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Hydra-Lok® Pressure Testing System
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Hydra-Lok®
have developed their patented hydraulic
swaging tool technology to provide a ‘localised’ pressure testing facility
for constructors and operators of all types of pipelines. The results of this
development enables Hydra-Lok to offer a rapid, cost-effective alternative to
traditional whole line hydro-test procedures. Full test certification meets the
requirements of all leading test authorities and health and safety regulations.
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ADVANTAGES
- Controlled pressure over the entire tool length
- Guaranteed seal pressure – typically 100 psi above test pressure
- Free clearance of tool for easy positioning – some tools can
negotiate 3D bends
- Sealing system tested to 35,000 psi
- Proven technology – used extensively in North Sea and G.O.M.
- Gas or liquid test media – nitrogen/helium, nitrogen, water,
water/fluorescent tracer, glycol etc.
- Combined plug and test operations – line can be plugged at high or
low pressure
- Tool sizes from 6" – 36" available.
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| The Hydra-Lok method of ‘localised’
pressure testing is a natural development of the well proven system of
swaging large diameter subsea foundation piles. The ‘know how’ and
tool technology acquired in the most demanding environment of North Sea
oil production is being applied to testing pipework joints and valves.
Provided there is adequate tool access, Hydra-Lok can carry out testing
anywhere in a fraction of the time and cost of full line hydro-static
testing. It is possible to avoid all line contamination and there is no
need to deal with effluent problems and no loss of product. Down-time is
minimised. The system can be applied to all industries – chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, water and gas production. Our ever increasing range of
tooling covers a wide span of pipeline inside diameters. Considering
Hydra-Lok ‘localised’ testing, during the planning stage of a project
it is possible to refine the structural elements of pipework design. For
instance, aerial pipework for gas may be supported by lighter structures
if full line hydro-testing can be eliminated. The structure does not have
to bear more than the weight of pipe plus gas – water loading can be
ignored. This could lead to significant cost savings on both construction
and later test and maintenance procedures. |
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| All Hydra-Lok
testing is done by our own trained personnel using tools of our design.
Our seal technology is unique, enabling us to control very accurately seal
pressure to ensure the design pressure of the pipework is not exceeded –
a feature exclusive to the Hydra-Lok method. Test tools can be accurately
positioned even in subsea/sub terrain locations.
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The Hydra-Lok testing tool can
also be used for plugging a line where spurs are to be added or modified,
or where valves are to be serviced or replaced. It can be accurately
positioned both vertically and horizontally, and can be lowered through a
pipe hundreds of feet if necessary. The tool is fitted with wheels and
easily positioned horizontally with a push rod introduced through a
glanded blanking
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| flange. The
pressure testing tools can serve dual functions as plugging elements.
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| Pressures of 50 psi have been
plugged on a 24" line using the basic tool, with 100% redundancy of
sealing elements. Higher pressure plugs have been constructed by coupling
the tool to a pipe gripper element (see below), which allows full line
pressure to be restricted. All that is required is adequate access within
the tubular for positioning.
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Downhole Pressure Testing
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Pressure
testing has been performed in 9 5/8 casing to check connections which were made-up below the rotary
table. The operator wished to have a tool which could be placed in position and perform
the test using water followed by gas without bringing the tool from the hole.
The Hydra-Lok® system lends itself ideally to such an operation. The tool, shown Right, was lowered on the drill string and had umbilicals to the
surface. The operation consisted of positioning the tool so that the seals were
either side of the joint to be tested. The area was isolated by inflating the
seals then the annular space pressurised using water up to 15,000 psi. After
holding this pressure for 30 minutes the pressure was lowed and the water
displaced by Nitrogen which was pressurised to 5,5000 psi for a period of 3
hours.
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Pressure Testing Powerpoint Presentation
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If you would like to
view a Powerpoint presentation of the pressure testing system please request the
file using the form on the Contact Us page.
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For Further Information
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For further details, a
consultation or quotation please go to the Contact Us
page where you can E-mail OSMCS Ltd using the online form. If you prefer to
speak to an engineer in person our telephone number is also available on the
contact page.
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OIL STATES MCS LIMITED
