Pressure testing of the heating system is a procedure that allows you to identify its weaknesses, carried out annually at the beginning of the heating season and in some other cases. During operation, pipelines, valves, heating radiators, etc., may gradually become unusable. Testing significantly reduces the risk of leaks. After crimping, if necessary, the system elements are replaced, as a result of which its service life is extended.
In which cases are tests
The need to check the operability of the heating system may arise in the following cases:
- Immediately after installing the equipment.
- After its maintenance is carried out.
- After reconstruction of an individual heating unit (the location of the main equipment).
- After replacing gate valves and constipation.
- After completion of various construction works.
- Before putting the heating equipment into operation.
- At the beginning of the heating season.
What is this procedure?
So what is crimping a heating system? Perform this procedure using special equipment - a hydraulic or pneumatic pump. The equipment is selected depending on whether air or water tests are carried out.
A leak test is performed by injecting high-pressure water or air into the system. For private homes, it is usually about 2 at. (in the event that the indicator of operating pressure during operation does not exceed 1.9 at.). In multi-unit buildings, tests are carried out under much higher pressure. His indicator also depends on the worker and exceeds it by 20-30%. After all work is completed, an act of crimping the heating system is drawn up .
If the system is leaking, during the test, the injected air or water is released. Thus, it is possible to identify the “weaknesses” of the equipment and eliminate them in time. There are specially established rules for crimping the heating system, according to which it must be carried out at least once a year.
Preparatory work
Before testing, all valves, valves and other elements of the system must be checked without fail. In this case, if necessary, to increase the tightness in the right places, an stuffing box seal is added. The system is isolated from the main water supply using plugs. The boiler, as well as the expansion vessel, are turned off without fail, after which the heating system is pressure tested (SNIP 3.05.01-85 p. 4.6).
Water pressure testing
One element of any heating system is a drain cock. It is always located at the lowest point. A pump is attached to it, after which water begins to be pumped into the system. Gradually filling the pipes, it displaces air from them, which during the test several times bleed. Inside the pipes and radiators during their operation accumulates dirt and limescale. Thus, at the same time as testing, their washing is carried out. Pressure testing of the heating system is done until the pipes are completely filled. After that, pressure begins to rise in them. Its changes are monitored using a manometer. The pressure should remain unchanged for 20-30 minutes. In the event that it falls, work is carried out aimed at detecting leaks. At the same time, all welding seams, valves, radiators, etc. are checked. After all troubleshooting work has been completed, the injection is repeated.
Pressure testing by air
Pressure testing of the heating system using air is approximately the same as water. Only in this case, accordingly, air is pumped into the pipeline. Thus, tests are carried out when leaks are completely unacceptable. In this case, it is important to ensure that, after testing, no air plugs remain inside the system. Tracking a possible pressure drop with this method of verification takes longer. This is because the air is compressed more strongly than water. This type of test can only be performed by a specialist.
Pressure testing of the heating system using air is also carried out in the event that verification using water is not possible. For example, in the cold season.
Regulations
Before crimping, a special program is drawn up, which is approved by the engineer of the heat supply organization. It should define:
- The sequence of work.
- The procedure for staff.
In addition, it is indicated which team will perform the work and which teams work in adjacent areas. Pressure testing of heating equipment is carried out under the supervision of a shift supervisor. In this case, all other work aimed at repairing or servicing the pipeline should be stopped. It is forbidden to be in the immediate vicinity of the equipment under test while raising the pressure to the maximum value. Inspection of pipes and other heating equipment should be carried out only at its average values. In the case of work in areas adjacent to the subject, they must be fenced and disconnected from the test equipment. If the check was carried out in compliance with all the above norms, an act is signed, which will be discussed later.
Act of crimping a heating system
This document is compiled by an authorized engineer and serves as confirmation that all work was carried out according to the rules and the tests were completed successfully. Among other things, the act indicates the parameters of the crimping and gives a conclusion on the operability of the equipment and its readiness for the heating season.
Thus, pressure testing of the heating system in apartment buildings is done. Private homeowners also usually trust specialists to carry out this work. Indeed, only observing all the required technologies during testing can guarantee uninterrupted operation of the system in the cold season.