System Commissioning
After installation and before enclosing in any walls, insulation or painting, the system must undergo testing to ensure its carrying capacity and seal integrity. The test method and result must be documented in a report (contact Technical Department for approved work method and report form).
The choice of the test method depends on the type of installation, the medium that the system is designed for, the fluid selected for testing with, and the progress over time of the building works as well as the requirements related to hygiene and corrosion.
Seal Testing
If using a dry test with compressed air it must done with oil-free compressed air so there is no residual oil left in the pipework. This is done in 2 phases – a seal test followed by the load test.
Drinking water or heating installations are tested using water at a pressure at least 1.5 times the operating pressure.
If no leaks are detected during testing, it is best practice to flush the pipes thoroughly before charging the system with water.
The testing procedure should include:
Seal Test:
• Pressurise the system to 1.5 times the operation keeping in mind the maximum pressure capabilities of the RapidPress Press Fit system, refer to Technical Department if exceeding 16 Bar. Hold this pressure for 10 minutes then release.
• Repeat this step a second time.
Load Test:
• Repeat the above step a third time.
• Repeat this step a fourth time except hold for a minimum of 1 hour.
Document all results.
Gas systems are to be tested in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard for the type of gas. Test procedures involving pressures greater than 20 bar should be confirmed with the RapidPress press-fit technical department.