Evaluate the resistance of your equipment
under hydraulic pressure
Hydraulic tests are used to evaluate the behaviour of equipment under real conditions of use by applying hydraulic stresses to it:
- Mechanical resistance under high pressure (burst and proof pressure)
- Behaviour under brief pressure increases (water hammer)
- Operation of equipment (characterisation tests)
- Resistance to hydraulic fatigue
Adapted
Hydraulic tests
Hydraulic tests are carried out in Sopemea's laboratories in specific climatic chambers, allowing several parameters to be combined (hydraulic, hot, cold, ice, etc.).
All types of fluids are available, from water to Hyjet IV, including mineral oil.
Several mobile hydraulic generators can be set up to monitor the equipment for all the tests required for its qualification (vibration, earthquake, EMC, etc.).
These tests are carried out by qualified engineers and technicians.
We can also provide you with our expertise for the performance of specific tests (characterisations, life cycle estimates, etc.).
Our experts answer your questions
about hydraulic testing
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What types of equipment can Sopemea submit to hydraulic testing?
Sopemea performs environmental qualification through hydraulic testing on a wide range of critical equipment and industrial components. Our accredited test laboratories (COFRAC/UKAS) notably test systems and subsystems for the demanding sectors of Aeronautics (fluid systems, actuators, piping), Nuclear, Railway, Energy, and Defense. These tests are essential for the reliability and regulatory compliance of your products. -
What are the main types of hydraulic constraints simulated in your laboratories?
Our hydraulic environment tests simulate the real-world operating conditions of your equipment. The hydraulic constraints we apply primarily include:
- Mechanical pressure resistance tests (burst pressure, proof pressure).
- Hydraulic fatigue tests through pressure cycles and/or cycled flow and cycled temperature.
- Evaluation of pressure drop, leaks, and verification of sealing/tightness. These pressure tests are often combined with other environmental testing (vibration, temperature, specific fluids).
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What test fluids are used during hydraulic testing campaigns at Sopemea?
Sopemea has versatile hydraulic testing facilities capable of operating with a wide variety of industrial fluids and qualification liquids. We use or develop rigs for hydraulic fluid (e.g., Skydrol for aerospace), mineral or synthetic oils, water, glycol, coolant, and fuels. Our installations can cover a wide fluid temperature range, ensuring accurate simulation of your application. -
How is a hydraulic qualification program carried out, and what is the advantage of integrating combined tests?
A hydraulic qualification program begins with the development of a tailored test plan based on applicable sector standards (e.g., DO-160 for aerospace). Sopemea's major advantage lies in the possibility of performing combined tests (or aggravated tests). We can subject your equipment simultaneously to hydraulic, vibration, and thermal stresses (pressure, vibration, temperature), more realistically simulating complex environments, optimising the test campaign duration, and design validation. -
Where are the Sopemea laboratories that offer hydraulic testing services located?
Sopemea's hydraulic testing services are centralised within our network of laboratories in France. The Vélizy-Villacoublay laboratory (Paris region) is notably equipped with high-performance resources to carry out your performance tests and pressure resistance tests on your hydraulic systems and other pressure equipment. Our technical experts support you across the entire territory and internationally through our UK subsidiary PARC. -
Does Sopemea offer engineering or numerical simulation services in addition to hydraulic tests?
Yes, Sopemea goes beyond simple laboratory testing. Our test engineering services and expertise in numerical simulation (calculations, model fitting) allow us to anticipate behavior and optimise your product design even before the first physical test. We offer comprehensive expertise for the reliability improvement of your equipment, including failure analysis and tailored qualification test plan.
Why
choose Sopemea?
A complete range of tests and related services
+ Over 75 years' experience in qualification testing
A local network
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