avk safety valve testing free sample

ABBEY ROGERS offers a lift assist device that allows for the testing of safety relief valves while still in line, and operational. The AVK is an electro-hydraulic computerized testing unit that when connected to the valve records the pressure at which the valve lifts. The AVK connects to the stem of the safety valve and measures the vertical forces exerted by the spring and load train of the valve. These tests are preformed while your system is under pressure, therefore no loss of production due to removing safety relief valves. The documentation provided will satisfy ASME & Insurance inspectors.

Valve requirements for the AVK are the following: pressure under the valve, must be flanged, must be at least a 21" clearance above the valve, service must be non-liquid, and non-hazardous vapors. The AVK is ideal for testing valves in place which will determine which valves need to be pulled out of service for repair, and which can remain inline through another cycle. The AVK will reduce manpower and downtime expenses.

TSV Service & Sales, a Division of TRIVACO, offers over 55 years of experience in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Industry as mechanical specialty sales engineers and application engineering.  As the “Factory Authorized Assembler” of Kunkle Relief Valves for the State of Indiana and western Kentucky. We provide Kunkle Safety Valves to Industrial Distributors and carry a local inventory of Kunkle Safety Valves that we can ship to you or drop ship to your customer.

Everyone is encouraged to call us and schedule a sales call to discuss our FREE survey of safety valves in your plant. This allows us to identify any relief valve installation problems and check to see if the valves are for the application and service. You will receive value from this service by addressing any potential safety issues proactively and not waiting until an unfortunate event occurs to act!

TSV also keeps record of manufacturer’s specifications for Kunkle Valve, Farris, Consolidated, Crosby and more to ensure the accuracy and quality of your valves.

We have certified our shop with The National Board and now hold the following code stamps; VR, UV, V and NB. This enables us to repair Kunkle Valve or ANY other manufacturer’s code stamped safety/relief valve, to new condition, right here in Indianapolis!

Everyone is encouraged to call us and schedule a sales call to discuss our FREE survey of safety valves in your plant. This allows us to identify any relief valve installation problems and check to see if the valves are for the application and service. You will receive value from this service by addressing any potential safety issues proactively and not waiting until an unfortunate event occurs.

relief valve industry. This vast knowledge, coupled with continuous customer input, allows AVK to provide the first in-line pressure relief valve testing devices designed specifically with you in

with your specific application, and make the testing of pressure relief valves a cost effective way of ensuring plant safety with the utmost in flexibility.

A very critical aspect of inline testing is the accuracy of effective seat areas that are used in calculating set point, our products have been proven by comparative live testing and empirical

analysis through many years.  Our Nuclear software has passed V & V certification.  Our products have been independently verified for accuracy by major valve manufacturers and

Safety valves are used in a variety of industrial applications to include air/gas, vapor, steam, and liquid service, among many more. These pressure relief valves are critical to the safe operation of our customer’s equipment and provide—as their name implies—a safety measure that can reduce the number of risks that can threaten both your personnel and facilities.

Millennium Power Services’ safety valve technicians will get your valves tested, repaired, and quickly set to the exact specifications. We serve as your knowledge partner and will also evaluate the repair condition of every valve and make recommendations as needed to help you make the best decisions.

Using the data acquired through system transducers, the AVK consistently and accurately verifies valve set pressure. The portable device includes a small actuator assembly that is mounted to the valve. A custom-designed adapter with sensor applies force to the valve spindle to determine set pressure. The test results can then be printed or downloaded to other applications.

Safety is of the utmost importance when dealing with pressure relief valves. The valve is designed to limit system pressure, and it is critical that they remain in working order to prevent an explosion. Explosions have caused far too much damage in companies over the years, and though pressurized tanks and vessels are equipped with pressure relief vales to enhance safety, they can fail and result in disaster.

That’s also why knowing the correct way to test the valves is important. Ongoing maintenance and periodic testing of pressurized tanks and vessels and their pressure relief valves keeps them in working order and keep employees and their work environments safe. Pressure relief valves must be in good condition in order to automatically lower tank and vessel pressure; working valves open slowly when the pressure gets high enough to exceed the pressure threshold and then closes slowly until the unit reaches the low, safe threshold. To ensure the pressure relief valve is in good working condition, employees must follow best practices for testing them including:

If you consider testing pressure relief valves a maintenance task, you’ll be more likely to carry out regular testing and ensure the safety of your organization and the longevity of your

It’s important to note, however, that the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), as well as state and local jurisdictions, may set requirements for testing frequency. Companies are responsible for checking with these organizations to become familiar with the testing requirements. Consider the following NBIC recommendations on the frequency for testing relief valves:

High-pressure steam boilers 400 psi and greater – pressure test to verify nameplate set pressure every three years or as determined by operating experience as verified by testing history

High-temperature hot water boilers (greater than 160 psi and/or 250 degrees Fahrenheit) – pressure test annually to verify nameplate set pressure. For safety reasons, removal and testing on a test bench is recommended

When testing the pressure relief valve, raise and lower the test lever several times. The lever will come away from the brass stem and allow hot water to come out of the end of the drainpipe. The water should flow through the pipe, and then you should turn down the pressure to stop the leak, replace the lever, and then increase the pressure.

