STATS In-Line Weld Test Tool reduces costs and saves time by providing localised hydrostatic testing of externally welded thrust rings.
The spool sections to which the thrust rings were welded were open-ended and several metres in length, presenting a significant challenge for pressure testing. Traditionally, this would have required welding temporary end caps or flanges to flood and pressurise the entire spool - a process that is both costly and time consuming. Seeking a more efficient solution, the client required a method to test the thrust ring welds locally without modifying the full spool length. STATS' In-Line Weld Test Tool was the perfect solution for this operation which provided a precise, localised pressure test directly at the weld site - eliminating the need for temporary fabrication whilst notably reducing time and cost.
The pipe spools involved in the project were manufactured using electric fusion welding with a longitudinal seam and were constructed from thin-walled (Sch 10s) ASTM A358 grade 304 stainless steel. This combination of reduced wall thickness and relatively soft material introduced a risk of pipe deformation during the hydraulic setting of the In-Line Weld Test Tool's elastomer seals. To overcomes this challenge, STATS' engineering team conducted detailed calculations to determine the maximum safe hydraulic pressure that could be applied for each tool size without compromising the integrity of the pipe. As an additional safeguard, specially designed external support clamps were supplied and installed at the elastomer seal locations to reinforce the pipe wall during testing. This dual approach ensured safe and effective weld testing while preserving the structural integrity of the spools.