What is essential for the safety of high-pressure piping systems?

The safety of high-pressure piping systems heavily relies on using the correct test pressures during the verification and inspection processes. Test pressures are critical for ensuring that the piping system can handle operational conditions without failure. Applying a test pressure that is too low may not reveal weaknesses or flaws in the system, while a test pressure that is excessively high can lead to catastrophic failures or ruptures.

Correctly determining and applying the test pressure involves understanding the materials used, the design parameters, and regulatory standards. It ensures that the integrity of the piping system is maintained over its operational life, effectively preventing leaks and potential accidents. This practice is crucial for compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, and it forms a foundational part of maintaining the overall reliability of high-pressure systems.

In contrast, while aspects like pipe diameter, the number of valves, and the presence of welds are important factors in good piping design and efficiency, they do not directly address the immediate safety during testing and operation in the same way that appropriate test pressures do.