What is Needed for Pressure Control Valve or Pressure Relief Valve Testing?
When it comes to pressure relief valve testing and its requirements, there is a lot of information out there, but actually, not all of it is conclusive. If you are new to pressure relief valve or pressure control valve maintenance and testing, the best thing to do is to find out and then comply with whatever is required by government regulations on testing this type of apparatus.
Testing requirements
According to the Australian Standard AS 1271-2003 on safety valves, other valves, liquid level gauges, and other fittings for boilers and unfired pressure vessels, the following are requirement recommendations on the frequency of testing for safety and pressure relief valves, depending on the temperature, psi, and function of the boiler or equipment.
- High-pressure steam boilers greater than 15 psi and less than 400 psi should be manually checked at least every six (6) months and pressure tested annually to verify set pressure.
- High-pressure steam boilers greater than 400 psi should be pressure tested every three (3) years to verify set pressure, or as determined by operating experience when verified by testing history.
- Low-pressure steam boilers with less than 15 psi should be checked quarterly and pressure tested annually.
- High-temperature hot water boilers operating at greater than 160 psi or around 250°F should be pressure tested annually to verify set pressure.
- Hot water heater boilers outside any high-temperature qualifications should be manually checked quarterly and pressure tested annually.
Although these are general pressure valve testing recommendations, it is important to completely read and verify all the details that fall under this government regulation guidance standard.
Be aware of the pop-off pressure point
Always be aware of the pop-off pressure point of whatever tank, system, or vessel you are testing. An important testing safety measure is to use a pressure indicator with a full-scale range higher than the set pop-off pressure point. You will need to remain within the pressure limits of the testing and ensure that the test stand is assembled properly, and should be proof pressure tested. Take steps to make sure that the escaping pressure from the valve is directed away from the operator. Also, everyone involved in the testing should be wearing safety shields and safety eye protection.
MasterMac2000
When it comes to pressure control valve systems, cylinders, pneumatic valves, and accessories, MasterMac2000 P/L is the exclusive distributor in Australia of Univer Valves. Univer has been developing original high-standard valves since 1980. Contact us for more information at 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.