Pressure testing is all in a day’s work for many gas engineers, but the right equipment can make all the difference.
Did you know that you can use the Sprint Pro flue gas analyser to carry out tightness testing, with no need for additional U gauges or other bulky equipment? In this post we’ll explore how and why you can tightness test with the Sprint Pro.
What is tightness testing?
Tightness testing is a type of pressure test, applied to a gas supply system at the meter. Other forms of pressure testing include the let-by test (which checks for leaks in the emergency control valve [ECV]), temperature stabilisation test, standing pressure at the meter test (a measurement of the gas when it’s stationary), and working/operating pressure at the meter test (which assesses the flow and pressure of gas when appliances are being used).
Tightness testing measures the pressure in gas pipes, in order to find evidence of leaks. A tightness test is generally carried out after a let-by test and temperature stabilisation test. The tightness test is sometimes followed by a purge and then a standing pressure test, followed by a working/operating pressure at the meter test. This allows the engineer to make a full assessment of the system.
Using the Sprint Pro to conduct a tightness test
All Sprint Pro models except the Sprint Pro 1 can be used to tightness test. To begin, go into the pressure menu and select let-by/tightness. You will need to attach the pipe and matching pressure relief valve to the Sprint Pro’s positive pressure inlet – the valve makes setting the desired pressure, and adjusting it if required, very easy.
As you scroll through the Sprint Pro’s pressure menu, you’ll find that tightness testing follows let-by testing and temperature stabilisation. Full instructions for tightness testing are given in the Sprint Pro manual (click here for a PDF version).
It is very important to note that the parameters for testing, and any increases/drops in pressure that are permitted, depend on many variables, such as the age and size of the pipework, whether appliances are attached and several others. Ultimately, you as the engineer must decide whether to pass or fail the tightness test when the analyser displays the results.
Once the test is completed, you can either print the results immediately (although this erases them from the system) or save them to the log (and they can always be printed from there). Alternatively, if you have the Sprint Mobile/Crowcon HVAC Companion app, you can Bluetooth directly to your tablet or smartphone.
Why use a Sprint Pro?
Using a Sprint Pro for pressure testing means less to carry around (no bulky water gauges, for example) and the clarity of results displayed digitally. The Sprint Pro also creates an audit trail in the form of digital logs, which can provide great peace of mind in case of any dispute or query.