PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF PROCESS

VALVES FOR USE ON LIQUID CHLORINE

GEST 86/128

4th Edition

May 2011

EURO CHLOR PUBLICATION

This document can be obtained from:

EURO CHLOR - Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Box 2 - B-1160 BRUSSELS
E-mail: eurochlor@cefic.be Internet: http://www.eurochlor.org
 GEST 86/128
4th Edition

Euro Chlor

Euro Chlor is the European federation which represents the producers of chlorine
and its primary derivatives.

Euro Chlor is working to:

 improve awareness and understanding of the contribution that chlorine

chemistry has made to the thousands of products, which have improved
our health, nutrition, standard of living and quality of life;
 maintain open and timely dialogue with regulators, politicians, scientists,
the media and other interested stakeholders in the debate on chlorine;
 ensure our industry contributes actively to any public, regulatory or
scientific debate and provides balanced and objective science-based
information to help answer questions about chlorine and its derivatives;
 promote the best safety, health and environmental practices in the
manufacture, handling and use of chlor-alkali products in order to assist
our members in achieving continuous improvements (Responsible Care).

***********
This document has been produced by the members of Euro Chlor and should not be reproduced in
whole or in part without the prior written consent of Euro Chlor.

It is intended to give only guidelines and recommendations. The information is provided in good
faith and was based on the best information available at the time of publication. The information is
to be relied upon at the user’s own risk. Euro Chlor and its members make no guarantee and
assume no liability whatsoever for the use and the interpretation of or the reliance on any of the
information provided.

This document was originally prepared in English by our technical experts. For our members’
convenience, it may have been translated into other EU languages by translators / Euro Chlor
members. Although every effort was made to ensure that the translations were accurate, Euro
Chlor shall not be liable for any losses of accuracy or information due to the translation process.

Prior to 1990, Euro Chlor’s technical activities took place under the name BITC (Bureau
International Technique du Chlore). References to BITC documents may be assumed to be to Euro
Chlor documents.
.

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RESPONSIBLE CARE IN ACTION

Chlorine is essential in the chemical industry and consequently there is a need for
chlorine to be produced, stored, transported and used. The chlorine industry has
co-operated over many years to ensure that its activities cause the minimum harm
to the well-being of its employees, local communities and the wider environment.
This document is one in a series which the European producers, acting through
Euro Chlor, have drawn up to promote continuous improvement in the general
standards of health, safety and the environment associated with chlorine
manufacture in the spirit of Responsible Care.

The voluntary recommendations, techniques and standards presented in these

documents are based on the experiences and best practices adopted by member
companies of Euro Chlor at their date of issue. They can be taken into account in
full or partly, whenever companies decide it individually, in the operation of existing
processes and in the design of new installations. They are in no way intended as
a substitute for the relevant national or international regulations which should be
fully complied with.

It has been assumed in the preparation of these publications that the users will
ensure that the contents are relevant to the application selected and are correctly
applied by appropriately qualified and experienced people for whose guidance
they have been prepared. The contents are based on the most authoritative
information available at the time of writing and on good engineering, medical or
technical practice but it is essential to take account of appropriate subsequent
developments or legislation. As a result, the text may be modified in the future to
incorporate evolution of these and other factors.

This edition of the document has been drawn up by the Equipment Working Group
to whom all suggestions concerning possible revision should be addressed
through the offices of Euro Chlor.

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4th Edition

Summary of the Main Modifications in this version

Section Nature
All Substitution of “homologation” by “approval”
5. Euro Chlor audit of the manufacturer added
10. Additional information required (change of supplier)
11. Improvement of chap 11 for re-approval procedures
Appendix B Addition of a valve field test protocol as appendix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE 5
2. GENERAL 5
3. APPLICATION BY VALVE MANUFACTURER 5
4. RECEIPT OF APPLICATION BY EURO CHLOR 6
5. PRODUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE 6
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION APPROVAL 7
7. PROTOTYPE TESTING 7
8. OPERATING EXPERIENCE 7
9. REVIEW BY EURO CHLOR 8
10. ISSUING OF APPROVAL CERTIFICATE 8
11. MODIFICATION TO APPROVED VALVE 9
12. PERIODIC REVIEW 9
13. REFERENCES 10

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1. SCOPE

This document covers the following point.

 The procedure for Euro Chlor approval (type approval) of the design,
manufacture and performance of process valves for use on liquid
chlorine duties and which are covered by a Euro Chlor Specification.

 The procedure for the approval of modification(s) to existing

approved valves design.

 The periodic re-approval procedure for previously approved

equipment is also included.

A logic diagram depicting the approval procedure is given in appendix A.

2. GENERAL

The procedure for Euro Chlor approval requires that the design, manufacture
and performance of valves are assessed before they are approved by our
association for use on liquid chlorine duties.

This procedure involves:

a) Confirmation that the valve design complies with the requirements of the
relevant part of the GEST specification for the type of valve.

b) Confirmation that manufacture of the valve satisfies the Quality

Assurance requirements of ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 (or equivalent).

c) Assessment of the valve performance by checking, inspecting and

testing a prototype valve (see clause 7) and reviewing the operating
experience of the valve on chlorine duties (see clause 8).

