Introduction
Valves are important components of any valve-controlled system, and because of their widespread use, different industry standards have been developed to ensure their quality, performance, and safety. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can design and build reliable, safe, and efficient products for their users and customers.
In this article, we will look at some of the key standards related to valves, from installation standards to the selection, operation, and maintenance of valves. Understanding these standards will help those responsible for specifying and controlling the use and development of valves within their organizations.
Installation Standards
Before any valve installation takes place, a compliance check should be performed to make sure that the valves comply with the necessary standards. According to the ISO 25817-2 standard, valves must be able to operate and maintain their functionality within the given environment, as well as comply with the requirements set out by legislation and industry standards. The following should also be considered during the compliance check:
• The operating conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.)
• The materials used to manufacture the valve
• The construction of the valve (flange type, gasket material, etc.)
• The sealing of the valve
• The applicable standards for the particular application (e.g. welding and piping)
The purpose of the compliance check is to ensure that any manufacturing and installation process can be carried out in a safe manner. It also ensures that the final product is of the highest quality and complies with the applicable standards.
Valve Selection
When selecting any valve it is important to take into account the operating conditions, type of medium handled, pressure rating, construction materials and of course the applicable standards. The main criteria used to choose a valve is safety: valves must be designed, manufactured and installed in such a way that they operate safely, reliably and with minimal impact on the environment.
The selection process must also comply with the relevant standards, such as API600 for steel gate, globe and check valves or API6D for pipeline valves. These standards cover a wide range of topics from materials, design, inspection testing to product marking, safety and maintenance requirements. These standards are important in helping to measure the performance of the valve, as well as providing a benchmark for safe operation and maintenance.
Operation and Maintenance
The operation and maintenance of valves is an important factor in any system and should be regularly checked. The basic requirements for operating and maintaining valves is to ensure that the valve is operating correctly and safely. This can be done by:
• Checking the pressure and flow rate settings
• Performing a visual inspection
• Testing the actuation and control systems
• Testing handwheels, levers and seating surfaces
• Checking lubrication
• Inspecting gaskets, seals and packing
• Ensuring the valve meets design specifications
In addition to these basic checks, the American Petroleum Institute (API) recommends that valves are inspected periodically (at least once per year) to ensure they are operating correctly and safely. The inspection should be carried out by a qualified person and should include the following:
• Inspection of all accessible parts
• Measurement of seat widths
• Checking for any signs of leakage
• An operational test of the valve
• Testing the valve for vibration or noise
• Checking for any visual damage
Conclusion
Valves are a key component of any system, and need to be developed, manufactured and installed according to the relevant standards. This helps to protect the integrity and performance of the valve, and ensures it is safe and reliable to use. As with all valve systems, regular inspection and maintenance should be carried out to ensure the valve is operating correctly and safely. By adhering to these standards and carrying out regular inspections, the life of the valve can be extended, and performance, safety and reliability increased.
