How to hydrostatic pressure test

Tips from 35 years of Hydrostatic Pressure Testing expertise

This is what we have learnt over 35 years of manufacturing our Micropac pumps for pressure testing Professionals. Whether you use the pump all day, every day or only once in a while, read on.

With competitive price and timely delivery, SUNCENTER sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Hydrostatic v pressure testing?

First things first. We are using the terms &#;hydrostatic testing&#;, &#;hydrostatic pressure testing&#; and &#;pressure testing&#; as the same thing. You are pressurising something to test whether it has any leakage or permanent deformation.

Our ten tips for easy pressure testing:

1. Is everybody reading from the same page on what you are testing? 

The first thing is to get people to agree on the pressure, fluid and &#;acceptance criteria.&#; The specification might just call for pressurising the component for test up to 1.5 times its working pressure, holding for five minutes with no leakage or permanent deformation. That is probably the simplest test specification. Look what it actually says on the customer drawing or procedure, not what you have been told it says. Have you got the latest issue of the drawing or procedure? People change things. Now sort out a plan. Look at the drawing or procedure. What pressure, fluid, how much leakage is permissible or are you just looking for no damage or permanent deformation? If the customer is referring to another document, it is no good if you have not read it and have a copy. If you have to produce a certificate as the end product of the test, what is it going to say? Clearly, if they are asking for a declaration that you simply cannot give, then this isn&#;t a good start. What pressure testing kit have you already got? Is it suitable?

2. Check the fluid.

Oil, water or something else? Don&#;t pick a fluid that you cannot pump. What is more, don&#;t pick a fluid that contaminates the fabrication or system. You will never flush oil residue out of a water system, whatever anybody says. Whilst on fluids, be very careful of testing in anything with a low flash point. For example, a request to test on petrol or ethanol becomes a serious matter. Read our note on carrying out a Risk Assessment for Pressure testing. You must do this. The Pressure Equipment Directive has a useful graph that will help you decide whether your combination of high pressures, large volumes and hazardous fluids takes you outside &#;Sound Engineering Practice.&#; It certainly focuses the mind on what might happen if something goes wrong.

3. Can you actually measure the pressure?

A pressure gauge that is not calibrated is no use. Even a calibrated pressure gauge might not be infallible. Did somebody drop the gauge yesterday and now it measures 60 bar out? I don&#;t know and you don&#;t, but at least we know that on a certain date it was checked to National Standard.

4. Test safe.

Hoses and fittings need to be rated to the correct pressures. Hoses will have the working pressure on the side.Make sure the connections to the test piece are properly engineering and not a mess. They will leak or compromise safety. If the thread is an obscure UNF thread, then use it, not some BSP size that a guy at a trade counter says is probably ok. Use your Zeus tables or the web for thread details.

5. Get the air out.

Bleeding from the highest point is best as you don&#;t want to be compressing air in a system.

6. Be careful of PTFE tape.

It isn&#;t good stuff to have floating around as fragments of it get around a system and jam valves. Although it has its place, we rarely use it.

7. Get the right pump.

Use a decent pump, preferably one of our Micropac units. We would say that, but easy and long lasting are what professionals need. Have a look at our range or talk to us if you have a particular challenge.

8. Write it down.

Record the results in a log book or form with supporting serial numbers, job number, date and test technician&#;s name. There is no point in doing the test otherwise.

9. Easy hoses and fittings to hand.

Simplify the hose and fittings so you have the minimum of searching around next time. Looking for the hose and fittings can take longer than the test. Time is money &#; we standardised our hoses and fittings years ago.

Thinking about this purely in business terms, it&#;s better to invest a little cash in your fittings now and save yourself a great deal of time and expense further down the line. We would say there is the pay back in sorting out fittings. It can&#;t be right to spend longer hunting for a lost fitting than doing the pressure test job.

Ideally, it&#;s best to buy in a range of fittings and store them in a multi-compartment box where you can see your parts at a glance. And always put the parts back in the box after use!

Big hoses? Avoid too large a hose bore as this will need filling and the fittings can be awkward. The hose will invariably prove bulky to store, expensive to buy and it won&#;t give high pressure ratings.

