
The Importance of Rigorous Pipe Testing
December 4, 2014A fundamental element of dependable, high quality fabrication is rigorous quality testing. This testing is particularly important when the fabrication in question involves industrial pipes because the stakes are especially high with industrial piping. It is crucial that any weak or failure-prone pipes be detected and weeded out before they are installed at the job site. Failure to detect faulty pipes can have severe operational and economic consequences in the future.
Pipe Spools Are Fabricated Off-Site
It is important to note that while pipes may occasionally be fabricated on-site where they will be installed, it is much more common for them to be fabricated off-site in an industrial fabrication facility. This allows for much greater control over the work environment, removing the potential for bad weather or other environmental factors to delay the production timeline. Off-site fabrication is also more cost efficient, faster, and often yields higher quality piping. Finally after the pipe spools are fabricated, off-site fabrication allows for very rigorous, thorough testing to ensure that all of the piping is up to industry codes and standards, and that it will fit together properly at the job site.Types of Piping Tests
Industrial piping undergoes a variety of thorough testing depending on the particular facility and the requirements for the piping. Fundamentally pipe testing will ensure that the pipe meets hardness standards, that the welds are high quality and reliable, that the pipe will not leak, and that it can withstand the pressure requirements that will be placed upon it. Common testing includes the following:- Radiography
- Positive Material Identification (PMI)
- Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
- Ultrasonic testing
- Hydrostatic Testing