Valve testing
Valve testing and quality inspection are very important when it comes to the fluid system and smooth running system. Valve testing is the process that is used to evaluate and to test the condition or health of an operational valve. There are many different types of inspections and tests that are done on valves. This helps to make sure that they are safe for use and in best condition.
Types of valves testing standards
Below are the types of some of the most common valve testing standards:
· API 58 is sued for valve inspection and testing
· API 527 is used for pressure relief valves and seal tightness
· ASME B16.34 is used for flanges, threaded and welding ends
· ASME PTC 25 is used for pressure relief devices
· FCI 70 – 2 is used for control valve seat leakage
· ISA S75 is used for hydrostatic testing of control valves
· ISO 5208 is sued for industrial valves and pressure testing valves
· MSS SP61 is used for hydrostatic testing of steel valves
· MSS SP 70 is used for cats iron gates, threaded ends and steel valves
· MSS SP 71 is used for cast iron swing threaded end and check valves
· MSS Sp 78 is used for cast iron plug valves and threaded end
· MSS SP 80 is used for bronze gate, check valves and angle
· MSS SP 85 is used for angles valves and cast iron globe
Valves and their testing standards
When it comes to testing the valves there are many testing procedures and all of them need to confirm the criteria to accept the standards.
1. General pressure valve testing
This test contains the filling of the valve body which is actually water with corrosion. Common industry pressure guidelines of pressure testing valves are found in ASME B16.34, MSS-SP-61 and ISO 5208. Many tests are also recorded on paper or manually but the digital option today is the first priority.
2. Shell testing
This kind of valve shell testing refers to the main device body. Typically the valve is embedded on the test bench and they are half opened. Then the shell is given pressure with ASME B16.34 while recommending it 1.5 times the pressure valve ratings.
3. Seat valve testing
This valve seat testing is done after testing the valve shell. With the same ASME and API standards with the shell test guidance. The pressure should be 110% whereas the test time varies with the size of the valve.
4. Fire testing
One of the requirements of the industrial testing is having fire protection. In the fire test the valve is pressurized and it is subjected to high flame temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Fugitive emissions testing
This valve is pressurized with the test gas at specific temperatures. International test such as API 624, 644, 622 and ISO 15848-1-2 all give the proper guidance on how to carry out the valve test.
Conclusion
Valves are required to confirm a few leakage standards and many other checks are also done. Valve inspection and valve testing are done after every 12 months and it helps them make sure that they are still working in the best condition. This thing will vary while depending on the valve age, valve condition and what type of valves are used.