Think clean &#; you should store test fittings in a sealed box rather than a container that is open to the atmosphere. It is worth investing in stainless steel fittings as these won&#;t corrode. Plated steel fittings are cheap and disposable, but they quickly become tatty after repeated use. Throw out corroded carbon steel fittings.

As you make up fitting assemblies for connection with the free end of your hose, try to keep them assembled rather than broken down and pirated for other parts. This is depressing!

Quick disconnects can help you to switch quickly between test fittings but take care to avoid damage to seals and leakage. I think that this risk of leakage from them is our one niggle over many years. More generally, the more connections you have in a test hose assembly, the higher the risk of an annoying leak &#; always buy in a one-piece fitting if possible! On stainless steel fittings, we would look at Pegasus, Nero or Hydrasun in Aberdeen who keep formidable stocks of obscure fittings for the offshore industry.

10. Look for external leaks before panicking.

Look for external leaks on pipe work and hoses before worrying that the job is leaking. When you certify that something shows no permanent deformation, do quietly look at the job. Things can deform dreadfully and can easily be missed.

You may also be interested in;

Our ten tips to make a hydrostatic pressure test easy. What we have learnt over 35 years.

Sample of Risk Assessment for Pressure Testing. Essential if you are working under pressure.

How to Hydrostatic Test including a sample procedure.

How to create a hydrostatic pressure test certificate. What will a hydrostatic pressure test certificate say?

Our YouTube video &#;how to burst test&#; shows a Micropac pump used for a simple but safe burst test.

Links

Pegasus Hydraulics for stainless steel fittings

Nero for stainless steel fittings

Hydrasun for massive stocks of tricky stainless steel fittings

Parker Hannifin hoses and fittings for a comprehensive range.

Micropac pressure test pumps are on the Sarum Hydraulics site.

Want to buy a Micropac pressure test set for use on site next day? Try Pump Shop Pro, our in-house Distributor.

Delve into the world of hydraulic hoses as we discuss their different types, price ranges, factors influencing their prices, and much more. This comprehensive guide to the hydraulic hose price list will arm you with the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions.

Before diving into the depths of the hydraulic hose price list, let&#;s first understand what hydraulic hoses are. As critical components of hydraulic systems used in various machines and vehicles, these hoses transport hydraulic fluid under pressure to different parts of the system.

The price of hydraulic hoses varies based on factors like type, brand, size, material, temperature, and pressure ratings, among others. In this article, we&#;ll explore all these aspects in detail, helping you to understand and navigate the complex world of hydraulic hose prices.

Understanding Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hose is flexible tubes designed to carry hydraulic fluid. Their core function is to transport fluid from one component of the system to another, enabling efficient power transmission. Hydraulic hoses are typically made of three parts: an inner tube that carries the fluid, a reinforcement layer for stability, and a protective outer layer.

The material of these layers may vary based on the application, and consequently, this can impact the price of the hydraulic hose.

For more field hydrostatic hose pressure testinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Factors Influencing Hydraulic Hose Prices

Different aspects play a role in the overall pricing of hydraulic hoses. Some of the major factors are:

• Type: The specific type of hydraulic hose impacts its price. For instance, high-pressure hoses typically cost more than low-pressure ones.
• Brand: The reputation and quality assurance from well-known brands often come with a higher price tag.
• Size: Both the length and diameter of the hose can significantly influence its price.
• Material: The materials used for the inner tube, reinforcement layer, and outer layer all play a role in determining the cost.
• Temperature Rating: Hoses designed to withstand extreme temperatures usually have a higher price.
• Pressure Rating: Hoses with a high-pressure rating can command a premium price.

In the following sections, we will discuss each of these factors in detail, offering a complete picture of the hydraulic hose price list.

The Price Impact of Hose Size and Length

When exploring the hydraulic hose price list, one of the most influential factors you&#;ll come across is the size of the hose. The size of a hydraulic hose is not merely a dimension but an important parameter that dictates its functionality and, by extension, its cost. The size of a hydraulic hose is typically determined by two attributes: the length and the diameter, each playing a critical role in its operation and pricing.

