During the operation of the heating system of a residential building or administrative building, disturbances in the operation of the equipment occur. To identify obvious and hidden defects, pressure testing of the heating system is carried out. It is timed to coincide with the beginning of the heating season or done after repairs have been made. In most cases, work is carried out by a special organization that has the appropriate permit. In a private home, such tests can be carried out independently. However, before starting work, you must familiarize yourself with the rules for its implementation.

Pressure testing of the heating system - what is it? Actions aimed at testing equipment and pipelines to confirm proper operation for their intended purpose define this concept. To do this, hydraulic or pneumatic tests with excess pressure are carried out. If the checks have passed with a positive result, this means that the heating equipment is ready for further operation.

In the current documents SP 60.13330.2012 (SNiP 41-01-2003) “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning” and the Rules technical operation thermal power plants, it is explained why pressure testing is needed and the rules for its implementation, and there is also a sample report on the results of inspections.

Frequency of checking the heating system for leaks

Depending on the tasks to be solved and the achievement of the expected results, the construction or operating organization determines the time when pressure testing of the heating system is carried out. It is customary to distinguish between 3 types of work:

1. Primary. It is carried out after the installation of equipment is completed before the pipelines are covered with insulation, screed, sheathing and other building materials. At this stage, the quality of the work performed is checked. All equipment (heating stations, pipelines, instrumentation, etc.) is involved in the tests.
2. Periodic (repeated). Pressure testing of the heating system apartment building carried out before each heating season after completion of all restoration work. The purpose of these tests is to confirm the operating condition of equipment and pipelines and its readiness for the heating season.
3. Extraordinary. Tests are mandatory carried out at the request of supervisory authorities and after repairs associated with the replacement of equipment and welding work. If it is possible to disconnect the defective area, then local pressure testing is carried out.

IN apartment building With individual heating The decision on the timing and methods of testing is made by the tenant.

Crimping methods

In most cases, the heating system is checked for leaks with water. In private houses in which heating of a small volume and a pressure of no more than 2 kg/cm² is installed, testing with air (pneumatic testing) is allowed. The same applies to buildings that are not connected to water supply and where heating operation is not planned in the near future.

Pressure testing with water is carried out at an air temperature of at least +5 °C. The pressure is raised by a hand pump to a value 1.5 times higher than the working value. In this case, the hydrotest parameters should be taken into account installed equipment. The holding time under pressure should be sufficient to inspect the system, but not less than 30 minutes. A slight decrease in pressure gauge readings may be due to temperature changes and is not critical during testing.

Types of pressure testing determine the scope of tests, which should be sufficient to confirm the functionality of the equipment. When filling the pipelines with water, air must be removed through the ventilation of the batteries. It must be remembered that water is not compressible. Therefore, the pressure rise is carried out slowly, with time delays.

How to do pressure testing of a water heating system with your own hands

Methods for checking the heating system in a private home depend on its design. In most cases, a circuit with an expansion tank equipped with an automatic pressure relief valve is used. In houses of earlier construction, the expander has an air vent, i.e. constant connection with the atmosphere. In this case, the pipelines and equipment are washed, then the system is filled with coolant to the upper level in the expansion tank and problem components are checked: welded and threaded connections, boiler fittings, etc.

If no defects are found, then part of the water is drained to the average level in the expander and the system remains under hydrostatic pressure until it is put into operation. In this case, a hydrotest report is not drawn up.

When using a relief valve in a heating system, the pressure testing rules do not differ from checking the tightness of equipment in multi-storey buildings.

Work order

After piping and installation heating devices Before carrying out hidden work, heating pipelines are subject to mandatory pressure testing. This is due to the fact that after sealing part of the pipes for filling or panels, it will no longer be possible to carry out their external inspection. In most cases, the heating system is pressurized with air. This is due to temperature, the presence of water supply, the need to drain the coolant in winter time and etc.

The pressure source is connected to the drain valve through a fitting or directly to the battery instead of the Mayevsky tap. Raise the pressure to the response value of the relief valve (about 2 kg/cm²). Equipment density is monitored using a pressure gauge. The system is inspected after the parameters have stabilized.

