boiler safety valve testing in stock

Tired of keeping track of your valve inventory’s annual certification records? We offer complete management of your safety relief valves. With an inventory of repair parts and in stock relief valves of all sizes, we can respond to any customer emergency. We offer annual certification services as well as repair of all major brands, including Kunkle, Conbraco, Consolidated, Dresser, Apollo and more.

Safety valves are used in a variety of applications, including air/gas, vapor, steam and liquid service.  Flotech has been approved by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors to perform safety and relief valve testing, repair and certification.

Our valve experts will focus on getting your valves tested, repaired and quickly set to the exact specifications.  We evaluate the repair condition of every valve and will recommend the right solution to manage your maintenance program.

Safety valves are used in a variety of applications, including air/gas, vapor, steam and liquid service. Quadco has been approved by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors to perform safety and relief valve testing, repair and certification.

Our valve experts will focus on getting your valves tested, repaired and calibrated to the required specifications in a timely manner. We evaluate the current condition of every valve and will recommend the right solution to manage your maintenance program.

National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors certified shop with a steam boiler available for testing and certifying your valves to reduce your downtime.

Quadco uses portable Accutest and Hydraulic equipment to verify the set pressure of in-line safety and safety relief valves without having to shut down a system or unit. By applying force to the valve spindle, coupled with system pressure, and a “true” effective area, specifications are acquired, processed, stored, and printed.

Distributor of pipe, valves, piping accessories, industrial pumps & valve automation. Fluid handling products such as steam traps, control & high performance valves, corrosion resistant piping & grooved piping systems are also available. Valves include sanitary butterfly, plug, ball, check, gate, globe, sampling & rising stem valves. Instrumentation include actuators, limit switches, instrumentation fittings, transmitter manifolds, low pressure brass fittings, quick connectors, thermometers, gauges, RTDs, thermocouples, temperature & pressure sensors, pressure & temperature regulators, fluid & gas meters & sensors, positive displacement & turbine meters, positioners, switch boxes & pneumatic cylinders. Pumps & process equipment include rotary, positive displacement, air operated double diaphragm, progressive cavity, centrifugal, vertical & horizontal, end suction & submersible pumps.

Testing the safety relief valve is extremely important to the overall safety of your boiler system. In this post, we’ll be talking about what goes into testing a steam relief valve, but safety valve repairs should only be performed by a company holding a current Certificate of Authorization (VR) from the National Board of Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

Using certified and calibrated gauges is essential to accurate testing. WARE’s own Rick Walker recommends using two gauges, for maximum accuracy and in case one isn’t properly functioning.

Relief valves need to open and close at very specific pressures, and also need to open smoothly. A smooth opening contains a clean “pop” sound, and not a simmering or chattering sound. Responding to the appropriate pressures and opening and closing cleanly are both important signs a professional maintenance provider will look for in a safety valve.

Safety valves contain a compression screw, which puts pressure on a spring and causes the valve to function. The compression screw is where a maintenance provider will try to dial in your valve’s functionality and make set-pressure adjustments. It’s important to note if a valve is cold it might test higher, but as the valve gets hotter its metal will expand and its innerspring will slightly decompress.

Once the valve is warm and has stabilized, it’s best to give it more than one test (Rick does three) to make sure the valve is consistent and within ASME code.

ASME defines a safety valve as properly functioning at 150 psi if it tests within 3% of the set pressure. If your valve tests within 3% of the set pressure three times in a row on properly calibrated gauges, you’re likely good to go.

Remember, this procedure should only be done by professionals. If you’d like to schedule maintenance for your boiler, need assistance, or just want to learn more, contact us and check out our maintenance and service options at https://www.wareinc.com/boiler-services

Our repair service center is designed to keep your customer’s safety and relief valves at peak operating efficiency. And put extra profits in your pocket.

North American’s Service Center is equipped to handle any safety valve repair. NASVI has the specifications for nearly every safety valve ever made—allowing technicians to make repairs to exact specifications. The center has six lathes on site, so technicians can restore tolerances on existing parts in quick order. If a part cannot be restored, it can generally be replaced from our extensive parts inventory.

Once repairs are complete, valves are tested and then set at one of six, fully equipped test stations. The boiler is on every day for testing steam valves. It’s always ready, allowing us to set and ship your valves fast.

Over the years, our Service Center has proven popular with maintenance managers. It allows the plant to have their valves repaired, serviced and set quickly, which minimizes downtime. They also like the service because it saves them money.

