The Crescent Design Hydraulic Burst/Leak Tester (HBLT) system uses distilled water to accurately pressurize an item according to programmable profiles. These programmed profiles are referred to as "tests." The HBLT features simple, yet extensive menus for defining, saving, and running up to 40 different tests, as well as special functions.

The HBLT has a backlit LCD screen with a touch-sensitive front for user input. Pressurization is achieved using a hydraulic cylinder. A motor connected to a linear actuator drives its piston. The system is controlled using Crescent Design, Inc. proprietary electronics and firmware. With optional Pressure Manager software, PC compatible computer systems can be used to edit, store, recall, print, and run complex tests of several hundred steps.

The HBLT may therefore run as a "slave" to a PC compatible system or "stand alone," switching back and forth between these modes. Leaks detected by the HBLT are defined in terms of drop in pressure over 1 second or by absolute drop in pressure from the end of maintain. Bursts (also known as "ruptures") are essentially dramatic (rapid) leaks. In order to detect these hydraulic faults, the HBLT checks for pressure drops every one-tenth (0.1) second.