The test method, the procedure and also the test pressure are determined by the client.
The test pressure can be calculated. We speak here of the System Test Pressure (STP) and need the MDP (Maximum Design Pressure/Highest System Operating Pressure) for the calculation. The value of the MDP is determined by the operator (e.g. 10 bar).
The following calculation is without shock pressure calculation:
STP = MDP x 1.5
or
STP = MDP + 5,0 bar
The lower value applies for further use.
The pipeline shall be tested as a whole or, if necessary, divided into sections. The test sections shall be defined such that the test pressure STP is reached at the low point and at least 1.1 times the value of the system operating pressure MDP is reached at the high point. The required amount of water must be provided and it must be possible to discharge it without difficulty, or it must be possible to produce the test pressure STP within a specified time.
The measuring devices required for the test should be connected to the lowest point of the test section. A height difference influences the pressure in the pipeline; 10 m water column corresponds to approx. 1 bar pressure difference. If we connect the measuring device to the pipeline at a high point in hilly terrain, the pipeline can be overloaded during the test. This is because the pressure at the low point is made up of the test pressure at the high point plus the pressure resulting from the geodetic height.