3. APPLICATION BY VALVE MANUFACTURER

Manufacturers wishing to apply for Euro Chlor approval of their chlorine valves
shall write to:

Euro Chlor Secretariat

Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, box 2
B – 1160 BRUSSELS
Phone: +32/2/676.72.11
Fax: +32/2/676.72.41

The valve manufacturer’s application shall request Euro Chlor approval for
specifically nominated valves and shall propose an independent inspection

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body to carry out the assessments referred to in sections 5, 6 and 7. The

application shall include a copy of a file containing a legible detailed, large
scale sectional drawing of the valves with nomenclature for the complete
assembly with the full description of the different options.

In addition, the manufacturer must provide a detailed report justifying the

compliance of their valves to the requirements of the relevant part of the GEST
06/318 – Globe Valves for Use on Liquid Chlorine specification.

If practical experience already exists, the supplier should add a list of plants
from Euro Chlor members’ companies where the nominated valves are
installed. This gives Euro Chlor the opportunity to gather reports of experience
from those users (see appendix B).

The file shall be specific to liquid chlorine application, and will be kept
confidential and retained by Euro Chlor.

Final submission to Euro Chlor GEST shall be in English.

4. RECEIPT OF APPLICATION BY EURO CHLOR

On receipt of the application, the Equipment Group Secretary shall:

a) Acknowledge receipt of the application;

b) Confirm acceptability of the independent inspection body;

c) Check the operating information coming from users;

d) Register a master file which shall contain all information related to the
application for Euro Chlor approval.

No further action shall be taken by Euro Chlor until the manufacturer sends to
Euro Chlor written confirmation from the independent inspection body (see
Section 4b)) that an assessment in accordance with GEST 86/129 - Procedure
for an Independent Assessment of Process Valves for Use on Liquid
Chlorine, Prior to Consideration for Euro Chlor Approval has been carried
out (except if waived).

5. PRODUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE

The independent inspection body shall confirm that the manufacture of valves,
for which approval has been applied, has been assessed to ISO 9001 or ISO
9002 (or equivalent) at the manufacturer’s premises.

The manufacturer will accept visits of its production, testing and packaging
facility by a delegation of the Euro Chlor Equipment Working Group.

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In case of change in machining, assembling, testing plant, the manufacturer

must notify it to Euro Chlor that can decide to make an audit visit to the
production unit.

6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION APPROVAL

The independent inspection body shall confirm that:

a) The manufacturer has designed and manufactured the valve to

appropriate professional standards by means of a general assessment
of documents such as design calculations, manufacturing drawings,
weld procedures, etc

b) The valve is in accordance with the manufacturer’s drawings

c) The valve meets all the requirements of the relevant part of the
recommendation GEST 06/318 – Globe Valves for Use on Liquid
Chlorine.

Variations from the relevant part of the GEST specification shall not be
permitted without prior written agreement of the Equipment Working Group.

7. PROTOTYPE TESTING

The independent inspection body shall confirm that the prototype valve has
been successfully checked, inspected and tested in compliance with GEST
86/129 - Procedure for an Independent Assessment of Process Valves for
Use on Liquid Chlorine, Prior to Consideration for Euro Chlor Approval.

This requirement may be waived by the Equipment Working Group for

“existing” valves in use by Euro Chlor members where satisfactory operating
experience can be demonstrated (see clause 8).

This waiving process can also be applied for improvements to already

approved valve, provided the technical analysis made by the working group of
the proposed “light” modifications shows they cannot be the possible cause of
problems.

“Light” modifications are those considered by the Equipment working group as

not affecting the valves integrity (not increasing the potential risk of chlorine
leak).

8. OPERATING EXPERIENCE

The Equipment Working Group shall assess the operating experience of the
nominated valves by a detailed review of the valve performance questionnaire
(see Section 4c) and discussions with users.

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For “light” modifications of already approved valves, no additional field test will
be required.

The requirements for Euro Chlor approval are:

 Satisfactory operating experience of a minimum of 6 valves on liquid

chlorine duties by at least two Euro Chlor member companies (at least 3
valves per company).

 Different diameters of valves shall be tested.

 The duration of the trial shall be at least two years for valves subject to
prototype testing according to clause 7;

9. REVIEW BY EURO CHLOR

When the manufacturer has sent to Euro Chlor written confirmation from the
independent inspection body that an assessment in accordance with GEST
86/129 - Procedure for an Independent Assessment of Process Valves for
Use on Liquid Chlorine, Prior to Consideration for Euro Chlor Approval
and GEST 06/318 – Globe Valves for Use on Liquid Chlorine has been
completed, the Equipment Working Group shall meet to confirm that all
appropriate stages of this procedure have been satisfactorily completed and
that all relevant documentation is satisfactory and is filed in the Secretariat of
Euro Chlor.

When necessary, the Equipment Working Group shall arrange a meeting with
the valve manufacturer to discuss and resolve any problem.

On completion of this review, the Equipment Working Group shall, either

recommend or not recommend the issue of a Euro Chlor approval Certificate
for the valve.