Our repair service also includes updating the valve to the latest design standard when necessary. All valves serviced in our repair facility carry a one-year standard warranty. North American holds ASME’s V and UV stamps and National Board’s NB and VR stamps. The next time your customer has questions about repairing or upgrading their safety or relief valves, give one of our application engineers a call.

You don’t have to be an expert in the field of safety and relief valves to sell them. We are here to help. Our goal is to make it easy for you to profit from the sales of safety and relief valves. Our expertise comes from taking care of our customers for over 42 years. And our large inventory allows us to offer same day shipment from stock on every valve Kunkle makes.

The sole responsibility of our dedicated applications engineers is to take care of your requirements. We will help you with sales planning, product selection and after sale service when needed. We will even provide you with catalogs that have no reference to NASVI. Our valuable advice is free and as close as your phone. So the next time your customer calls and needs a safety or relief valve, call a NASVI Applications Engineer.

They’ll have a quick answer on price, availability and shipment. When it comes to selling safety valves, you don’t have to stock anything. Simply call 1-800-800-8882 or visit us on the web at www.nasvi.com. We’ll make it easy for you!

Our two-truck unit responds to customer requests anywhere, offering on-site repair and resetting of safety valves during scheduled maintenance shutdowns.

Step into the mobile repair unit and you’ll find all the equipment necessary to perform highest-caliber repairs: sand blaster, compressor, lathe, mill/drill press, lapping machine–-it’s all inside. There’s also a Consolidated® seat-resurfacing machine with all adapters for every orifice in the Maxi-Flow® boiler line. Completed valve work will carry the VR stamp.

The Field Service Unit also includes a state of-the-art computerized lift-assist testing unit that allows for testing set pressures and resetting high-pressure safety valves in the field. The testing unit makes testing valves that are welded in-line or stationary possible without removing the valves. Your customers won’t be required to pressure down or increase pressure to test for set pressure. The lift assist testing unit also allows for resetting valves after repairs have been made while the valves are on-line.

If you have prospects or customers that bought their replacement valves elsewhere because you haven’t been able to provide on-site service, you will want to get back with them and talk about this service. If you have questions about pricing and scheduling of our Field Service Unit, give us a call at (800) 800-8882.

IVI is a VR certified safety valve repair facility, approved by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors as a VR certificate holder (stamp 179). We certify pressure relief valves in the shop and in the field for sections V and UV. We also perform on-site testing (while the plant operates) providing documented reports for all valves tested. We are also certified to administer special process conversions regarding machining, welding, heat treating, and N.D.T. (non-destructive testing) with our VR certificate.

With our VR stamp, we repair all types of pressure relief valves such as Consolidated, Crosby, Kunkle, Farris, Spence, Anderson Greenwood, and numerous other O.E.M. safety and pressure relief valves.

When I teach my steam classes, I ask the attendees, "Do you test the pop safety valve?" Most do not. When I ask why, they tell me the same reason; the safety valve will leak. I joke during the classes that you do not want to test the pop safety valve on a Friday afternoon because it will almost certainly leak. I then ask, Do you check the low water cutoff? They look at me like I have a third eye and say they always check the low water cutoff. If you test the low water cutoff, you should test the pop safety valve. It is the last line of defense against a potential catastrophe. One of the things I do when performing a boiler service call is to explain the duty of the pop safety valve and ask the customer if they would like to have it tested. I explain that it could leak and if they refuse to test it, I will notate it on my service call in case something happens. In this way, my company is protected.

The best way to understand the pop safety valve is to read the instructions which came with the valve. I don"t have a life, and while you are watching the Masked Singer, I read O & M manuals. I know, I"m weird. I figure it"s my job to share things I find while reading these page-turners. The manufacturer hides all sorts of useful tidbits on the installation and maintenance of their valve. I have enclosed some information I gleaned while reading the instructions for a Conbraco/Apollo pop safety valve.

The valve must be mounted in a vertical, upright position directly to a clean, tapped opening in the top of the boiler. I see many safety valves installed horizontally and wonder if that voids the warranty. There should be no restrictions or valves in the piping to or from the safety valve. The installation instructions require the discharge piping to be schedule 40 pipe. They specifically say not to use schedule 80 pipe, which is 50% thicker than schedule 40 pipe. Many installers use copper tubing for the discharge, which does not meet the instructions. The other thing which confuses me the manufacturer instructs you not to use a pipe wrench to install the safety valve. I would wager 99% of all valves are installed using a pipe wrench. I wonder what kind of valve they want you to use.