The Diameter

The diameter or the width of a hydraulic hose is a crucial factor that determines the volume of fluid it can transport at any given time. Hoses with a larger diameter can carry more fluid, enabling the machinery to perform more powerful operations. On the contrary, smaller diameter hoses are suited for lighter tasks.

Larger diameter hoses involve more material in their construction, which increases their production cost. Consequently, these hoses are typically more expensive than their smaller counterparts. The diameter is often measured in inches or millimeters, and the increase in price is typically proportional to the increase in diameter.

The Length

The length of a hydraulic hose is just as significant when determining the price. Long hoses provide the flexibility to connect components that are far apart and are essential in large machinery and complex hydraulic systems. However, longer hoses also mean more material usage, more labor in manufacturing, and increased transportation costs, all contributing to a higher price.

Like diameter, the length is also typically measured in feet or meters, and the price usually increases linearly with the length. However, keep in mind that excessively long hoses can lead to pressure losses and decreased system efficiency, which may increase operational costs in the long run.

Balancing Size and Cost

Understanding the price impact of hose size and length can help you make informed decisions when perusing the hydraulic hose price list. However, it&#;s crucial not to let price be the only guiding factor. The size of the hose should primarily be dictated by the requirements of your hydraulic system to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Purchasing a hose that&#;s not suitable for your system, even if it&#;s cheaper, could lead to system inefficiencies, potential damages, and increased maintenance costs over time. Therefore, it&#;s a balancing act of choosing the right size for your needs while also considering the initial and long-term costs.

Remember, the best hydraulic hose isn&#;t necessarily the most expensive one but the one that meets your specific needs most efficiently and effectively.

Price Fluctuations in the Hydraulic Hose Market

The hydraulic hose price list isn&#;t set in stone. Like any market product, the price of hydraulic hoses is subject to fluctuations. These variations are influenced by a multitude of factors, including material costs, demand and supply dynamics, global economic health, currency exchange rates, and more. Understanding these fluctuations can help you make better-informed purchasing decisions and potentially save money.

Material Costs

One of the major factors contributing to the price fluctuations of hydraulic hoses is the cost of raw materials. These hoses are typically made from materials like synthetic rubber, thermoplastics, or elastomers. If the costs of these materials increase due to scarcity, production issues, or increased demand in other sectors, it directly impacts the price of the hoses.

Demand and Supply Dynamics

The law of demand and supply plays a significant role in determining the price of hydraulic hoses. In times of high demand, such as during industrial booms, the prices can spike. Conversely, during periods of reduced industrial activity, the demand might decline, leading to a decrease in prices.

Global Economic Health

The global economic situation has a considerable impact on the hydraulic hose price list. Economic uncertainties or downturns often lead to reduced industrial activity, which can lower demand and, consequently, the prices of hydraulic hoses. On the other hand, a healthy economy boosts industrial production, increasing the demand and potentially the prices of hydraulic hoses.

Currency Exchange Rates

Since many of the raw materials or even the finished hydraulic hoses are imported or exported, currency exchange rates also influence their prices. A stronger domestic currency makes imported materials or hoses cheaper, potentially reducing the prices. Conversely, a weaker domestic currency makes imports more expensive, increasing the prices.

Strategic Buying

Understanding these factors can help you strategically plan your hydraulic hose purchases. For instance, if you foresee an industrial boom, it might be beneficial to stock up on hydraulic hoses in advance before the prices spike. On the other hand, in times of economic downturns, it might be wise to hold off on large purchases if possible, until the prices drop.

However, it&#;s important to remember that price shouldn&#;t be the only consideration when buying hydraulic hoses. Quality, suitability for your system, and vendor reliability are equally important considerations that can affect the overall value and cost-effectiveness of your purchase. After all, a cheaper hose that fails prematurely or doesn&#;t suit your system can end up costing more in the long run due to downtime and replacement costs.

The Role of Temperature Ratings in Pricing

Temperature ratings are another significant component that can influence the hydraulic hose price list. The temperature a hydraulic hose can withstand without any degradation in its performance or safety is of critical importance in numerous applications. Consequently, the temperature rating is often directly proportional to the price of the hydraulic hose.

