Hydrostatic Test Procedure.

The procedure for conducting the 12.5 kpsi hydrostatic test uses the skeleton procedure described in Sec 3 but is fleshed-out with additional steps designed to detect distortion or leaks of the PTV.

• The hydrostatic test must be conducted under the evacuate protocol.
• The PTV must be prepared by removing the 10 kpsi pressure relief valve and plugging the plumbing at the attachment point. Also, the 11 kpsi burst disk must be replaced with a 13 kpsi burst disk.
• Install all three aluminum ingots into the vessel.
• Special care should be taken to examine the o-ring for nicks, cuts, or foreign objects. Any doubts should be resolved by replacing the o-ring.

Here are the additional steps to be taken while pressurizing the PTV.

1. Increase the pressure to 3000 psi and hold for 5 minutes. Go down to the pit and examine the plumbing for leaks. Also look for distortions in the bottom and sides of the PTV. Note any pressure changes during the 5 minutes.
2. Increase the pressure to 10000 psi and hold 5 minutes. Repeat the above checks.
3. Increase the pressure to 12500 psi and hold for 15 minutes. No checks are to be made at this pressure.
4. Reduce the pressure to 10000 psi and hold for 10 minutes. Repeat the above checks.
5. Hydrostatic test is complete -- discharge the vessel completely.

After the hydrostatic test is complete the 13 kpsi burst disk must be removed and the 10 kpsi pressure relief valve reinstalled. This must be done before the vessel can be used again.