PatKop,
The pressure vessel you mentioned has a very high design pressure and conversely a very high hydro test pressure. If it is a small piece of equipment, it might not be a big deal to perform the test, provided you have the testing equipment and expertise to conduct a such test.
However, for any larger equipment than you can lift with your hands, the test conditions are governed by the design code, say ASME Section VIII Division 2 or 3 or other equivalent. This test is suppose to be controlled by a detailed specification/ procedure, reviewed and accepted by the inspector/inspection agency, the Client and perhaps, in some cases, by the local goverment or its local office. It should not be allowed to be conducted by someone with limited experience and/or limited understanding of the consequences of the test gone wrong. Take my advice, stop before you'll cause a major problem, including destruction of the vessel, damage to the property and loss of personnel life. Only experienced people in conducting this kind of hydro test know how to prevent the entrapment of the air inside the vessels, the procedure for the pressure rise, stages of maintenance and checking the stressed components, water temperature, composition, etc. If you think that now you need help, ask before the test. Get a good testing procedure from an experienced fabricator, read the code requirements and speak to the inspector, who's suppose to witness the test anyway, check the test water requirements and the environmental issues related to the disposal of testing water. And many more other issues you have to address responsively before the test....
Best regards,
gr2vessels
