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  • Glycol process piping pressure test.

    Hey there,

    Can anyone recommend a safe pressure to air test a closed glycol system?

    We have nine 20bbl FVs with 1.25" stainless process piping connecting it all together in a closed loop. Mainly we are concerned about a safe pressure for the jackets of the FVs. I've tried contacting the manufacturer to no avail. Obviously a water test is ideal and we will do one soon but we need to hook all the solenoids to the control box first. We only have our welding contractors a few more days and we want to be sure there isn't anything major that would need their services before they pack it in.

    Thanks!

  • #2
    Never test with air

    Never test a vessel or jacket with air pressure always use water. Air compresses and can cause a catastrophic failure where as water may split a seam but wont kill anyone.
    Your CPE Systems Team!
    CPE Systems Inc.
    800-668-2268
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    • #3
      Definitely don't test w/ air

      I second that. Don't test w/ air pressure.

      Every single refrigeration person would tell you the same thing.

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      • #4
        HVAC Pressure Testing

        Refrigeration systems are tested regularly with Nitrogen or C02, sometimes up to 300 PSIG, but typically to about 100 PSIG.
        Those systems are rated for " gas " pressures that are stated on the unit nameplate so gas is not a problem with them.

        I would concur that you need to pressure test with water and no more than the rating that the Tank MFG advises.
        EG 30 PSIG.
        Warren Turner
        Industrial Engineering Technician
        HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
        Moab Brewery
        The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

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        • #5
          Agreed

          Just installed a similar system.

          What we did is installed a pressure gauge and PRV (Brass) on the supply side to ensure the pump wasn't pushing too hard. If it did, it would blow the PRV, not a tank. You say its a closed loop, but what about your return line? Mine is open at the return inlet to the reservoir so the only pressure build up is at a closed valve and from the standing pressure in the piping. Most jackets are burst tested at the factory so even if your tanks are only rated to atmospheric pressure (14.9 psi) they should handle 30 psi liquid pressure no problem. With all your solenoids closed you should be able to see your max system pressure with the pressure gauge. This all cost less than $400 to install and gives piece of mind.

          I agree you should not test jackets with air, although the interiors of the tanks should be able to handle gas pressure.

          cheers

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          • #6
            Open Loop vs. closed loop

            Glycol systems are considered open loop because the return is at atmospheric pressure and fully vented.
            You need an adjustable bypass valve piped from the supply to the rerturn. This solves any overpressure problems.
            Most commercial package chillers designed for Brewery Service have these built in, but if you are putting together a modular system its critical to install one or have another way to manage the matter. This type of bypass is made by " Watts. " They are very reliable and provide a mechanical failsafe.
            Warren Turner
            Industrial Engineering Technician
            HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
            Moab Brewery
            The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

            Comment


            • #7
              Bypass

              For Bypass we have a ball valve that would allow some throttling in the supply/return line. Starcat: do we really need more than this and the PRV? Could you provide a link to the product you recommend?

              My pipefitter and I reasoned that coolant would take the path of least resistance and to increase flow to the jackets we could throttle the loop connection down, using the pressure gauge to diagnose the pressure rise. Each of the supply and return drops to each of my tanks also has a 1" NPT port to allow isolation and/or circulation of hot/cold water in case a need arose that my chiller could not fulfill for some reason. Also could put a pressure gauge/PRV at each supply drop to monitor pressure, although all those gauges is a lot of fail points and a lot of money.

              I have seen much more ghetto setups.

              I am a sponge for learning about systems and love the feedback.

              Cheers

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              • #8
                An appropriate relief valve is something like 4703K56 at McMaster.com.

                It should be located near the end of your supply header and feed back into your return header before any of your fermenters do.

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                • #9
                  Watts 5300A Bypass Vavle

                  A leading manufacturer of water quality solutions. Water safety, flow control, backflow prevention, drainage. Learn more about our products!


                  The thing about this style of control is its active when needed and closed when its not.
                  What I don't like about many PRVs is their tendency to not re-seat once they are " popped " off, so from an industrial standpoint your system may not be as efficient or reliable as one set up this way. With that said. Your arrangement may work fine for what you are doing but it will seemingly require more constant attention and fiddling to keep it tuned in.
                  Warren Turner
                  Industrial Engineering Technician
                  HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
                  Moab Brewery
                  The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    If you add a PRV to a header...make sure it's set at a PSI above your chillers built in bypass valve. Don't forget head pressure as well if you have a roof mounted system...or else you'll send all your glycol down the drain instead of looping it back to your reservoir...


                    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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