How to Plug a Stainless Steel Tube for Pressure Testing
Pressure testing installed stainless steel is often a building code requirement. Pressure testing is performed by pressurizing the stainless steel line, and once the operating pressure is reached, the pressure must be maintained for a specified amount of time. The weak link in the pressure test is the plug placed in the end of the stainless steel pipe. The plug is held in place by friction and if the plug is installed incorrectly, the plug can come loose and the pressure test will need to be started over. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Inspect the seals of the pressure testing plug. If the seals or the tapered expansion nut on the inside end of the pressure testing plug show signs of wear, replace the plug.
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2
Apply anti-seize compound to the seals of the pressure testing plug and turn the locking nut of the plug counterclockwise to open the pressure testing plug.
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3
Slide the opened pressure testing plug into the open end of the stainless steel pipe.
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4
Secure the socket from the socket set that fits the locking nut of the pressure testing plug to the end of the torque wrench.
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5
Set the torque wrench to the torque setting specified by the pressure testing plug manufacturer's installation instructions.
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6
Tighten the locking nut until the torque wrench signifies that the locking nut has been tightened to the proper torque.
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Attach the air hose to the pressure testing plug and bring the stainless steel pipe up to the pressure. Inspect the shaft of the pressure testing plug. If the shaft moves more than 1/8 inch, relieve the pressure from the pipe, reinspect the pressure testing plug and reinstall the plug per the steps previously listed. When the plug moves less than 1/8 inch, the pressure testing plug is properly installed and you are ready to pressure test the stainless steel pipe.
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