Aussie Pumps pipeline testing system

Gas and oil pipelines must be structurally sound and able to withstand their maximum operating pressure. Testing is done by filling the pipes with water and pumping the pressure up higher than the maximum allowable operating level. The pressure is then held for up to 8 h to establish the pipe’s integrity.

Australian Pump Industries makes a range of hydrostatic test units with flows to 150 L/min and pressures up to 500 bar (7300 psi). For high-pressure applications, as required for gas pipelines, the heart of the system is a Bertolini heavy-duty triplex pump.

Australian Pump hydrostatic testers are fitted with an adjustable regulator that enables the operator to set the required pressure. They are equipped with a double lock off valve system and two pressure gauges to isolate the pump from the job and check the line pressure is maintained.

The units are trolley mounted for ease of movement on site. The range also includes diesel, petrol, hydraulic, electric and flameproof electric drive units.

Machines with pressures of up to 40 bar are commonly used for testing water supply lines and similar relatively low pressure systems. Australian Pump use rugged diaphragm-style positive displacement pumps to provide pressure and flow for these applications.

Hydrostatic testing is also effective in proof testing pumps, valves, pressure vessels and other liquid system products. For example, the use of hydrostatic testers is widely employed by Australian Pump for testing pump bodies for leaks after assembly.