Why is FAT essential for pressure containers?
In industrial projects, pressurized containers are critical components of explosion-proof control systems. Before these containers are deployed on-site, it is crucial to verify their functionality, safety, and reliability under real operational conditions. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) addresses this need by ensuring the vessel performs safely and efficiently from day one.

1. What is FAT and why does it matter?

FAT is not just a checklist—it is a proactive safety validation. It ensures:
  • Critical electrical systems operate reliably
  • Positive pressure and airflow are maintained
  • Safety alarms and emergency systems function correctly
  • Equipment withstands extreme environmental conditions
Key takeaway: FAT confirms the vessel is ready for safe, real-world operation.

2. Visual Inspection: The first defense

The FAT process starts with a thorough visual check of all components:
  • Control & emergency systems: Explosion-proof CPFG control box, emergency stops, gas detectors (H₂S, combustible gas), smoke/temperature sensors, and fire alarms
  • Pressure components: Differential pressure transmitters and gauges correctly connected
  • Emergency equipment: Alarms, extinguishers, lighting, and stop mechanisms
  • Electrical wiring & grounding: Proper insulation and sealed cable entries
  • Sealing & labeling: Pressurized compartments clearly marked to ensure safe operation
Why it matters: Early detection of installation errors or potential hazards reduces risk before powering up.

3. Electrical Integrity Checks: Safety first

  • Insulation resistance tests confirm all electrical components are protected against short circuits or leaks
  • Power checks ensure CPFG control boxes, PLCs, and touchscreens receive proper voltage and respond correctly
  • Core benefit: Reliable electrical systems are the foundation for safe vessel operation.

4. System Interface & Operation Testing: Usability matters

  • Verify screen navigation, debugging mode, and alarm display
  • Ensure commands are executed accurately and promptly
Purpose: Operators must have clear, intuitive control over the system for quick response in emergencies.

5. Functional Testing: Confirm real-world performance

  • Normal & bypass operation: Test switching between operational modes
  • Alarm simulation: Trigger gas, H₂S, and fire alarms to ensure proper system response
  • Fan & airflow checks: Verify fans maintain positive pressure and adjust automatically
  • Emergency shutdown: Simulate critical failures to confirm safe power cutoff
  • Sensor integrity: Test responses to disconnected or faulty sensors
Why it’s critical: This step validates the vessel’s actual performance under realistic conditions.

6. Conclusion: FAT ensures peace of mind

Successful FAT means the pressure vessel is ready for deployment:
  • Provides a stable and safe operating environment
  • Reduces the risk of system failure on-site
  • Ensures emergency and alarm systems work as intended
  • Complies with all relevant safety standards

Bottom line: FAT is the final checkpoint before your pressure vessel goes live, guaranteeing reliable, safe operation in the field.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.

Product brochures:
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Keywords: #Pressure Vessel FAT,#Factory Acceptance Testing Guide,#PDU Pressure Vessel,#Shop-type Pressure Vessel,#Explosion-proof Pressure Vessel,#Electrical System Verification,#Emergency Shutdown Test,#Gas Detector Testing,#Positive Pressure Control,#Industrial Safety Testing

Written by Snowy

In high-risk industries such as petrochemicals, energy storage, and hazardous operations, positive pressure containers play a critical role in protecting both personnel and equipment. Ensuring their structural reliability is essential. One of the most important validation steps is the lifting test, which verifies the strength and stability of the container under operational conditions. This test is also key for obtaining international certifications like DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079.

Purpose of the Lifting Test

The lifting test serves several critical functions:
  • Verify load capacity: Ensures that lifting points, base frames, and the overall structure can safely handle both rated and overload conditions.
  • Check structural stability: Confirms that the container maintains its shape during lifting and that welds and connections remain intact.
  • Support certification: Provides third-party testing evidence required for international standard compliance and customer assurance.