The time the equipment is under pressure is not limited, but it should be sufficient for a complete external inspection. The system can be left in this state overnight. Defects are determined by the sound of escaping air. Suspicious compounds are washed and the location of the leak is determined by the formation of bubbles. If the pressure gauge readings have not decreased by more than 0.1 kg/cm², then it is considered that the pressure testing has been completed with a positive result.

Hydraulic tests of the heating system in a private house are carried out in the following order:

1. Disconnect the boiler from the network, because through safety valve pressure will be released.
2. Open the vents on the heating radiators located in the rooms of the upper floors.
3. Connect the pump to the drain valve located at the lowest point of the system.
4. The pipelines are filled with coolant with a temperature of no more than +45 °C.
5. After filling the pipelines, the air is re-bleeded through the vents until water appears.
6. When the pressure reaches 2 kg/cm², close the drain valve and put the system on hold.
7. Carry out external inspection of pipelines, welded joints, soldering points (at plastic pipes), condition of fittings connections and seals.
8. After completing the test, release the pressure. If you plan to use the heating system, the water is not drained.

Hydrotests are considered completed if no leaks or dampening of welded joints are identified, and the pressure gauge readings remain within normal limits. When carrying out periodic pressure testing, a local check of the unit on which the repair work was carried out is allowed.

Crimping tool

In most cases, hydrotesting of heating equipment is carried out in cottages using tap water. A pressure of 2 atm is sufficient to detect defects. If water has not yet been supplied to the house, then pressure can be created using a pressure tester. He is hand pump volumetric type (piston or plunger), equipped with a pressure gauge and control valves. The coolant is manually poured into an existing container, from which it is pumped into the system.

The device is connected to the drain valve. After the heating system is completely filled and the air is removed, the pressure tester creates the required pressure. The coolant is drained into the same container through a special drain valve. You can purchase the device in a store, but you should remember that its price is high. To perform one-time work, it is easier to rent it.

For pneumatic testing, a car foot pump equipped with a pressure gauge is most often used. To connect to the system, a special comb is assembled, consisting of a pressure gauge and shut-off ball valves. All threaded connections must be securely sealed to prevent air leakage.

If it is not possible to rent a pressure tester, then a combined leak test is used. The system is filled with water and the pressure rises with air. In this case, the air pump is connected at the top point so that the system is less aired.

It must be remembered that hydropneumatic testing is high-risk work. Therefore, you must strictly follow safety rules when working with equipment under pressure.

Some preventive measures are not strictly mandatory, and the head of the organization or other responsible person can carry them out solely at their own request. Others, on the contrary, are necessary in order to prevent unpleasant or even dangerous incidents for the health and life of employees in a timely manner.

Heating pressure testing services

The second list includes flushing, pressure testing, or hydraulic testing of the heating system - work aimed at identifying possible disadvantages heating equipment enterprises. According to legal requirements, hydraulic tests in enterprises and multi-storey buildings residential buildings, must be carried out annually.

Who do we work with?

• • Individuals
  • Apartment buildings
  • Legal entities
  • HOA, management company, housing cooperative
• • Private houses, dachas
  • Retail networks
  • Office buildings, business centers
  • Sports facilities
• • Municipal institutions
  • Cafes, restaurants, canteens
  • Car washes
  • Entertainment facilities

What is crimping and why is it necessary?

Pressure testing of the heating system— a method of non-destructive monitoring of the condition of a heat supply circuit for strength and tightness. It is mandatory to test new as well as existing heating circuits:

• after repair (reconstruction) of the pipeline, if one or more elements of the circuit have been replaced;
• at the beginning of the heating season;
• at the end of seasonal operation (only in multi-apartment residential buildings).

Pressure testing of the heating system involves the need to disconnect the circuit from the main heat pipeline, and therefore requires coordination with the energy supply organization.

In multi-storey buildings, regardless of its purpose, pressure testing is carried out exclusively by specialists from the services carrying out Maintenance and heating supply repairs.

In low-rise private houses, it is also not recommended to check the performance of the heating system on your own. This is explained by the high risk of an emergency when testing without the necessary knowledge and practical skills.

It is allowed to independently test the circuit if the latter was installed by hand. However, in this case, neither the heat supply nor the service organization is responsible for its technical condition does not carry.

