A pressure pump is required to test the heating system after it has been installed and started up. Checking with such a device is needed not only after the initial installation. It is used after replacing the lines for the transfer of the heat carrier and their auxiliary parts, as well as before the beginning of each heating season. The heating pipe pressurization pump helps to identify faults in the early stages, including the presence of corrosion and damage to the connecting elements. Devices of this type are divided into several varieties and have their own characteristics that must be taken into account when buying.
How a pressure pump works
During the operation of the device, the pressure in the heating system increases, which makes it possible to assess its performance. There are two ways to build up pressure, depending on the type of device: by pumping air or filling with liquid. The second option is used much more often, since the air method does not allow for a qualitative test of the crimp pipes. During operation, the liquid is fed into the system, after which the device is left in working condition for several hours. The pump for pressure testing the heating system operates according to the standard scheme. After connecting it, you need:
- fill the section of the pipe that needs to be tested with liquid or air (if not the entire system is being tested, the necessary part is limited by means of shut-off valves);
- increase the pressure to the desired level, monitoring the data using a pressure gauge;
- after crimping for several hours, take the system indicators and compare them with the initial data;
- if the initial data differ from the current ones, check the system for leaks or leaks.
If malfunctions are found in the heating system after checking with a crimper, they must be eliminated. After that, the testing procedure is repeated to ensure that the pipes are working properly.
Types of pumps
A crimping machine or press for crimping heating can be manual or electric, depending on the type of drive. The surge arrester is a professional construction tool designed for checking and flushing systems, assemblies, assemblies and small elements of systems. According to the principle of operation, pumps are divided into diaphragm, piston or rotary vane. Choosing the right device is worth considering the needs and the type of system to be tested.
Hand press
Hand-held devices are inexpensive, lightweight, do not cause problems during transportation and during operation. The working pressure of the devices does not exceed 500 atmospheres. The pumps are supplemented with a tank, built-in pressure gauge and special hoses. Buyers prefer to opt for manual budget options, since in this case, you can get the device itself and additional equipment. The main disadvantage of such crimpers is low productivity. Due to their simple design, they are used for small volumes of work or in pipeline sections where there is no power or water supply.
Electric
The electric compressor designed for pressure testing the heating system has a high performance.The main advantage of pumps of this type is good working pressure and the presence of an electric drive, due to which a specialist can practically not participate in the process. Electric pumps are quite mobile, despite their heavy weight, but they also have disadvantages, for example, an increased need for power supply and high cost. They are suitable for automatic fluid injection and leak testing of closed systems. It is the best choice for pipelines, tanks, plumbing and heating equipment for space heating.
Characteristics of crimpers
Hydraulic or standard pipeline crimping presses work according to the standard principle. During operation, they suck in liquid, if it is not enough, the end of the pump is lowered into the container to the end. In some models of devices there are special tanks, which greatly facilitate the procedure for pressing the heating. During the operation of hand pumps, the pressure in the system is limited to 500 atmospheres. They can run on normal water, antifreeze or hydraulic oil.
Devices can be standard or miniature sizes. Mini-variants can be used for on-line measurement of pressure and tightness of individual elements. Hand-held devices are ideal for hydraulic testing of machines, mechanisms, boilers and pipelines. Electric options are more convenient and able to withstand the highest possible pressure level generated by the pump. Devices of this type are equipped with an electric drive and a switch with a signal lamp.
How to make the right choice
When choosing a pump, it is necessary to take into account the total capacity of the system, which is subjected to the procedure, and the frequency of pressure testing. There are models of various brands on the market, which you need to choose depending on their type. Manual models have a simplified design, are not complicated and are inexpensive. But to create the right level of pressure when working with them, you need to spend more time, unlike electrically driven pumps. Instruments vary in terms of operating time and are capable of producing results with varying accuracy, which is influenced by the power of a particular model.
If a pump with a low power is used during the procedure, it will take longer to carry out the test, since such devices are slowly filled with water. It is necessary to choose a pressure operator taking into account the dimensions of the pipeline system, which is being checked. If we are talking about a private house, you can purchase a special blower that lets through 2-3 liters of fluid per minute. For multi-storey buildings and heating mains, circulation pumps are used to ensure continuous movement of fluid within the system.
Installation and application of the pump
Pressing machines and hydraulic presses of various calibers are used to test heating and water supply systems, as well as plumbing installations. With their help, the integrity of individual sections is checked and various malfunctions are identified. First of all, testing with the help of a pressure operator is carried out during the commissioning of the system. During the installation of elements made of polypropylene, polyethylene or metal-plastic, gaps may form in the attachment points. In the future, any of these places can cause leakage during operation.
The pump can quickly identify areas with a high risk of leakage. Pressure is generated inside the system at a level much higher than the maximum operating pressure. If the pipes are able to withstand it for several hours, this indicates that they will work for a long time in normal mode. The pump also helps to assess the quality of the repair work carried out.All elements of the pipeline, for example, risers, must be checked before starting, forcing them to work under conditions of increased pressure. Before work, it is necessary to prepare the system, if it is autonomous, you will need to turn off the heat generator.
In a non-autonomous system, the area to be checked is shut off with taps. It is important to ensure that the coolant is drained. After the system circuit is filled with water heated to a temperature of no more than 45 degrees, during the filling process the air will gradually leave. At the next stage, a compressor is connected for pressure testing, the pressure is brought to the working mark and the area is inspected for damage. Then the pressure is gradually increased and left at the desired level for 10-15 minutes. The pressure level is regulated using a pressure gauge. All places are inspected for leaks, radiators, fittings and pipe walls, the serviceability of all taps and valves are checked.
Preventive pressure testing of systems allows you to prevent possible leaks and accidents, to identify and eliminate damage at an early stage. A manual or electric hydraulic press for crimping pipelines additionally helps to determine the degree of pipe wear and the expected timing of their replacement.
All shortcomings are registered, an act is prepared based on the results of the audit. This document records the time period during which the system was tested and indicates its level. It is also necessary to indicate the type of check, which can be primary, routine or preventive, or emergency in the event of a sudden leak or other malfunction.
