MESC ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT SPE 77/307

Revision: 15-Feb-2005. Page 1 of 5.

PRODUCTION TESTING OF VALVES IN VACUUM SERVICE

1. 1.1

INTRODUCTION SCOPE This specification covers the requirements and procedures for the acceptance testing of valves in vacuum service down to 10 Pa (0.1 mbar). This specification shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC buying descriptions and referenced external standards. The applicable valve type and design standard are specified in the relevant MESC description and/or requisition.

1.2.

2.

REFERENCES In this specification, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTE: Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.

SPE 77 / 302 SPE 77 / 312

Materials, examination and certification requirements for valves in general services. Fugitive emission leak detection of valves.

3. 3.1

GENERAL INFORMATION AND PRE-REQUISITES Test valves shall be selected at random from the total lot of valves, taking into account the requirements of SPE 77/302 sections 4.2.1 through 4.2.4. Total number of samples shall be 10%, but with a minimum of one per type. Valves shall be tested at the manufacturer's works or an independent testing facility. Valves shall have successfully passed the normal production tests as per the applicable design standard and specification. The operational test at ambient temperature, as per section 7, is an optional test and shall be specified by the Principal. For a sample of the test record/certificate, see Appendix A. If the test equipment fails or a shortage of gas (bottle/supply) occurs, the test shall be aborted and the valve shall be submitted to a re-test.

3.2 3.3 3.4

3.5

3.6 3.7

4. 4.1 4.2 4.3

TEST RIG AND INSTRUMENTS (VACUUM TEST) A sketch of a suitable test rig is shown in appendix B. The test medium shall be helium. Leakage into the valve and test equipment shall be detected by means of a mass spectrometer or other method suitable for helium leak detection. Other detection methods are subject to approval by the Principal. All measuring equipment and instruments shall have a valid calibration certificate.

4.4

MESC ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT SPE 77/307

Revision: 15-Feb-2005. Page 2 of 5.

5. 5.1 5.2 5.3

PREPARATIONS PRIOR TO TESTING The test equipment and valve shall be dry and free of oil and dust. The valve shall be visually inspected for any damage, defects etc. The valve shall not have any protective coating on the valve body and internals which may hide any porosity. If a protective coating has to be removed, the valve shall be disassembled and the valve body and internals shall be thoroughly cleaned and degreased with inhibited methylene-chloride or tri-chlor-ethylene. After re-assembly, the valve shall be re-qualified to the requirements of the applicable design standard and specification. The valve ends shall be equipped with end covers, capable for testing in both directions. Both covers shall be provided with a pressure/vent connection. Brackets to support the valve in the test rig shall be fixed to the end covers or alternatively clamped to the body. There shall be no support mounted to the bonnet of the valve.

5.4

5.5

6. 6.1 6.2

TEST PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS The tests shall be carried out in the sequence as stated in sections 7 and 8. All observations, obtained test data and findings shall be recorded (see appendix A) and submitted to the Principal. Bi-directional valves shall be tested in both directions. Uni directional valves shall be tested in one direction only. Full operation of the valve (from open to close) shall not take more than the maximum time specified by the manufacturer or as otherwise specified by the Principal. Manually operated valves shall be operated without the use of spanners. The maximum force and torque for operation of the valve during the maximum differential test pressure, shall not exceed the value as per the applicable design standard / MESC additional requirement. Check valves need not to be opened and closed.

6.3

6.4

6.5 6.6

6.7

7. 7.1 7.2 7.3

OPERATIONAL TEST AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - OPTIONAL The test pressure shall be equal to the allowable (rated) cold working seat pressure of the valve. The pressure shall be established in steps of 5 equal increments. The test pressure may be applied either hydrostatic or pneumatic. The valve shall be in the closed position and subjected to the test pressure. The downstream system of the valve shall be de-pressurised at the beginning of each pressure increment. After the first, third and fifth pressure increment the valve shall be fully opened and closed five times. The pressure shall be stable at the beginning of each first operation.

7.4

MESC ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT SPE 77/307

Revision: 15-Feb-2005. Page 3 of 5.

7.5

The opening force, closing force and torque of each first operation shall be recorded.

8. 8.1

VACUUM TEST AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE The valve shall be in the half open position and subjected to a vacuum of 10 Pa (0.1 mbar). The vacuum shall remain stable throughout the test duration. The test duration shall be as follows: Test duration in minutes Nominal size 150/300 Up to and including DN 50 DN 80 up to and including DN 150 DN 200 up to and including DN 400 DN 450 up to and including DN 600 3 600 6 Pressure class 800/900 9 1500 12 2500 12

8.2

12

15

18

12

15

18

12

15

18

21

8.3

The measured emission performance class (i.e. tightness class, endurance class and temperature class) shall comply with the acceptance criteria specified in the purchase order (i.e. the MESC buying description) and SPE 77/312.

9. 9.1

POST-TEST EXAMINATION The valve shall be visually inspected for any damage, etc.

APPENDIX A PRODUCTION VALVE TEST RECORD/CERTIFICATE Inspection authority Report reference no. Valve manufacturer Purchaser Purchase order no. Valve identification Design standard : : : : : : : Date of test Type of valve Size Class rating Seat material Body material : : : : : :

MESC ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT SPE 77/307

Revision: 15-Feb-2005. Page 4 of 5.

Test 1) (7) Increment : 1. 2. Operational test at ambient temperature test medium: Pressure Pressure bar bar

Requirements and limits Operate valve 5 times fully open/close Leakage Operational force and torque Max. Max. cm/5 min. 350 N Nm 350 N Nm 350 N Nm 350 N Nm O= C= O= C= O= C= O= C=

Actual results

cm/5 min. N N Nm N N Nm N N Nm N N Nm

3.

Pressure

bar

Operational force and torque

Max. Max.

4.

Pressure

bar

Operational force and torque

Max. Max.

5.

Pressure

bar

Operational force and torque

Max. Max.

(8.1) (8.2)

Shell (vacuum) test at ambient temperature test medium: Pressure: 10 Pa (0.1 mbar)

Leakage through the valve:

Test duration as per SPE 77/307 section 8.2. Leakage criteria as per buying description and SPE 77/312

cm/5 min.

(9)

Valve examination

Observations and findings. Date: Date:

Inspection authority signature: Witness signature: 1) Numbers between brackets refer to paragraphs in this specification.

MESC ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT SPE 77/307

Revision: 15-Feb-2005. Page 5 of 5.

Appendix B, Schematic arrangement of test rig :