Mechanical properties test

The objective of this set of tests is to define the capacity of a pipe system to withstand necessary forces for the equipment to operate, during and after installation, and also suitable mechanical strength.

Test methods

Depending on the mechanical property to be tested, different methods are applied:

Compression test: The pipe system is subjected to compression forces according to its rating over the wireframe shell of the circumference over a given period of time.
Impact test: Sudden bangs are applied to the pipe system using a pendulum hammer, whose weight and height of impact are defined by the pipe rating.
Curving test: This test is only applicable to bendable and rigid pipes, and it is based on consecutively bending the pipe to a given radius using a rotating transmission system, to ensure that the product does not undergo significant deterioration after the test.
Tensile test: The pipe system is subjected to tensile forces according to the rating over the wireframe shell of the circumference over a given period of time.
Flexion test: This test is only applicable to flexible pipes. The test sample is subjected to 5000 alternate flexures using an oscillating arm with a given cadence to ensure that the product does not suffer significant deterioration after the test.
Pinch test: This test consists of attaching a set of clips to the system that apply a given force of stricture to it. After subjecting the pipe to a certain temperature, it must allow a given calibre to pass through. Applicable to rigid or bendable pipes.
Suspended load: This is defined for specifically rated pipes. The system to be tested is suspended from a horizontal surface and a given working load is applied following the instructions defined by the manufacturer over a given period of time.