Air leak testing is a crucial process to ensure the integrity of various parts and applications. Even a minor leak in tanks used for storing chemicals, petroleum products, lubricants, and energy-related fluids may compromise product purity, degrade performance, create significant safety hazards, and lead to equipment failures across the petrochemical and energy sectors. This guide provides a step by step procedure for conducting air pressure testing.
Prepare Support tools like Air Supply, 16mm Wrench, Screwdriver, Dust Cloth, Lifting instrument support.
Make sure all components are installed completely and tightly: Clamp Band, Air Hose Fitting, Vent, Sight Tube & Air Regulator.
Mark the initial position of the Lid, Sight Tube and related components with a marker as a position guide.
1. Prepare and Install air supply to GREPF
Plug in air supply to GREPF air hose.
Adjust air regulator to 4-5 Psi.
2. Soapy water check for bubbles around the clamp band area is what needs to inspect
Air leak testing focuses on the manway seal area and the clamp band that locks lid, seal and GREPF body.
Air leaks in the area are indicated by the appearance of bubbles from the soap that was previously applied
3. Cause of air leaks in the clamp band area
The Clamp Band consists of 2 parts so installation requires the same tightness.
The Manway Seal is not properly installed or has defects.
The solution to overcome this air leak is to inspect the component and reinstall it correctly.
4. Clamp Band Inspection
We can remove the clamp band and then reinstall it with the same tightness
5. Manway Seal Inspection
Leaks can also be caused by the condition of the seal which has entered the replacement period or the seal has a mismatch in shape so that it creates a gap for air leaks.
Check the surface of the GREPF Body and Lid where the manway seal is attached, make sure it is in a flat, clean condition and there are no defects that could cause the manway seal to malfunction.