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/.