A hydrostatic pressurization test of high pressure helium gas storage vessels at IPR.

In IPR, helium gas high pressure storage pressures vessels installed for gas inventory of liquid helium plant. As a part of CCOE and safety regulation, it is mandatory requirement to have hydrostatic pressurization test, non-destructive tests and physical inspection of these vessels as per SMPV 19(U) rule for its license approval in every five years. We have carried out the hydrostatic tests of these vessels complying with CCOE norms. It needs special precautionary measures that the dealing of high pressure of more than 200 bar (g), helium leak tightness at high pressure, moisture level assurance of less than 2 ppm in the vessel are critical from the helium plant operation. We will report the hydrostatic test procedures, NDT test, moisture removal, vacuum evacuation and gas purging, helium leak test of vessels at operating pressure. At present, after obtaining the operation license, all vessels are in operation without any technical issues.