Pressure testing involves checking the heating system using a hydraulic or pneumatic method.

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Air crimping

The essence of the process comes down to analyzing the state of the heating system: its tightness and resistance to coolant pressure. Pneumatic testing is carried out by pumping air. This method is used in low-rise buildings, private houses in the absence technical feasibility for carrying out hydraulic tests.

Sequencing:

• Through shut-off valves the circuit is cut off from the main heating pipeline, and the coolant (water or antifreeze) is drained from it.
• At the input (or output) of the circuit it is set pump equipment. Its functions can be performed by a pump mechanical action or an electric compressor equipped with a pressure gauge.
• The system creates an excess - compared to the working - pressure of the environment, not exceeding 1.5 atm.

If the quantitative characteristic of the parameter is higher, depressurization of the pipeline may occur. This is fraught not only with its mechanical damage, but also with injury to those conducting testing.

• The readings of the pressure gauge indicate the time when the pressure of the medium has stabilized throughout the entire circuit. From this moment, observation of environmental parameters begins for half an hour.
• If the pressure in the pipeline does not drop, a conclusion is drawn that it is tight and ready for operation. winter period.
• If after 30 minutes the devices detect a decrease in pressure, the process stops.

Then a visual inspection of the pipeline is performed to identify mechanical damage. Once a breakdown is detected, the element is repaired or replaced. When installation is completed, the system is again checked for leaks.

Cost of heating system testing

Calculate the cost of pressure testing the heating system for you

Pressure testing with water

When performing hydraulic testing, it is important to comply with the technological requirements:

• If the service life of the heating supply circuit exceeds 5 years, it must be washed at the pre-pressure testing stage.
• The temperature of the water used for testing must be at least 45 ° C.
• Filling with liquid is carried out through a drain or a special tap provided for this purpose.
• If the characteristics of the water used during the testing process differ from the chemical characteristics of the coolant, after pressure testing is completed, it is drained and the system is filled with the usual medium.

The water pressure testing algorithm is generally similar in description to pneumatic tests.

The parameter values ​​are determined by the design features of the structure:

• its purpose;
• number of floors;
• location of the tie-in to the main pipeline.

The working pressure of the coolant in the heat supply of low-rise buildings and private houses is low, usually does not exceed 0.2 MPa. Therefore, powerful pumps will not be required during testing. You can simply connect the heating circuit to the water supply circuit of the house.

When testing multi-storey buildings First of all, the tested heating circuit is cut off from the main heat supply. Then water is supplied to the system. When testing new circuits, the medium pressure should exceed the calculated values ​​by 2 times; for those in operation, this value varies between 20-50%.

Only professionals can carry out high-quality crimping. Timely hydraulic testing of the system will allow you to avoid unnecessary hassle with heating operation in winter.

Magazine "Heat Supply News", No. 6 (10) June 2001, pp. 19 – 21, www.ntsn.ru

V.M. Lipovskikh, chief engineer, Heat networks of Mosenergo JSC

Mosenergo heating networks carry out hydraulic tests of pipelines for high blood pressure. Why and how did we come to this? Let me give you an example. In winter 1969, there was a major accident on a pipe with a diameter of 1200 mm on the first main line in the Kuzminki area. The factory seam burst. It cleared up within a week. They even transported patients from unheated hospitals. Then we began to wonder how to exploit heating network with diameters of 1000 mm, 1200 mm, and 1400 mm, when the outage of any heating network affects from 1000 to 1500 buildings. Today there are attempts to diagnose heating networks, but so far there is no such diagnostic that provides 100% data on the condition of a pipeline laid in a non-passage channel or without a channel. We came to the conclusion that the main way to detect thinning of pipes affected by corrosion is hydraulic testing.

Hydraulic test method

Previously, our Ministry of Energy issued instructions that recommended conducting tests twice and using pumps that are installed at power plants - these are second-stage pumps. At the same time, the check valve was closed, the pressure rose in both pipes, and a pipeline or heating network 20-25 kilometers long was tested. Of course, the quality of the tests was very, very low. When damage occurred, everything had to be turned off, the damage repaired, and the pressure raised again. Of course, this approach was wrong, and we abandoned these hydraulic tests.