Testing Procedure

The lifting test typically follows these steps:
  • Applying load: The container is lifted using cranes at specified angles, often around 45°, to simulate real-world lifting scenarios.
  • Load levels: The applied load ranges from 100% to 125% of the safe working load to evaluate performance under overload conditions.
  • Test duration: The container is held in the lifted position for several minutes to observe any structural shifts.
  • Inspection points: Lifting points, base frame, welds, and overall structure are carefully checked for permanent deformation or damage.

Results and Applications

After testing, a third-party inspection report documents:
  • Applied loads, lifting angles, and duration
  • Any observed structural deformation or damage
  • Final pass/fail evaluation
Successful lifting tests allow containers to proceed to type certification, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and customer delivery, ensuring compliance with international standards and customer requirements.

Conclusion

Lifting tests are a critical step in validating the structural safety of positive pressure containers. At TLS, all lifting tests are performed according to international standards, guaranteeing that every container delivered meets stringent safety and reliability requirements for high-risk environments.
 
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world TLS can help you, please contact us.

Keywords:#Positive Pressure Container,#Lifting Test,#Structural Safety,#Load Capacity Verification,#Industrial Certification,#DNV 2.7-1,#EN 12079,#Hazardous Environment,#Factory Acceptance Test (FAT),#Container Stability

Written by Snowy

In the manufacturing and application of modular containers, offshore containers, and various functional enclosures, watertightness is a critical factor for ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel. Watertight testing not only verifies a container’s resistance to water but also directly impacts its service life, equipment protection, and operational safety.

1. Purpose of Watertight Testing​
  • Prevent Equipment Damage from Water
Storage containers, control rooms, or laboratory containers often house sensitive electronic devices and high-value equipment. Watertight testing ensures that containers remain protected against rain, seawater splashes, or accidental water ingress, preventing potential damage.
  • Ensure Personnel Safety
For accommodation or office containers, poor watertightness can lead to water leakage inside, increasing risks of slips, falls, or electrical hazards.
  • Verify Design and Construction Quality
Watertight testing reflects the reliability of seals, doors, windows, interfaces, and overall welding workmanship. It serves as an essential checkpoint to confirm that design and construction meet expected standards.

2. Importance of Testing Timing
The timing of watertight tests directly affects the accuracy of results and overall container quality:
  • Mid-Production Testing
Conducting a preliminary watertight check once the container structure is largely assembled allows early detection of welding, seal installation, or interface issues. Adjustments or repairs at this stage are more cost-effective and help ensure a higher final product pass rate.
  • Final Pre-Delivery Testing
Performing the final watertight test after the container is fully completed, including installed internal equipment and pipelines, is crucial. This not only serves as a part of the quality assurance before shipment but also simulates real-world conditions the container may face in use.

3. Common Watertight Testing Methods
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Applying a controlled water pressure to check for leaks is suitable for assessing the overall watertight performance of a container.
  • Spray/Rain Simulation TestingSimulating natural rainfall or sea spray helps examine the sealing performance of doors, ventilation openings, and interfaces.
  • Combination of Visual and Instrumental Inspection
Using visual observation alongside instruments such as humidity sensors or leak detection paper can identify even minor water ingress with higher accuracy.

4. Key Considerations
  • Seal Material Inspection: Ensure that seals, flange connections, and welds are intact and undamaged.
  • Pre-Test Cleaning: Keep the container interior and exterior clean to avoid false leak detection.
  • Stage-by-Stage Documentation: Record each test result to track defect repairs and quality improvements.
  • Environmental Control: Water temperature, pressure, and testing duration should comply with design specifications to ensure reliable results.

5. Conclusion
​Watertight testing is a critical part of container quality assurance and an essential measure to protect both equipment and personnel. Proper scheduling of test timing, selecting the right testing methods, and strict adherence to standards can minimize leakage risks and enhance container reliability.

Through staged testing and final verification, manufacturers can ensure that every container delivered maintains reliable watertight performance in real-world conditions.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Special Containers is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world TLS can help you, please contact us.
 
Keywords:#Watertight testing,#Container safety,#Equipment protection,#Personnel safety,#Modular container,#Offshore container,#Leak detection,#Hydrostatic testing,#Seal inspection,#Quality assurance

Written by Snowy