HYDROSTATIC PIPE TESTING MACHINE (HPTM)

The head stock is the stationary head of the HPTM and holds the seal plate. Tension beams are fixed to the head stock from the top. Water filling, pressurizing and venting occurs through the nozzles provided on the head stock.

The tail stock is the moving head of the HPTM, driven by 4 hydraulic cylinders. The tail stock includes the counter seal holder and moves on the lower tension beams by means of hardened rollers. The fixing of the tail stock is provided by means of 8 hydraulically actuated load pins.

The pipe is filled by means of high-volume, low-pressure centrifugal pump(s). This initial filling is carried on up to the required volume of the water pumped. Then the high-pressure water pumps start – one pumps up to 80 bar, the second continues pumping until the test pressure is reached. Computerized controls allow the operator to extend the test period as long as necessary.

There are four valves in the system, namely

“Filling Valve, 4”
“Medium Pressure Valve 1” Stainless Steel
“High Pressure Valve 1”, Stainless Steel
“Air Relief Valve 1”, Stainless Steel

Within the foundation of the HPTM water are located reservoirs (with sedimentation chambers) and a centrifugal pump. This design allows for maximum cycling of the test water. There is no necessity for chemical additives in the reserved water. It is advisable to provide a separate pressurizing water tank with filtering system for longer life of the high-pressure pumps.

Pipe positioning within the machine is provided by means of 2 lifting arms positioned on hydraulically driven cylinders. Cylinders can be controlled independently from each other to provide complete drainage and moved laterally to handle different length of pipes. The lifting arms are used to receive into the HPTM and to discharge the pipes to adjacent transferring units.

All HPTM controls are computerized to allow a wide range of control options to the operator. All pipe positioning, tail stock movements, pipe filling and pressurizing sequence functions are controlled and enabled by means of computer. The operator may extend the pressurized test period as long as needed.

Use of the “learn mode” permits repeated testing of the pipes with the same characteristics without the intervention of the operator.

All test graphics can be observed on the monitor provided, printed and stored together with the test results in the required media (hard disk, floppy disk or CD).