Pressure and Leak Testing
Tools, Assembly and Test Equipment
Pressure and leak testing is the step between finished installation and filling. The test shows whether every joint in the cooling circuit withstands the later operating pressure before liquid stands above live equipment. Two methods are common: the hydraulic pressure test with water, which holds the circuit at test pressure and evaluates the pressure drop over a defined holding time, and the pneumatic pre-test with air or nitrogen, which finds coarse leaks without wetting the room. Both results belong in the handover record together with test pressure, duration and temperature.
No assortment is currently listed in this category. It describes the function within the cooling circuit while the range is being built up. Test pumps, gauges and isolating valves for the test rig are not yet stocked. Locating the leak itself is covered by the neighbouring category for leak detection fluids and test sprays, while controlled tightening of the joints beforehand belongs to torque and assembly tools.
Hydraulic pressure test and pneumatic pre-test side by side
| Criterion | Hydraulic pressure test | Pneumatic pre-test |
|---|---|---|
| Test medium | water or water-glycol | air or nitrogen |
| Detects | even fine leaks as droplets at the joint | larger leaks and open connections |
| Stored energy | low, the medium is barely compressible | high, isolation and clearance are required |
| Consequence of a leak | moisture in the room, drying and cleaning needed | no moisture, indication by sound or foam |
| Evaluation | pressure drop over the defined holding time | pressure drop together with leak detection fluid at the joint |
| Position in the sequence | acceptance test immediately before filling | preliminary step right after installation |
- Acceptance of a newly installed cooling circuit before the first fill
- Checks after rebuilding, extension or component replacement
- Pre-testing individual sections while installation continues
- Evidence of tightness for the operator and the insurer
- Repeat testing after re-tightening leaking joints