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Hydrostatic pressure test

Test method where the material is pressurized by a liquid for possible defects to be detected by the possible deformations that occur adjacent to the defects.

Beskrivning
Illustration of Hydrostatic pressure test

The process

The vessel [1] to be tested is filled with a liquid, usually water or oil, and placed in a chamber [2] which is also filled with the liquid. In order to ensure a margin of safety in the material, the liquid is pressurized to a pressure greater than the pressure that the material is designed for. Leakage or deformation is detected by the liquid level or the increase in pressure in the chamber [3].

To help detect leaks color is sometimes added to the fluid.

Advantages and disadvantages
In comparison with alternative methods
Easy to use
Can test leakage
Can measure deformations