If a tank fails a hydrostatic pressure test, what is the result?

When a tank fails a hydrostatic pressure test, it indicates that the tank has structural integrity issues that pose a safety risk. The hydrostatic test is designed to verify that the tank can withstand a pressure greater than its normal operating pressure without leaking or failing. A failure means that the tank has likely developed cracks, leaks, or other defects that cannot be reliably repaired.

As a result of this failure, the tank is typically deemed unsafe for continued use and is destroyed. This prevents any potential hazards, such as leaks or explosions, that could occur if the compromised tank were to be put back into service. The integrity of medical gas tanks is crucial for patient safety, which is why strict protocols mandate that failed tanks are permanently removed from circulation. Repairing a tank that has failed a safety test is not considered acceptable practice, as it may still pose dangers even after attempted repairs. Therefore, the correct outcome of a hydrostatic failure is the destruction of the tank to ensure safety in the medical environment.