Understanding Temperature Ratings

The temperature rating of a hydraulic hose refers to the range of temperatures, typically expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, that the hose can safely withstand. This range includes two key parameters: the minimum and maximum temperatures.

Hoses with a higher temperature rating can withstand more extreme temperatures, making them suitable for high-temperature applications, such as those found in heavy machinery or certain industrial processes. Conversely, hoses with a lower temperature rating are suitable for applications with milder temperature conditions.

Manufacturing High-Temperature Hoses

Producing hoses that can withstand higher temperatures requires special materials and manufacturing processes. Materials like high-grade synthetic rubber or thermoplastics that can resist degradation at high temperatures are often more expensive. Additionally, the manufacturing processes may require more sophisticated techniques and equipment, further adding to the cost.

Pricing Implications

Due to these additional requirements, hydraulic hoses with higher temperature ratings are typically more expensive. When you peruse a hydraulic hose price list, you&#;ll often find that the prices increase as the temperature rating increases.

Balancing Temperature Ratings and Cost

As with other aspects of hydraulic hose selection, it&#;s important to balance the temperature requirements with the cost. Choosing a hose with a higher temperature rating than necessary can lead to unnecessary costs. On the other hand, selecting a hose with a lower temperature rating for a high-temperature application can result in hose failure and potential safety risks.

Therefore, it&#;s crucial to understand the temperature requirements of your specific application before purchasing a hydraulic hose. While the initial cost might be higher for a hose with a high-temperature rating, the longer service life and enhanced safety can make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Remember, the best investment isn&#;t necessarily the cheapest hose but the one that meets all the requirements of your application, including the temperature rating, most effectively.

Tips to Save Money on Hydraulic Hoses

While purchasing a hydraulic hose is an essential investment, the costs can add up, especially for large-scale operations or frequent replacements. Understanding the various aspects that influence the hydraulic hose price list is one part of the equation. The other is to know how you can potentially save money without compromising the performance or safety of your hydraulic systems.

Understand Your Requirements

Before making any purchase, the first step should be a comprehensive understanding of your needs. This includes the type of hydraulic hose, its size, temperature rating, pressure rating, and other specifications required for your specific application. Purchasing a hose that doesn&#;t meet your requirements could lead to premature failure, requiring replacement sooner and thereby increasing your costs.

Quality Over Price

While it&#;s tempting to opt for the cheapest option in the hydraulic hose price list, it may not always be the most cost-effective choice. Cheaper hoses may not be as durable or reliable, leading to frequent replacements, downtime, and potential damage to your hydraulic system. Investing in high-quality hoses may involve a higher upfront cost but can save money in the long run due to longer service life and fewer replacements.

Regular Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of your hydraulic hoses can significantly extend their life, saving you replacement costs. Look for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or any changes in performance. Proactive maintenance allows you to address minor issues before they become major problems, thus preventing costly repairs or replacements.

Buy in Bulk

For large-scale operations or if you need multiple hoses of the same type, buying hydraulic hose in bulk could offer cost benefits. Suppliers often provide discounts for bulk purchases, reducing the per-unit cost of the hoses. However, ensure that you have appropriate storage conditions to prevent any damage to the hoses during storage.

Choose the Right Hydraulic Hose Supplier

Finally, choosing the right hydraulic hose supplier can also help save money. A reputable hose supplier can provide you with high-quality products at competitive prices. They can offer expert advice on choosing the right hoses for your needs, ensuring you don&#;t overspend on unnecessary features. They may also provide after-sales support, including installation assistance and warranty, which can save costs on potential repairs or replacements.

Remember, while saving money is essential, it should not compromise the safety and efficiency of your hydraulic system. The goal is to achieve the best balance between cost-effectiveness and optimal performance. By understanding your requirements and making informed decisions, you can ensure that every dollar spent on hydraulic hoses is a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Understanding the complexities of a hydraulic hose price list can seem daunting. However, with the knowledge of what influences the pricing and how to navigate these factors, you can make more informed decisions and potentially save money.

Remember, the price is just one aspect to consider. Quality, durability, and suitability for your specific needs are just as crucial, if not more.

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