During a pressure test, why is maintaining a minimum test pressure critical?

Maintaining a minimum test pressure during a pressure test is critical to ensure the integrity of the pipe material. This minimum pressure allows for the evaluation of the pipe’s ability to withstand operational pressures and to identify any potential weaknesses or defects in the material that could lead to leaks or failures during normal use.

When the pressure is raised to a specific level, it simulates the conditions the pipe will face when in service. This is important because a pressure test at too low of a level may not reveal flaws that could be significant at higher operational pressures. For example, small cracks or imperfections that are not apparent at lower pressures may become exacerbated under elevated conditions, potentially leading to catastrophic failures. Therefore, applying the proper test pressure is essential to verify that the pipe system can safely handle its intended use without risk of failure.