Vaetrix Customized Testing Solutions for Pressure Decay

The Power of Customization: How Vaetrix Testing Solutions Improve Pressure Decay and Annulus Testing in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry depends on reliable piping systems to transport fluids safely and efficiently. In applications where conventional steel piping may face challenges from environmental conditions, movement, or demanding operating requirements, flexible piping systems offer an alternative.

However, ensuring the safety and reliability of these pipes requires rigorous testing.

Pressure decay and annulus testing help manufacturers and operators evaluate the integrity of piping systems. Traditional testing equipment can make this process time-consuming, particularly when gauges are exposed to damage or replacement equipment has long lead times.

For Canadian oil and gas operations, including facilities working with flexible piping and pressure testing equipment, durability and consistent measurement are important considerations when selecting a testing solution.

Vaetrix developed a customized pressure testing solution for a flexible pipe manufacturer facing these challenges. The manufacturer had been using an annulus testing kit with a digital pressure gauge that was prone to damage and difficult to replace quickly.

After reviewing the customer's requirements, Vaetrix designed an integrated testing system intended to simplify the process, protect critical components, and improve equipment reliability.

This case study examines the manufacturer's original testing challenges, the customized Vaetrix solution, and the advantages of combining a protective test kit with digital pressure monitoring.

The Testing Challenges Faced by an Oil and Gas Pipe Manufacturer

A manufacturer of flexible piping systems was experiencing two recurring problems with its existing annulus testing equipment.

The first issue was equipment availability. Long lead times for replacement digital gauges were creating delays and making it difficult to maintain an efficient testing schedule.

The second issue was equipment damage. The existing digital gauge was mounted on an aluminum manifold bar, leaving it vulnerable during handling and testing. Damage to the gauge resulted in repair costs, replacement requirements, and interruptions to the testing process.

The manufacturer needed a solution that could protect the pressure measurement equipment without compromising testing accuracy or ease of operation.

These challenges are relevant to pipe manufacturers and oil and gas service providers that rely on dependable pressure testing equipment for routine inspection and quality control.

Vaetrix Custom Product: An Easy-to-Use and Reliable Solution

To address these issues, the Vaetrix design team developed a customized integrated digital pressure tester for annulus testing applications.

Rather than relying on an exposed gauge and manifold arrangement, the new system uses an enclosed case to protect the testing components during transportation, handling, and operation.

The equipment is designed to make pressure testing more manageable while reducing the likelihood of damage to critical instruments.

Key Components of the Customized Testing Kit

Vaetrix ETG 100 PSI Gauge

The panel-mounted Vaetrix ETG 100 PSI digital gauge provides the primary pressure measurement function. Its integration into the testing case helps protect the instrument while allowing technicians to monitor pressure readings during testing.

Ashcroft Mechanical Gauge

An Ashcroft mechanical pressure gauge provides a secondary pressure indication. It can serve as a reference for the applied pressure and offers a backup indication if the primary digital gauge becomes unavailable.

Open/Close Valve

The open/close valve allows technicians to isolate the connected system and manage pressure during testing.

Vent Port

The vent port provides a controlled point for releasing pressure when required by the test procedure.

USB Port

A USB connection supports equipment updates and maintenance, making it easier to manage the digital testing system.

Spring-Loaded Coin Cell Access

The design includes accessible coin cell battery storage, allowing the battery to be replaced without specialized tools.

Custom Case Engraving

The protective enclosure can also be customized with identifying information such as a company logo, employee name, equipment identification number, or kit name.

This helps organizations identify and manage individual test kits, particularly when several units are used across different teams or facilities.

Together, these features provide a more integrated approach to annulus testing than the manufacturer's previous exposed-gauge arrangement.

The system can also be used alongside the Vaetrix Hydro App, allowing compatible equipment to support digital pressure monitoring and recording.

Real-Time Pressure Monitoring With the Vaetrix Hydro App

The Vaetrix Hydro App adds digital monitoring and data management capabilities to compatible Vaetrix pressure testing instruments.