In 1979, we began to install permanently on heating networks (power plants and pumping stations) separate pressure testing pumps and these pumps began to carry out hydraulic tests. Specialists from VNIIST (Mingazprom Pipeline Institute) were invited; they worked with us for several years and gave the following recommendations.

When calculating and designing heating networks, the factor of repeated loading is not taken into account, although heat pipelines are constantly subject to repeated static loading. The main reason for the high damageability of heating networks is external corrosion of pipes. Failures due to corrosion account for about 95% of all failures. One of the main directions for increasing the reliability of heating networks is to improve systems for preventive testing of pipelines with internal pressure. The main purpose of the tests is to identify summer period those damages that would be potential sources of failure during operation. Tests at standard values ​​of their parameters do not fulfill their main purpose - the rejection of weak points, which leads to failures of heat pipelines during operation. A methodology has been developed for determining the test pressure level, based on the requirement of the absence of corrosion failures during one operating cycle. It is shown that the required minimum test pressure level depends on the operating pressure, corrosion rate, pipeline diameter and tensile strength of the pipe material. From the standpoint of the proposed methodology for determining the value of test pressure, the levels of standard and increased test pressures are analyzed in terms of their ability to ensure reliable operation of heat pipelines. The possibility of testing heating networks with a frequency of more than one year has been considered. It has been shown that if only the corrosion factor is taken into account, then in principle it is possible to switch to testing pipelines with a diameter of more than 600 mm at two-year intervals. However, the adoption of such a recommendation can be carried out only after studying the influence on the performance of pipelines of a complex of other factors characteristic of heat pipelines. Test sites were carried out experimental studies the influence of repeated loading with internal pressure of a certain level on the performance of pipelines. Sections of new pipes with a diameter of 1200 and 500 mm were tested with an internal pressure of 33 kgf/cm 2 with a number of loading cycles of up to 500. After the tests, no signs of ruptures or leaks were found in the pipe walls. Laboratory studies to determine the mechanical properties of the base metal of pipes and welded joints of cyclically tested pipes and comparison with the corresponding indicators of metal cards selected before testing showed that repeated loading at a given level of test pressure and for a given number of loading cycles had virtually no effect on the strength, plastic and viscous properties of the base metal of pipes and welded joints, and, consequently, on the performance of pipelines made from these pipes. Based on the research carried out, a draft guide has been developed for determining the parameters of internal pressure testing of heating networks for strength. The value of the test pressure during the strength test should be taken depending on the purpose of the pipeline - supply or return and its diameter: diameter 1400 - 900 mm, it is recommended to press the supply pipeline by 28 kgf/cm 2, return - by 20 kgf/cm 2, 800 mm - by 33 kgf/cm2, 700 - 600 mm - by 33 kgf/cm2, 500 mm - up to 40 kgf/cm2 and 400 - 150 mm - by 40 kgf/cm2.

Organization of repairs and hydraulic tests

We received such recommendations from the institute, and we began pressing at the recommended pressures, but at the same time, a lot of ruptures were discovered from poor-quality welding of pipelines at factories, and these pipelines could function for some time, so over time, the pressing pressures were reduced. The second point: we have already started installing axial bellows expansion joints and at high pressures the guide supports could not withstand, i.e. compensators bulged, guide supports broke.

Since 1983, we have been pressing pipelines with a diameter of up to 1400 mm at a pressure of 24 kgf/cm 2, return - 20 kgf/cm 2, pipelines with a diameter of 800 - 600 mm at 26 kgf/cm 2 and 500 mm and below at 28-30 kgf/cm 2.

In order to carry out hydraulic tests, it was necessary to select pumps that could be used to increase the pressure. The chosen pumps were TsNS-300, TsNS-180 and TsNS-60 pumps. TsNS-300 were installed permanently at all power plants, at pumping stations and in a number of areas in separate pavilions. The pressure they develop is 400 m, i.e. 40 kgf/cm2. And at the same time, we now have 10 mobile presses equipped with TsNS-180 pumps. The drive is a YaMZ-240 engine with a power of 300 horsepower. This engine is used on heavy duty vehicles.