I consult the pop safety manufacturer or the building insurance company to determine the frequency of tests. Apollo recommends quarterly testing using the Try Lever Test unless the valve is located in a severe service condition, and then it should be done more often. They further state the pop safety valve should have a Pressure Test annually before the heating season or at the end of any non-service period. This test will check your courage as you have to jump out the pressure controls and watch the operation of the boiler as the pressure builds. If the pop safety valve opens at the set pressure, the valve is working properly. This is not a test a novice should do alone.

Apollo suggests checking the pop safety valve at or near the maximum operating pressure by holding the test lever fully open for at least 5 seconds and letting it pop closed. On a low-pressure steam system, the pop safety valve is set for 15 psi. I like to run the boiler steam pressure up to 12 psi or higher to check the pop safety valve. After the test, I drop it to the operating pressure the owner requires. If the valve does not open, the boiler should be shut down until it is checked by a licensed contractor or qualified service person.

The pop safety manufacturer requires a minimum pressure differential of five psi between the pressure relief valve set pressure and the boiler operating pressure. It further states, Under no circumstances should the margin be less than five psig. On a low-pressure steam boiler, the pop safety valve will be set for 15 psi. That means the boiler steam pressure should be ten psi or lower. In breweries, it is common to see the boiler pressure set at 12-14 psi. This is less than the five psi differential and could create a dangerous condition.

As soon as mankind was able to boil water to create steam, the necessity of the safety device became evident. As long as 2000 years ago, the Chinese were using cauldrons with hinged lids to allow (relatively) safer production of steam. At the beginning of the 14th century, chemists used conical plugs and later, compressed springs to act as safety devices on pressurised vessels.

Early in the 19th century, boiler explosions on ships and locomotives frequently resulted from faulty safety devices, which led to the development of the first safety relief valves.

In 1848, Charles Retchie invented the accumulation chamber, which increases the compression surface within the safety valve allowing it to open rapidly within a narrow overpressure margin.

Today, most steam users are compelled by local health and safety regulations to ensure that their plant and processes incorporate safety devices and precautions, which ensure that dangerous conditions are prevented.

The principle type of device used to prevent overpressure in plant is the safety or safety relief valve. The safety valve operates by releasing a volume of fluid from within the plant when a predetermined maximum pressure is reached, thereby reducing the excess pressure in a safe manner. As the safety valve may be the only remaining device to prevent catastrophic failure under overpressure conditions, it is important that any such device is capable of operating at all times and under all possible conditions.

Safety valves should be installed wherever the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of a system or pressure-containing vessel is likely to be exceeded. In steam systems, safety valves are typically used for boiler overpressure protection and other applications such as downstream of pressure reducing controls. Although their primary role is for safety, safety valves are also used in process operations to prevent product damage due to excess pressure. Pressure excess can be generated in a number of different situations, including:

The terms ‘safety valve’ and ‘safety relief valve’ are generic terms to describe many varieties of pressure relief devices that are designed to prevent excessive internal fluid pressure build-up. A wide range of different valves is available for many different applications and performance criteria.

In most national standards, specific definitions are given for the terms associated with safety and safety relief valves. There are several notable differences between the terminology used in the USA and Europe. One of the most important differences is that a valve referred to as a ‘safety valve’ in Europe is referred to as a ‘safety relief valve’ or ‘pressure relief valve’ in the USA. In addition, the term ‘safety valve’ in the USA generally refers specifically to the full-lift type of safety valve used in Europe.

Pressure relief valve- A spring-loaded pressure relief valve which is designed to open to relieve excess pressure and to reclose and prevent the further flow of fluid after normal conditions have been restored. It is characterised by a rapid-opening ‘pop’ action or by opening in a manner generally proportional to the increase in pressure over the opening pressure. It may be used for either compressible or incompressible fluids, depending on design, adjustment, or application.

Safety valves are primarily used with compressible gases and in particular for steam and air services. However, they can also be used for process type applications where they may be needed to protect the plant or to prevent spoilage of the product being processed.

Relief valve - A pressure relief device actuated by inlet static pressure having a gradual lift generally proportional to the increase in pressure over opening pressure.

Relief valves are commonly used in liquid systems, especially for lower capacities and thermal expansion duty. They can also be used on pumped systems as pressure overspill devices.

Safety relief valve - A pressure relief valve characterised by rapid opening or pop action, or by opening in proportion to the increase in pressure over the opening pressure, depending on the application, and which may be used either for liquid or compressible fluid.

