About Temporary Pumps For Pipework Flushing And Pressure Testing
Eighty per cent of pipework problems in large buildings are caused by a build up of sludge and rust within the pipes
. The good news for building maintenance managers (and, where appropriate, mechanical and electrical contractors) is that this can easily be sorted out by a pump hire specialist experienced in this particular type of application, with powerful flushing being the solution.
More About Flushing (Before Moving on to Pressure Testing)
Pipework flushing involves chasing out any debris from new or reconditioned hot and cold water systems. In accordance with British building regulations, flushing and testing must be performed on large buildings piping systems prior to setting permanently installed pumps to work and official hand over. Even buildings that are not new may choose to undertake flushing and testing.
Why Pressure Testing is Essential
These days, any large new building/premises will need to have a wet heating system. Hospitals, schools, large commercial buildings (offices/retails), governmental buildings, high rise blocks the amount of pipework at each one can be immense, particularly in a multi-storey building.
Pipe pressure needs to be correct and consistent, if all areas of the building are to be adequately fed with hot water (of the required quality) into boilers, pipework and radiators. Operational testing and the pressure testing of joints is essential, therefore.
Permanently Installed Pumps are not the Answer
Most buildings will have their own permanently installed pumping system for pipework flushing and testing, but both processes require pressures and flows to be above the normal operating capacity of the installed pumps. Except in rare cases, installed pumps are usually only suitable for the design head, whereas temporary pumps can be sized to test multiples above this pressure and flow.
Rentable electric submersible pumps remain the most cost-effective and reliable option for this type of application; they are ideal for pressure testing and for pumping sludge, water with large sludge content, and heavily contaminated liquids.
A Case Study
Earlier this year, a leading UK pump hire company was asked to carry out pipework flushing and pressure testing at a five-storey high rise building. Three P3001N 10kW / 415V light-weight electrical submersible drainer pumps (with in-line adaptors, control panels and 20m extension cables) were used to successfully flush and test the buildings new heating system with a pressure of 3bar, at a flow of 10 l/s.
At the site, there was limited access to set up the temporary installation, as the pumps were required to be situated on the roof. However, this allowed all the necessary equipment to be comfortably man-handled via the lift shaft and stairs, saving the client money through negating the need for an expensive mobile crane.
The scheme was a success, particularly as it offered the client a solution to a problem that typically causes concern in this type of application: disruption to building access.
Clients Could Save Money
Finally, clients should recognise that flushing out and pressure testing pipework will ensure that their wet heating system will perform satisfactorily when commissioned (and also in already built/operational buildings that require system flushing and testing from time-to-time), but only if temporary pumps are used. Trying to avoid the cost of renting pumps can mean a permanently installed pumping system is grossly overworked, becoming damaged as a result (sometimes irreparably).
Typically, tests need to subject the pipe work to 1.5 or 2 times their working pressure and thus give assurance that the pipework is free from leaks and able to withstand normal operating pressures throughout its working life, reports the Pipe Fix website. A pump hire specialist will be an expert in knowing exactly which specific pumps will have the capability to handle such an increased working pressure.
by: Steve Reeve
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