Pressure testing is carried out separately for each pipe. The supply and return pipelines are pressed separately. Why is that? If we increase the pressure in two pipes simultaneously, then we end up with undesigned loads on dead (fixed) supports. And it was decided to press one pipe at a time in this way. The networks of each district today are divided into sections. These sections are up to 15-20 km long. A schedule is drawn up for each site, and starting from May 10 to August 25, each district presses these networks, conducts Maintenance at each such site.

The organization of repairs and hydraulic tests usually begins around November. Has begun heating season, and we are already starting to put together a repair schedule for next year. First of all, these schedules are coordinated with power plants. Because the stations also plan their own major repairs. They repair manifolds, pumps, valves. And we always want this renovation to happen at the same time as ours. After this, the schedule also provides that two districts do not simultaneously press adjacent (neighboring) networks. If there is a rupture in a large-diameter pipeline and it requires extensive repairs, then we install plugs and supply power to the consumer from the neighboring area. This schedule is agreed upon by Mosenergo, then agreed upon by the prefectures and UTEC. As a rule, we receive this approval in March. Afterwards, meetings are held and the district heads transmit these schedules to the administrations and prefectures, which carry out their repairs together with us. Among other things, with such hydraulic tests, since they are carried out on crowded streets where there is active traffic, it is very important to draw up a test program. The program is prepared, as a rule, by the district leadership, coordinated with the station, with the services and approved. Attached to this program is a diagram of the heating networks that are included in the pressure testing. According to this scheme, there are control points, as a rule, at the end of the highways, along which the head of the district monitors the pressure during the hydraulic test. In this case, the isometric marks of heating networks and, taking into account these isometric marks, the pressure in each pipeline are taken into account.

As a rule, it is prohibited to install patches on heating networks in the summer. Damages are repaired from start to finish, from good pipe to good pipe. In the summer, we accumulate about 4500-5000 such damages.

Of course, safety issues are also very important. There were very unpleasant cases when slabs were lifted, when hatches fell off due to explosions. When analyzing these cases, it turned out that air was not always vented from heating networks very carefully. Therefore, always, before turning on the pump again, the head of the district or the person responsible for pressure testing asks his people whether the air vents have been blown out everywhere. When the air vents are purged, such explosions, of course, do not occur. In some cases, where hydraulic tests are carried out in particularly crowded places, as a rule, we carry out these hydraulic tests at night, so that there are no accidents to people during ruptures.

Prospects

Of course, hydraulic tests are not the most The best way checks. I would say the method is barbaric. Simultaneously with the ruptures, soil alluvium appears in the channels; when one section is replaced, neighboring sections begin to corrode. Now we are trying to eliminate a number of damages without waiting for hydraulic tests in advance.

We place great hopes on the pre-insulated pipelines with polyurethane foam insulation, which we have begun to operate. These pipelines have systems for monitoring the condition of thermal insulation. Of course, there is no point in pressing these pipelines, because there is no moisture and no external corrosion, and damage from internal corrosion does not always show up during hydraulic tests. But for now there are instructions that recommend that we press and prepare heating networks every year, and we act on these instructions.

Water heating in modern house- This a complex system, which must work reliably and uninterruptedly. However, there are a number of reasons why a failure occurs, such as installation errors, equipment wear and tear over time, etc. All these factors can affect the tightness of the circuits and cause malfunctions. To find the damaged area, a pressure test of the entire water heating system is required. How is this manipulation performed in a private (country) house and is it possible to do it with your own strength and hands? What level of pressure should it be? You can read about all this and watch the video.

Pressure testing - what is it?

Crimping finished system- this is a check of tightness and assembly quality. Whether the system can be put into operation or not depends entirely on the results of such a check. This is the first procedure that needs to be carried out after installation and before turning on the heating.

At its core, it is control without destruction. Air or water is pumped into the system, thereby creating increased pressure. If there are no leaks, you can safely put the system into operation.

Pressure testing is also carried out when checking an already operating system. After all, leaks often appear at the places where parts are connected using fittings, soldering or welding. The pipes themselves may also suffer, for example, from mechanical stress or corrosion. Heat and pressure also cause gradual wear of pipes and parts of the water heating system. To detect and eliminate the location of the defect, crimping is required.

