how to seal a high pressure line for hydro

[egk61]

Had lots of tube repairs done so time to do a hydro, only isue is boiler stop valves were taken for repair and not returned yet. Now return is delayed another week, but need to hydro to release contractors and continue with re-gunnite and re-insulation. HELP! Is there any way to use some sort of inflatable bladder to hold the line, 8" line to about 900 psi. Has anyone done this with success or have another idea of how to accomplish hydro???????????

 

[buzzp]

Sounds scary to me, you might end up with a water cannon. Good luck.

 

[unclesyd]

You might want to give these people a call.

http://www.expansionseal.com/html/hypg1.htm

Come back with more information as to the line material and size.
Is this weld end valve?

 

[unclesyd]

If Expansion Seal can’t fill your needs you want to check these people out as they rent high pressure test plugs. They also rent all Classes and sizes of blind flanges.

http://www.usaindustries.com/pipe_isolation_testing.htm

 

[metengr]

Why do you even need to perform a hydrotest? I would perform a pressure test (air squeeze at 25 lbs or use treated water at lower pressure - 300lbs) using one of the pipe sealing methods mentioned above to make a quick check for leaks. Your objective is not to proof test the boiler, just to make sure you have missed no additional tube leaks and the repairs are acceptable per the pressure testing requirements of the NBIC.

 

[lat3724]

I agree conpletely with metengr - why do you want to do a hydro? You should be able to get the results (check for leaks) with the test he suggested. If you want to do a true hydro then you need to have those valves installed and in place to check for seal leaks on them also.

 

[egk61]

Thanks for all the input, we ended up waiting for the valves, which by the way do leak themselves somewhat, so last tip was correct in that. Not too much for what we are doing though, so full steam ahead. Thanks to all.