Type 2 Pressure Tests

Type 2 tests are designed for polyethylene piping but need to consider the possibility of pipe expansion – also known as creep – as the pipe’s pressure is brought up to standard test pressure (STP).

The ‘creep’ nature of polyethene pipe material means that the pipe will expand when under pressure, making it difficult to determine whether pressure loss during a test is the result of water leakage or pipe expansion. Other factors such as temperature can also influence the amount of expansion, further complicating result analysis.

Our unique Type 2 test method has been designed to factor in these challenges and ensure accurate analysis and outcomes.

Our Method

A Type 2 Pressure Test begins by bringing the pipeline up to system test pressure (STP) where it is left for a minimum of one hour. The pressure loss during this time period is recorded and then filtered through our unique algorithms. These algorithms accommodate for several influencing factors, including ‘creep’. The data is then analyzed by our team of technicians who determine whether the pipeline has passed or failed.

In the event that a test fails, our technicians will guide you step-by-step in finding the issue and help to resolve it. Once the problem is solved, the pipe must then be left for four times the length of previous test before another test can occur. Our ability to analyse the data in real-time allows us to end a failing test prematurely, meaning less time is wasted in waiting for a second test to commence.

All test data is loaded into our PIPE data management system allowing contractors to fully analyse pressure test performance by team, site and operatives.