This is a set of measures through which not only heating system, but also hot water supply, sewerage, and pipes in the water well.

Pressure testing of a heated floor system

The crimping procedure includes:

• pipeline testing and flushing;
• checking and, if necessary, replacing parts;
• restoration of damaged insulation.

Impact high pressure checked:

• strength of housings, as well as walls of pipes, radiators, heat exchangers and fittings;
• fastening when connecting the elements that make up the system;
• maintenance of taps, pressure gauges, as well as gate valves.

Existing methods for pressure testing a heating system

Pressure testing with water. With this method, a hose running from the water supply is connected to a tap located on the collector or boiler. After filling the system with water, the pressure level should reach operating figures - 1.5 atm.

Pressure testing with air. With this method, a pressure tester is connected to the system - a compressor that pumps air. The pressure in the area being tested should become greater than the working pressure, which is usually 1.5 - 2 atm. In this case, an adapter designed to connect a compressor is installed in place.

Advice. In order not to specifically purchase an expensive crimping machine, when carrying out independent work To check a small area, you can use a car pump with a pressure gauge.

Air pressure testing is carried out when it is not possible to connect to a water supply system, as well as in winter, when there is a possibility of water remaining in the pipes with subsequent freezing. When working with air, the integrity of the system is determined using pressure gauge readings. If the discharge pressure is kept at the same level, there are no leaks. To visually detect fistulas, a soap solution is applied to the suspected areas.

Pressure test pump for heating system

How does the crimping process work?

1. Preparing the system before pressure testing. If the system is autonomous, then the heat generator is turned off first. If not, then taps are used to close off the area where inspection is required. Definitely drains.
2. The system circuit is filled with water having a temperature of no higher than 45 C. The air is gradually released.
3. The compressor is connected and air begins to flow into the pipes.
4. At the beginning of the procedure, the pressure is brought to the working level and the area is visually inspected for violations. Then the pressure gradually increases to the test level - this is maintained for at least 10 minutes.
5. The area or the entire system is inspected for leaks at the connections. Mandatory visual inspection fittings, radiators and the entire length of pipe walls are examined for fistulas. If deviations are detected, all defects and shifts are recorded. The operation of taps and valves is checked.
6. Using the pressure gauge indicators, the drop in pressure level is determined. If it has not decreased, the system is in normal operating condition.
7. Based on the results of the inspection, a report is drawn up.

Pressure in pipes during crimping process

The test pressure level, as recommended by building codes and regulations (SNiP), should be 1.5 times higher than the working pressure, but not lower than 0.6 MPa. According to the rules of technical operation of heating networks - 1.25 times higher than the working one and not lower than 0.2 MPa.

In a private house with up to three floors, the pressure usually does not exceed 2 atm. When it is exceeded, a special valve is activated and a reset occurs. In five-story buildings the pressure is 3-6 atm; in buildings from 8 floors - 7-10 atm. The maximum test pressure level depends on the characteristics of the constituent elements of the system: pipes, radiators, fittings, etc.

Crimping: how to do it yourself

Often, when building a private house, the heating system is installed before the water is connected. Therefore, to pump water into pipes, it is used large capacity with water and submersible pump.
During the manipulation, you need to constantly monitor the pressure using a pressure gauge and control the water level in the container, gradually adding it if necessary.

Checking the heating system before starting

When the pressure readings rise to 2-2.5 atm, the pump is turned off, and the remaining air is gradually released from the system using Mayevsky taps. Further, after the mark on the pressure gauge drops below 1 atm, filling with water continues. This is done until the water completely displaces the air and the pressure reaches a level of 1.2-1.5 atm.

If no leaks are detected, you can connect the boiler and start the system.

Advice. To perform the procedure yourself, inexpensive ones are suitable submersible pumps, and you can easily adapt a barrel, bucket or basin as a container for water.

For such an important event as crimping, it is better to hire a team that has the appropriate license. These people are fully responsible for the actions performed. In this case, the customer receives everything Required documents about the work performed.

Attention! The report on the pressure testing carried out must include the time during which the system was under test pressure and indicate its level.