How Do Hydrostatic Test Pumps Work?
- A hydrostatic test pump works by pumping water into a vessel or pipe to create a known internal pressure for a known duration. The pressure inside the vessel or pipe is increased slowly and evenly until a set limit is reached, or the vessel or pipe bursts.
- Hydrostatic test pumps typically include a bypass relief valve. The valve is designed to take pressure off the pump during start-up and prevent the internal sealing area, or seat, from sticking and damaging the pump during testing.
- According to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations, a manual hydrostatic test pump, or one powered by electricity, gas or pneumatics, can be used for testing pressure vessels provided it is capable of producing 150 percent of the maximum allowable pressure. The pump must be fitted with check valves and fittings and personnel protected by a physical barrier during the test.
