Valve Test

Valve Test - Because valves are such a vital part of many sectors, it's critical that they work correctly, channeling the proper pressure without leaks.

Valve Test

A valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid or gas. By opening and shutting multiple channels, it governs or controls the flow of a fluid or gas.

In most sectors that include pipelines or other applications, valves are essential. Valves are used in a variety of sectors, including oil, gas, petrochemicals, the maritime industry, and many more.

Globe, ball, gate, check, butterfly, and plug are the six distinct types of valves. Based on the application's features as well as the pressure, each valve is constructed individually. As a result, different industries utilize various valves.

What Is The Significance Of Valve Testing?

Because valves are such a vital part of many sectors, it's critical that they work correctly, channeling the proper pressure without leaks. Due to leaks or improper pressure transmission, these high-pressure systems have detonated in the past. As a result, maintaining joint integrity in such a high-pressure system is critical for safety and productivity.

Valve testing is a maintenance procedure that assesses the state or health of a working valve. On a high-pressure system, a valve testing machine performs the following functions:

• Checking for any leaks in the valves
• Test of the seat and seal
• Checking for leaks in the seats
• Appropriateness for fluid and gas testing
  
  

Valve testing is commonly performed to address concerns such as mechanical friction, cavitation, flashing, blocked flow, erosion, and noise, to mention a few.

The advantages of these valve testing machines include the fact that all of the tests are automated, allowing them to keep track of all previous data. Additional features include spinning test benches, vacuum testing, and equipment that may be customized to meet specific needs.

Because valves are continually exposed to gasses and liquids, there's a good chance the system may corrode. Minerals can also build and cause leaks, which is a regular occurrence.

Testing should be done every two months to three years, depending on the application and the pressure the valve is subjected to.

Different Tests of an Industrial Valve

To test a valve efficiently, it must first have a specified testing technique, as well as the acceptance criteria or performance requirements that the valve must meet or surpass. However, when it comes to testing standards, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Industrial valves, pipeline valves, control valves, and pressure-relief valves all have various criteria. This article discusses valve inspection and testing in the production shop as well as in operational facilities.

Valve Shell Test

After satisfactory inspection and assembly of valve individual components such as seat, disc, body, stem, and so on, a shell test or body test is done. The test is carried out by a valve manufacturer or a valve repair service provider and is based on API STD 598 or another equivalent standard ( Valve Inspection and Testing).

The valve must be partly open and capable of holding pressure for a certain period of time. The pressure must be at least 1.5 times that of the maximum operating pressure. No leaking is permitted. Body, bonnet, stem, plugs/fittings, and flange connections are all leakage check locations.

Valve Seat Leak Test

Following the satisfactory completion of the valve shell test, the seat leakage (closure test) is done (Body Test). The hydrostatic pressure will be applied to one side of the valve (inlet or outlet), and the quantity of leaks will be measured on the other side.

It implies that if you're pressurizing a valve's intake, you'll need to figure out how much leakage there is in the exit. A certain level of leakage is acceptable. Both sides must be tested and inspected in the same way. Though some valves have only one seat, others may have four seats depending on their nature. ASME B16.34 is used to determine test pressures.

Valve Back Seat Test

The Valve Back Seat Test is carried out in a valve that has a backseat. This is a feature that allows you to change the valve packing while it's still in use. The valve must be fully opened, and the packing gland must be unfastened or not inserted during this test. In the backseat test, no leaking is allowed. Keep in mind that the backseat test pressure is the same as the other valve seat tests.

Pressure Safety Valve Testing

The pressure safety valve is a direct, spring-loaded pressure-relief valve with a quick opening or pop action that is opened by the static pressure upstream of the valve.

When the static input pressure reaches the predetermined pressure, the pressure upstream of the disk is increased, and the spring force on the disk is overcome. The fluid will then flow into the huddling chamber, increasing the opening force. The disk will raise and offer a complete opening with little overpressure as a result. After the blowdown phase, the closing pressure will be lower than the specified pressure.

Typical Valve Testing Procedure

The following are the basic processes in a standard hydrostatic valve test:

• The testing fluid is put into the valve body at the required temperature.
• The specified pressure is applied for the stated amount of time (usually at least 1 minute).
• Leakage is assessed utilizing both measuring tools and visual examination throughout the valve part of interest (e.g., stem, seat, closure mechanism). Visually observable leakage is prohibited in most valve specifications.
• A visual assessment is carried out to confirm that the valve was not damaged throughout the testing process.

You can find various Valve Suppliers and Companies in Linquip that can completely cover your requirements. You are also encouraged to visit the List of Valve Distributors in Linquip. You are also highly encouraged to visit our Valve Services to inspect all requirements for your valve operation and maintenance.