Available for supported Android and Apple devices, the app allows technicians to monitor pressure measurements, review trends, and manage testing information without relying entirely on manual recording.

Increased Convenience and Efficiency

The Hydro App provides an interface for viewing pressure testing information on a mobile device.

Technicians can monitor supported instruments through a compatible Bluetooth connection, reducing the need to remain directly beside the pressure gauge throughout every stage of a test.

This can be particularly useful for teams conducting tests at industrial facilities, fabrication shops, or remote oil and gas sites.

Real-Time Pressure Data

The application displays live pressure readings, allowing users to identify pressure changes as a test progresses.

For pressure decay testing, observing pressure behaviour over time can help technicians identify possible leaks or unexpected changes that require further investigation.

Temperature changes can also influence pressure readings, so technicians should consider the applicable test procedure and environmental conditions when evaluating results.

Data Logging and Analysis

The Hydro App works with compatible Vaetrix equipment to support recorded pressure data and graphical monitoring.

Technicians can review pressure trends and use the associated Vaetrix data management software to document results.

Maintaining accurate records can make it easier to compare test performance, investigate irregularities, and maintain a history of pressure testing activities.

Customizable Alerts

The application supports configurable pressure alarms that can notify users when measurements move outside established limits.

These alerts help technicians recognize unexpected pressure changes and respond according to the approved testing procedure.

For longer pressure tests, alarm functionality can reduce the need for continuous manual observation while maintaining visibility into important pressure conditions.

Improved Collaboration

Digital pressure records can also make it easier to communicate test results between technicians, supervisors, and quality control personnel.

Instead of relying solely on handwritten readings, teams can review saved test information and share reports through supported software functions.

This can help reduce documentation errors and improve consistency when testing is performed across multiple locations or shifts.

Combined with the custom testing kit, the Vaetrix Hydro App provides additional flexibility for monitoring, recording, and reviewing pressure tests.

Advantages of Custom-Built Testing Products

For flexible pipe manufacturers and oil and gas service providers, custom-built pressure testing equipment can offer practical advantages over standard testing arrangements.

The Vaetrix solution was developed around the manufacturer's existing workflow and addressed the specific problems affecting its testing operations.

One of the main benefits was improved protection for the digital gauge. Housing the components in an enclosed case reduced exposure to damage during normal handling and operation.

The customized arrangement also brought essential testing components together in one unit, making the equipment easier to transport, organize, and use.

Additional advantages include:

• Reduced equipment damage: A protective enclosure helps shield sensitive pressure measurement components from accidental impacts.

• More efficient testing: Integrating gauges, valves, and connections into one kit can simplify equipment setup and operation.

• Improved equipment identification: Custom engraving allows organizations to identify individual units and maintain better equipment records.

• Flexible configuration: Components and features can be selected according to a customer's testing requirements.

• Digital monitoring and documentation: Compatible Vaetrix instruments can be used with the Hydro App to support pressure monitoring and test record management.

For Canadian industrial operations, these benefits may be particularly useful when testing equipment is frequently moved between facilities, exposed to demanding field conditions, or shared across multiple maintenance teams.

However, the suitability of any custom system depends on the test pressure, required accuracy, connection configuration, applicable procedures, and operating environment.

Selecting a solution that matches these requirements is essential for reliable pressure testing.

Practical Takeaway

When selecting equipment for pressure decay or annulus testing, the most important consideration is whether the system meets the requirements of your actual testing environment.

Before choosing a solution, evaluate the required pressure range, measurement accuracy, gauge protection, isolation and venting capabilities, and how test results will be recorded. For pressure decay testing, temperature changes and stabilization time should also be considered when interpreting pressure loss.

The customized Vaetrix testing solution demonstrates how integrating protected pressure gauges, testing controls, and digital monitoring into a single kit can address common equipment reliability and workflow challenges.

For Canadian oil and gas operators and equipment manufacturers, the goal should be to select a testing system that provides reliable measurements, withstands operating conditions, and supports consistent documentation.