Type 2 pressure tests are designed for polyethylene pipes 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.
Ant Hire Solutions’ unique Type 2 test method has been designed to factor in these challenges and ensures accurate analysis and outcomes. 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 Ant Hire Solutions’ unique algorithms. These algorithms accommodate several influencing factors, including ‘creep’. The data is then analysed by our team of expert technicians who determine whether the pipeline has passed or failed. In the event that a test fails, Ant Hire Solutions’ technicians will guide customers through a step by-step process, finding the issue and helping to resolve it. Once the problem is solved, the pipe must then be left for four times the length of the previous test before another test can occur. Ant Hire Solutions ability to analyse the data in real-time allows its technicians 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 the Ant Hire Solutions PIPE data management dashboard allowing contractors to fully analyse pressure test performance by team, site and operatives. Providing evidence to work carried out in line with safety guidelines and current industry regulations.
