Buying Hydrostatic Test Pumps:
Definition of "Hydrostatic":
Hy*dro*stat*ic - Pronunciation: (hI-dre-'sta-tik) Function: adjective, Etymology:
probably from New Latin-Hydrostaticus, Date:1666 Definition: Of or relating
to fluids at rest or to the pressures they exert or transmit. The static's of
fluids, esp. incompressible fluids. Hydro-meaning water or liquid / Static-having
no motion, at rest. Marked by absence of motion.
So, What is a Hydrostatic Test Pump?
A Hydrostatic Test Pump is a self-contained, portable, low volume, high pressure
pump powered by air, electric, or gas engines. They are designed to pressurize
with fluids, in an effort to determine leakage and identify loss in test environment,
including: water mains, pressure vessels, irrigation systems, fire sprinklers,
fire hoses, sewer lines, gas lines, steam lines, and boilers.
What is the most versatile unit?
Naturally this depends on what your testing environment and requirements are,
but we generally recommend a pump from our diaphragm series. The DP3-series
is a gasoline powered, versatile, suction or gravity feed pump that delivers
11 GPM at 550 PSI. All units in the diaphragm series can handle up to a 10%
chlorine solution, and can be run dry without damage to the pump. The DP-3B
and DPH-3B are recommended to test up to a 24" line. Other pumps in the diaphragm
series can test up to a 96" line. Wheel and handle kits for portability and
pressure feed tanks are available for all test pumps in the diaphragm series.
RICE also carries a full line of roller, piston and plunger hydrostatic test
pumps. If you don't see what you desire, we can custom build a pump to suit
your testing needs.
Who utilizes hydrostatic test pumps, and how can I purchase one?
Various professionals in the construction, municipalities, chemical, military
and fire industries utilize hydrostatic test pumps, including, pipeline contractors,
general contractors, sprinkler irrigation installers, fire departments, mechanical
contractors, and plumbers.
What kind of rental rate can I expect, and how long are they typically rented
for?
Like any piece of equipment in your fleet, rental rates vary depending on market
conditions. However, the average rental rate is anywhere from $70.00 to $100.00
per day. Average rental time for these units is about 3 days. Rentals of a week
or longer is not uncommon.
How to determine which unit would best suit your needs:
1. We would first need to know what Power Source you are looking for, Gas,
Electric, Pneumatic or Hand Pump?
2. What is the Maximum pressure range that you need to achieve?
3. What is the General Flow that is needed?
4. What size line will you be testing?
5. Are you going to be using anything other than water to test with, such as
Chlorine or Glycol?
6. What are you Testing?
A brief overview of what some of our more popular units are capable of
EL1 - for overhead sprinkler lines, cannot handle chlorine, Glycol is
OK
EL1A - for testing Sprinkler systems, irrigation lines and small diameter
water lines no more than 8 inches in diameter - Cannot handle chlorine, Glycol
is OK
DEH3C - Recommended to test lines up to 16 inches in diameter, cannot
handle chlorine
RPH-2C - Recommended to test lines up to 8 inches in diameter, cannot
handle chlorine
DPH3B - Recommended to test lines up to 24 inches in diameter; can handle
10% chlorine solution
DPH8 - Recommended to test lines up to 96 inches in diameter; can handle
10% chlorine solution
HP-10 - Recommended to test small diameter lines, in confined spaces
or remote locations in the oil and gas industry
TR-Series - Recommended to test lines above 16 inches in diameter, idea
for boilers, process piping, steam and gas lines
FH-Series - Fire Hose Testers capable of testing 1200 Feet of LDH as
per NFPA Standards