Filling the Pipeline & Air Removal
For all types of pipe pressure testing with water it is essential to remove the air from the pipeline. Pressurised air is not only a danger in the case of a serious pipeline failure but also makes pipe pressure testing much more difficult and lengthy.
Air Removal Method
Swabbing
The best method for removing air from the pipeline is to use a soft foam swab. The swab is inserted at the filling end prior to the pipeline being closed off. A high volume (low pressure) filling pump, with a good supply of water is used to push the swab along the pipeline quickly.
Benefits
- Swabbing is the best method for removing the air from the pipeline
- Often exceptional improvement in shortening the length of the total test time.
- Swabs are available for 50mm—1200mm nominal bore pipes
- The swabs have the ability to traverse bends,90 degree tees and most mitred bends (not 90 degree mitred bends).
- The swabs have the ability to pass through much reduced pipe diameters (up to 50% reduction in diameter)
Accessories
PT can supply you with all of the equipment required to carry out this procedure
- Swabs from 50-1200mm nominal bore pipes
- PT offers 3 Standpipes compatible with underground hydrants. The standpipes come with either single or double head outlets, contractors standpipes are supplied with double check valve.
- Aquaman water hoses , heavy duty and standard water hoses available for filling the pipeline.
- PT will supply a fill & test fitting kit with various fittings and spares for most methods of filling the line.
NOTE: Potable water is always used for testing potable water pipes. For other pipelines clean water is used.
