What does the term 'hydrostatic test' refer to in pressure piping?

The term 'hydrostatic test' specifically refers to a procedure in which a piping system is filled with water and then pressurized to verify its integrity and ensure there are no leaks. This process utilizes water due to its incompressibility and the fact that any leaks will result in visible water loss, making it easier to identify problems.

During this testing, the system is usually filled to a pressure that is significantly higher than its normal operating pressure for a specified duration. The methodology also conforms to regulations and standards set forth by industry bodies, ensuring safety and compliance in pressure piping installations.

In contrast, the use of air for testing is known as a pneumatic test, which has different implications concerning safety and leak detection. While testing materials for durability or assessing thermal resistance is important in various fields, these processes are not categorized as hydrostatic testing.