as 1.5 times the operating pressure.
- Verification: The pressure is held constant for a specified duration while inspectors check for any drops in pressure (indicating leaks) or visible signs of permanent deformation (indicating material weakness or poor weld quality).
Successfully passing the hydro test certifies that the pipe's welding and material can safely contain the pressure required for its designated application, whether in high-pressure oil and gas pipelines or simpler plumbing systems. It is an indispensable safety check.