Scarcity of water resources in desert area and dry environment brings attention to utilize water resources economically and finding alternative ways to save water. In industrial plants under construction deferent stages come subsequently until final commissioning is reached. During plant pre-commissioning tests a Hydrostatic pressure test for underground piping like firewater lines, drinking water lines & potable/service water lines should be applied. Hydrostatic pressure test needs usage of raw water to check for piping tensile strength/design pressure and also any leaks could happen. Source of water used for this test come from water well.
Metrological data for remote area (Tanajib) located in the northeast area of Saudi Arabia, where hydrostatic pressure test carried out for gas processing plant piping under construction & pre-commissioning stages, showing a hot climate condition and limited water resources. Highest temperature in summer 50 oC
Explained why finding alternative routes for water recycle and reuse become important in this area of world and similar hot weather environments.
2. Raw Water specifications, Storage, Pressure test
Highlights for Raw Water specifications
- Normal pH range ≈7
- No biological/organic pollutant involved. Total Organic Compounds (TOC) ≈ 0
- No chemical additives added.
- Water source come from potable water well after simple pre-treatment & test for population use
Standards Used for Well Raw Water Analysis
- ASTM D 512 Standard Test Methods for Chloride Ion in Water
- ASTM D 516 Standard Test Methods for Sulfate Ion in Water
- ASTM D 1293 Standard Test Methods for PH of Water
- ASTM D 5907 Filterable Matter (Total Dissolved Solids) & Nonfilterable
Matter (Total Suspended Solids) in Water
Hydrostatic Pressure Test
Hydrostatic pressure test for underground piping like firewater lines, drinking water lines & potable/service water lines should be applied. Hydrostatic pressure test applied using of raw water to check if piping can withstand design pressure also to inspect for any leaks could happen. Source of water used for this test come from water well.
In the attached table a summary of typical plant piping that has to be hydrostatically tested, and the corresponding piping material, length, size and service.
Total collected volume for hydrostatic test ≈ 92.68 M3, this equivalent to (92.68 / 22) = 4.2 water tankers size.
In the above estimated water volume represent a small percentage of the hydrostatic pressure test applied inside whole gas processing plant, since this limited to security access building areas like main gate or computer gate areas. So, if we do the same hydrostatic test idea of water utilization into different process plant and flare areas piping, we can preserve more water volumes for agricultural purpose and green plant feed.
3. Observation & Recommendation
There is a potential water-saving opportunity if we reuse the volume of hydrostatic test water after test completion for agricultural purpose. Since this type of water does not affected by any biological or chemical factors, and to do a very simple mesh screening to remove any debris and foreign material like metallic or plastic pieces.
In this way we improve water recycle into nature especially in hot climate countries and desert terrine regions.
