- This equipment allows for individual leak testing of each joint between precast concrete pipes.
Leaks in sewer pipes are among the most common problems. These can become very costly because the infrastructure is buried. Therefore, leak tests are usually performed between manholes to ensure optimal performance. However, in the specific case of large-diameter precast concrete pipes, this type of testing is not feasible because there are no inflatable plugs of this size to allow for sectioning off test areas.For this particular case, equipment has been acquired that allows for individual leak testing of each joint between 2.5-meter diameter precast concrete pipes. This equipment is demountable and has wheels, providing great flexibility and efficiency during applications.
TESTING
It consists of a rigid metal ring with dimensions slightly smaller than the pipe itself. The ring is placed inside the pipe, aligning it with the joint to be tested. The outer overlap band has two rubber seals. These are inflated, creating an intermediate air chamber, which can regulate its own pressure using a compressor. The test consists of measuring the pressure drop over a predetermined time interval relative to the maximum pressure. This measurement is then compared to the requirements of the reference standard. If there are no leaks at the joint under pressure and the pressure drop is acceptable, the leak test has been successfully completed.With the implementation of this system, the Sustainability, Innovation, and Quality (SIC) Department will verify the leak tightness of the installed collectors, providing added value to the client and the users themselves throughout the infrastructure’s lifespan.
