Testing Procedures

Thornhill Australia pioneered the gas system of integrity testing of plate and tubular heat exchangers and has brought the new generation testing method, Gas Detection System (GDS) into Australia. The Gas Detection System is an in-situ test method that allows for the heat exchanger, plate or tube, to be tested while still in one piece on your factory floor.

Gas testing is the fastest growing test method in Europe, Australia and the USA and can be used in all industry sectors, from food to chemical because of its inherent accuracy and safety.

Holding Time Tube Testing

Thornhill technicians are also fully trained to perform a simple and efficient method of measuring short time pasteurization holding period, in accordance with Australian Standards for the pasteurization of milk and other liquid dairy products.

A hydrostatic test is a way in which pressure vessels can be tested for strength and leaks. The test involves filling the heat exchanger with water and pressurising it up to 30 bar to ensure it is in prefect working order.

At Thornhill, we understand the requirements and the importance of accountable testing procedures. Every test performed by Thornhill is carefully monitored with the results packaged to suit your auditing requirements.

All Thornhill instrumentation and equipment is calibrated in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.

Advantages of Gas Testing

As the test uses an inert gas it is non-invasive and has no effect on gaskets. It is totally safe from a food safety aspect leaving no residue. Its accuracy is the best of all the testing methods, as being an inert gas test it doesn’t have the disadvantage of charged ions, which can have difficulty passing through small holes. As the test is carried out in a dynamic way with the gas flowing between the plates, residue liquid is not an issue.