Type 2 Pressure Tests

The Challenge

The prominence of polyethylene pipes in modern pipelines creates new challenges for leak detection. The ‘creep’ nature of this 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 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.