Valve Testing – Standard Test Used
The API 598 (American Petroleum Institute) is a valve standard that specifies visual inspection of valves and their components under pressure based on the valve’s size and pressure ratings. This standard requires various pressure tests including the “Shell test” to check for body’s integrity, “The Back Seat test” to check for proper sealing of valve’s stem, and the “Closure test” to check for the seats tightness. This standard is basically a procedural process to determine the valve`s sealing integrity.
The ASME B16.34 (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) is the standard that covers all aspects of valve designs; materials, test pressures; temperature ratings, valve dimensions and the non-destructive examination of all cast, forged and fabricated valves. This covers all flanged, threaded and weld end valves. The ASME B16.34 ensures the safety and reliability of valves in numerous applications.
The API 598 is often used as a supplemental standard for testing valves designed according to the ASME B16.34 standard. An example would be when testing a valve, the ASME B16.34 is used to govern the shell pressure based on the valves material and pressure rating.
The ASME B31.3 Jacket Testing for Weld-On Fabricated Jackets This Process Piping Code mandates Hydrostatic Testing for piping systems to verify their integrity before service. Aspects of this test procedure include test pressure, operational stress considerations, test duration and leak detection. After the Jacket is tested, all valves are reassembled and the process end is tested to API 598 standards.
