What is the primary purpose of a hydrostatic test?

The primary purpose of a hydrostatic test is to check for leaks within a system, particularly in pipelines, tanks, and pressure vessels. During this test, the system is filled with water or another fluid, and pressure is applied—typically above the normal operating pressure. This allows for the detection of any leaks or weaknesses in the material, as any drop in pressure or visible signs of water escaping would indicate a failure in the system’s integrity.

While evaluating flow rate, assessing material strength, and determining maximum pressure are important in various engineering contexts, they are not the main focus of a hydrostatic test. The test specifically targets the ability of the structure to maintain its integrity under pressure without any fluid loss, making it a crucial safety measure in ensuring that piping systems and storage tanks can operate reliably without leaks.