In general, the safety relief valve will perform as a safety valve when used in a compressible gas system, but it will open in proportion to the overpressure when used in liquid systems, as would a relief valve.

Safety valve- A valve which automatically, without the assistance of any energy other than that of the fluid concerned, discharges a quantity of the fluid so as to prevent a predetermined safe pressure being exceeded, and which is designed to re-close and prevent further flow of fluid after normal pressure conditions of service have been restored.

Vinson understands that complete reliability of all Pressure Relief Devices is essential to protect, not only a plant’s assets, but most importantly all personnel and the environment. Vinson offers both field and in-shop repair services, and is proud to be one of the nation’s leading National Board certified VR & TO Repair Facilities. With certifications on air/gas/liquid and steam service (Section I & VIII), Vinson provides setting, repair and testing services on all manufacturers valves up to 10,000 psi.

A containerized solution placed directly upstream from the client’s process allows for rapid transition to valve testing. A factory test fired, ready-to-use, containerized solution requires as little as 24 hours between final connections and full production. A comprehensive drawing package provided in advance allows for effective site preparation.

Quick steaming operation provides full output from cold status in less than 5 minutes. When combined with a PLC enhanced operating system, a constant steam supply is available for continuous rather than batch or unitary valve testing.

Plant safety is also significantly enhanced with ultra-low water content coil tube boilers. High quality steam is assured - firing rate and pressure control are achieved through pre-programmed, closed loop, control logic.

Thermogenics ST boilers are constructed with materials that exceed ASME standards providing a reliable solution with long life expectancy under harsh operating parameters.

Full parts, service, and start up support are available through Thermogenics’ boiler service solutions. This builds on a trusted partner relationship established over a long period of time servicing the legacy boiler solution. Less important to both parties is the type of solution or make of boiler in place, more important is maintaining a reliable, effective, component of the client’s overall process.

At each of our 12 convenient locations, the Chalmers & Kubeck Valve and Actuation Technicians are factory trained and certified. Each expert Technician is required to meet stringent factory standards prior certification so you can be confident that we will provide the expert, efficient, and comprehensive service that you expect.

Our services include field trouble shooting, actuator refurbishment, control enhancement, electronic valve testing, torque verification, turnkey overhauls / repairs, retrofits, and valve testing / certification. We offer complete reconditioning of ball valves, butterfly valves, check valves, control valves, gate valves, globe valves, parallel slide valves, pilot operated valves, plug valves, pressure relief valves, pressure safety valves, vacuum break valves, and other specialty valves.

Baker Hughes manufactures the premier boiler safety valves and pressure relief valves in the industry, Consolidated®, and authorizes a very select group of companies to be their exclusive factory authorized repair and service centers, known as Green Tag Centers® (GTC). Ten of the 12 C&K Service Locations are GTCs, which means that you will receive best-in-class aftermarket product support. With our OEM trained and certified valve technicians, you know that your relief valves will be rebuilt correctly to exacting standards. Prior to certification, each of our valve technicians must go through Baker Hughes classroom training that includes applicable codes and standards, proprietary repair procedures, and practical hands-on instruction. The technician must prove their proficiency during both written and practical examinations covering relief valve repair, assembly, and testing. With our certified Green Tag Technicians, you can rest assured that your valves will be serviced in compliance with ASME and NBBI (National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors) standards so they perform their critical safety function as intended.

Each of our GTC service locations has compete machining capabilities, calibrated measuring and testing equipment, specialized electronic valve testing equipment, and ValvKeep, a proprietary electronic data management system, so you can track and trend the repair history of your valves. We also carry significant inventory of Consolidated pressure relief valves and OEM certified replacement parts ensuring rapid response to your urgent repair needs. If for some reason we don’t have a part in stock locally, we have access to all parts stocked by GTCs throughout the entire United States and can have them overnight shipped to one of our service centers. We are your trusted local pressure relief valve service center whether your valves are Consolidated or another manufacturer’s brand.

Since the first installation of its Limitorque Machine (limit & torque capable) in 1929, Limitorque has been manufacturing some of the most innovative and dependable motor-operated valve actuators for demanding industrial applications.  Flowserve, the parent company of Limitorque, authorizes a select group of companies to be their “Limitorque Blue Ribbon” service and repair centers.  Chalmers & Kubeck is proud to be the largest Limitorque Distributor east of the Mississippi River and that all twelve (12) of our locations are Limitorque Blue Ribbon Service Centers.  With over 20 years  providing outstanding Blue Ribbon Service, C&K is your go-to solution for actuator sizing, selection, adaptation, installation / certification, maintenance, repair, and field service.

