Microduct Pressure Integrity Tests for Tubes

Microducts are a popular choice to protect optical fibre

Fast and reliable connection is essential in this hyper-connected world… and it starts at the beginning of the system network.

Microducts allow your customers to expand their fibre network and increase bandwidth… all without adding extra fibres now, that might never be used. Microducts also enable faster and easier cable installation, reduced coefficient of friction and cost-effective repairs or upgrades.

Testing the integrity of any tube prior to fibre being fed or blown in is vital as various contractors may be used at different stages of an install. Customers need to know all tubes have been installed to a satisfactory standard.

1. Air flow test

Checks the microducts have been coupled together in the correct sequence during jointing after installation and verifies the tube run has sufficient air flow to blow in the fibre unit.

Minimum airflow required is approx 18lts per min in any run; less than this and the fibre unit will be slow or difficult to install. The air flow will vary depending on the compressor size being used.

A compliant compressor should be used for blowing in the fibre units. There are special compressors which deliver dry air for fibre blowing, and compressors should not exceed 15bar/217psi/1500kpa.

2. Microduct air pressure testing

Checks connectors have been fitted correctly and there are no split tubes in the microduct route. The pressure profile should be stable and not lose pressure.