10. ISSUING OF APPROVAL CERTIFICATE

Following confirmation by the Equipment Working Group that all appropriate

stages of this procedure have been satisfactorily completed, the Euro Chlor
Secretariat shall file copies of all relevant documentation and the GEST shall
issue a certificate for all approved valves.

This certificate shall also be signed by the manufacturer.

When signing the Euro Chlor approval Certificate, the manufacturer

undertakes, for all valves subsequently manufactured that are covered by the
approval Certificate:

 To make no alteration to the specifications and documents which make

up the master file;

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 To manufacture valves to an identical standard to those submitted for

approval, in terms of quality, size and materials of the valve
components;

 When making any repairs, to comply with the criteria and methods
specified in the master file;

 To carry out all the tests and inspections laid down in the master file;

 To make no modification to anything given on the approved drawings or

in the master file (production process/location …) without prior
agreement of Euro Chlor who may, after reviewing the manufacturer’s
proposals, uphold the approval, or withdraw it and require a new
assessment;

 To inform Euro Chlor prior to any change in material, part suppliers or

production process/location.

11. MODIFICATION TO APPROVED VALVE

In case of a proposed modification to an approved valve (see here above), an

application shall be made to the Euro Chlor secretariat as per section 3.

The Equipment working group will fully assess the implication of the proposed
modification and define a relevant inspection and test procedure, if needed.

Modifications that affect the pressure containing envelope (e.g. new casting
design) will typically require prototype testing and operating experience as
defined in sections 7 and 8.

In the case of a change in casting supplier, the quality and dimensional

accuracy of the new casting shall be verified; an operating field test will
normally not be necessary.

12. PERIODIC REVIEW

The valve manufacturer shall appoint an independent inspection body to review

the Euro Chlor approval not more than 5 years after the date of issue of the
approval Certificate.

Particular circumstances, for example the bad operating experience of a user,

may necessitate an earlier review.

This review will check for any changes in the design, material supply,
production and quality processes, and that the products comply with the last
revision of the GEST 06/318.

A detailed report will be submitted to the Euro Chlor Equipment working group
for review which shall determine which of the following actions shall be taken:

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a) Confirmation of the approval for a further period of up to 5 years.

b) Withdrawal of the approval Certificate.

13. REFERENCES

 GEST 86/129 - Procedure for an Independent Assessment of Process

Valves for Use on Liquid Chlorine, Prior to Consideration for Euro
Chlor Approval

 GEST 06/318 – Globe Valves for Use on Liquid Chlorine

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ANNEX A: APPROVAL - LOGIC DIAGRAM

Application by valve manufacturer

Acknowledgement of application by Euro Chlor

Euro Chlor confirms acceptance of independent inspection body

Send operational experience questionnaire

to Euro Chlor members

Register a Master File

Carry out an independent assessment of nominated

valves in accordance with GEST 86/129, including:
 Assess Quality Assurance System
 Evaluation of Technical Specification
 Production Valve Examination

Visit of manufacturer by Euro Chlor

Prototype testing according

to GEST 86/129 (see note)

Operational experience (except “light”

modifications)

Euro Chlor review

Euro Chlor approval

Note: Prototype testing (GEST 86/129 Procedure for an Independent

Assessment of Process Valves for Use on Liquid Chlorine prior to
Consideration for Euro Chlor Approval) may be waived (GEST 86/128,
clause 7)

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ANNEX B: FIELD TEST REPORT

EURO CHLOR - EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP

Valve field test summary report

For each valve tested complete the form below:

Wherever possible quantitative data should be given but if the question requires a
qualitative answer then indicate “OK” if the item is judged acceptable with
reference to Euro Chlor specification, or comment accordingly if not.

Supplier
Type Globe
Manufacturer
Model
Nominal bore
Special item?
Manual / Actuated
Pre
installation Date of inspection
inspection
General condition
Body and
identification marking
Dryness protection
Inspection and test
documentation
Other?
Test duty
Date installed
information
Valve duty
Average temperature
Min/Max temperature
Average pressure
Min / Max pressure
Type of use Continuous Intermittent

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Number of operations

Valve insulated?
Performance
Tightness of seat
in Service
Tightness housing
(location of leakage)
Ease of operation
Degree of icing /
problems?
Post trial
Internal corrosion /
internal
erosion
inspection
External corrosion
Seat condition (*)
Gland packing
condition
Bellow condition

(*) corrosion, erosion, wear markings …

Conclusion (tick the line chosen)

Recommend valve design O

Improvements required prior to valve approval (specify): O

Unable to recommend this valve design (explain) O

Person to contact

Company
Site
Name
Mail address

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Industrial consumers of chlorine, engineering and equipment supply companies

worldwide and chlorine producers outside Europe may establish a permanent
relationship with Euro Chlor by becoming Associate Members or Technical
Correspondents.

Details of membership categories and fees are available from:

Euro Chlor
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4
Box 2
B-1160 Brussels
Belgium

Tel: +32 2 676 7211

Fax: +32 2 676 7241
e-mail: eurochlor@cefic.be
Internet: http://www.eurochlor.org

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