This team of valve and instrument specialists works closely together to provide customer assistance in technical sales, quotations and delivery. Chalmers & Kubeck maintains around-the -clock service, which includes the assembly and test of new CONSOLIDATED® pressure relief valves, plus full machining and repair operations for industrial valves of many types and manufacturers. Additionally, C&K provides comprehensive design and manufacturing services to adapt your existing manual valve or a new manual valve to a motor operated actuator for enhanced process control and operator safety.

• Range of Capability:​ MVS is able to test and repair a wide range of pressure relief valves installed on smaller 1/2-inch and up to larger 6x8 flange connections.

• Documentation:​ Technicians complete detailedrecord keeping of testing and repair reports.All information is tracked and managed in an online database.

• NBIC VR Certified:​ Test and repair procedures areperformed using calibrated instruments.Technicians can test, repair, and re-certify asrequired. If a valve fails, then it is rebuilt, retested, and repeated until acceptable.

• Capacity:​ 53-foot climate-controlled trailer isdesigned and equipped to accommodate a widerange of valves with temperature-controlled testing and repair conditions.

(1) Boiler safety valves and safety relief valves must be as indicated in PG-67 through PG-73 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 52.01-1) except as noted otherwise in this section.

(3) On river steam vessels whose boilers are connected in batteries without means of isolating one boiler from another, each battery of boilers shall be treated as a single boiler and equipped with not less than two safety valves of equal size.

(4) (Modifies PG-70.) The total rated relieving capacity of drum and superheater safety valves as certified by the valve manufacturer shall not be less than the maximum generating capacity of the boiler which shall be determined and certified by the boiler manufacturer. This capacity shall be in compliance with PG-70 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

(5) In the event the maximum steam generating capacity of the boiler is increased by any means, the relieving capacity of the safety valves shall be checked by an inspector, and, if determined to be necessary, valves of increased relieving capacity shall be installed.

(6) (Modifies PG-67.) Drum safety valves shall be set to relieve at a pressure not in excess of that allowed by the Certificate of Inspection. Where for any reason this is lower than the pressure for which the boiler was originally designed and the revised safety valve capacity cannot be recomputed and certified by the valve manufacturer, one of the tests described in PG-70(3) of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be conducted in the presence of the Inspector to insure that the relieving capacity is sufficient at the lower pressure.

(8) Lever or weighted safety valves now installed may be continued in use and may be repaired, but when renewals are necessary, lever or weighted safety valves shall not be used. All such replacements shall conform to the requirements of this section.

(1) (Modifies PG-68.) Superheater safety valves shall be as indicated in PG-68 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code except as noted otherwise in this paragraph.

(2) The setting of the superheater safety valve shall not exceed the design pressure of the superheater outlet flange or the main steam piping beyond the superheater. To prevent damage to the superheater, the drum safety valve shall be set at a pressure not less than that of the superheater safety valve setting plus 5 pounds minimum plus approximately the normal load pressure drop through the superheater and associated piping, including the controlled desuperheater if fitted. See also § 52.01-95(b) (1).

(3) Drum pilot actuated superheater safety valves are permitted provided the setting of the pilot valve and superheater safety valve is such that the superheater safety valve will open before the drum safety valve.

(1) (Modifies PG-71.) Safety valves shall be installed as indicated in PG-71 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code except as noted otherwise in this paragraph.

(2) The final setting of boiler safety valves shall be checked and adjusted under steam pressure and, if possible, while the boiler is on the line and the steam is at operating temperatures, in the presence of and to the satisfaction of a marine inspector who, upon acceptance, shall seal the valves. This regulation applies to both drum and superheater safety valves of all boilers.

(3) The safety valve body drains required by PG-71 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be run as directly as possible from the body of each boiler safety valve, or the drain from each boiler safety valve may be led to an independent header common only to boiler safety valve drains. No valves of any type shall be installed in the leakoff from drains or drain headers and they shall be led to suitable locations to avoid hazard to personnel.

(1) (Modifies PG-72.) The operation of safety valves shall be as indicated in PG-72 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code except as noted in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(2) (Modifies PG-73.) The lifting device required by PG-73.1.3 of section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be fitted with suitable relieving gear so arranged that the controls may be operated from the fireroom or engineroom floor.