System commissioning testing

Mechanical systems commissioning on new projects is critical to ensure that a system is installed properly, is operating properly and efficiently, and that it will remain in service for its projected life cycle. The commissioning of a system encompasses the individual testing of the related components, the verification of the component interconnection against the drawings, and the functional testing of the system as a whole.

An understanding of the equipment involved and the modes of operation for a system are essential to the development of the system commissioning plan. A survey of the equipment of the system and listing the equipment in order of importance and startup is the first step in developing the commissioning plan.

The schedule of the tests and inspections is dependent on many aspects of the equipment such as its importance and cost, the frequency of service, hours of operation, environmental conditions, accessibility, and safety requirements.

The inspection, testing, and startup plan is then developed in conjunction with this schedule with instructions and procedures for the test plan. Checklists provided in  this course assist in these inspections and tests. They are found as reproducible forms at the end of this course. Problems may arise during the testing of the equipment and systems. In order to identify and correct these problems, troubleshooting techniques should be developed.

Checking of equipment such as fuses, lights, and breakers for continuity, equipment calibration and settings, and investigating for faulty equipment or connections should be the first troubleshooting steps. Examples of the possible causes to common problems are shown for each system in the chapters that follow.