One of the most common problems you can address with regular testing is the buildup of mineral salt, rust, and corrosion. When buildup occurs, the valve will become non-operational; the result can be an explosion. Regular testing helps you discover these issues sooner so you can combat them and keep your boiler and valve functioning properly. If no water flows through the pipe, or if there is a trickle instead of a rush of water, look for debris that is preventing the valve from seating properly. You may be able to operate the test lever a few times to correct the issue. You will need to replace the valve if this test fails.

When testing relief valves, keep in mind that they have two basic functions. First, they will pop off when the pressure exceeds its safety threshold. The valve will pop off and open to exhaust the excess pressure until the tank’s pressure decreases to reach the set minimum pressure. After this blowdown process occurs, the valve should reset and automatically close. One important testing safety measure is to use a pressure indicator with a full-scale range higher than the pop-off pressure.

Thus, you need to be aware of the pop-off pressure point of whatever tank or vessel you test. You always should remain within the pressure limits of the test stand and ensure the test stand is assembled properly and proof pressure tested. Then, take steps to ensure the escaping pressure from the valve is directed away from the operator and that everyone involved in the test uses safety shields and wears safety eye protection.

After discharge – Because pressure relief valves are designed to open automatically to relieve pressure in your system and then close, they may be able to open and close multiple times during normal operation and testing. However, when a valve opens, debris may get into the valve seat and prevent the valve from closing properly. After discharge, check the valve for leakage. If the leakage exceeds the original settings, you need to repair the valve.

According to local jurisdictional requirements – Regulations are in place for various locations and industries that stipulate how long valves may operate before needing to be repair or replaced. State inspectors may require valves to be disassembled, inspected, repaired, and tested every five years, for instance. If you have smaller valves and applications, you can test the valve by lifting the test lever. However, you should do this approximately once a year. It’s important to note that ASME UG136A Section 3 requires valves to have a minimum of 75% operating pressure versus the set pressure of the valve for hand lifting to be performed for these types of tests.

Depending on their service and application– The service and application of a valve affect its lifespan. Valves used for clean service like steam typically last at least 20 years if they are not operated too close to the set point and are part of a preventive maintenance program. Conversely, valves used for services such as acid service, those that are operated too close to the set point, and those exposed to dirt or debris need to be replaced more often.

Pressure relief valves serve a critical role in protecting organizations and employees from explosions. Knowing how and when to test and repair or replace them is essential.

vpl has put you on the right track. The Trevitest Device is one brand of Lift Assist Device (others include KISS, EVT, PVT AVK, Hydroset, SPIVOT). SOme are manufactured by Pressure Relief Valve Companies, others by Valve Repair Shops and some are third party vendors with PRV background. A Pressure Relief Valve typically uses a spring (Force S) to hold a movable sealing member (disc) closed on a fixed sealing member (nozzle) until the system pressure (Force P) overcomes the Spring and opens the PRV to relieve an overpressure situation. The PRV works on the simple principle that IF Force S > Force P THEN the PRV remains closed (Static Force Balance Principle). However, IF Force P > Force S THEN the PRV is Open.

The problem is that most Steam Power Generating Stations, whether Fossil or Nuclear, are such high pressure and under so much demand for electricity that they do want to take the time or liability to overpressure their boilers to test Safety Valve Set Pressure. Use of the Lift Assist Device is permitted by ASME Code (both Sec. I, Power Boilers, & Sec. VIII, Pressure Vessels) to determine the Set Pressure of a PRV (Safety, Safety-Relief or Relief Valve).

The Equipment Required is a Calibrated System Pressure Gauge, a Lift Assist Device with an adapter to connect to the PRV Stem, a Calibrated Load Cell to measure the Force Applied to the PRV Stem, a calculator or PC with a program to determine the Set Pressure from the input data and most importantly, a Valve Technician who knows PRV Terminology, and is familiar with the Test Equipment.

Ensure compliance, prevent overpressure and protect downstream equipment with industry regulated repairs for Section I & Section VIII Pressure and Safety Relief Valves. We offer rapid response and delivery times to minimize plant downtime while maximizing valve performance. We service all major makes and manufacturers for emergency, maintenance and scheduled outage needs. We also repair and replace conservation, tank and vacuum vents. Contact our sales team today to receive a quotation to repair, test or replace your safety relief valves.

Valsource is certified by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors to repair and test Section I and Section VIII Pressure relief and Safety Relief Valves. Every valve is repaired to standards set by The National Board’s VR program. We provide 24/7 repair, testing and engineering services. We also maintain an extensive inventory and can provide replacement valves and parts with same day delivery options.

Valsource provides 24/7 repair and testing services in our shop or in the field. Our valve program allows our technicians to repair, remove, install and test your pressure relief and safety relief valves on-site. Using our AVK Electronic Test Vessel Package, our technicians are able to accurately test safety relief valves on-site without removing them from line. The primary function is to verify the set pressure in-line without having to shut down a system or unit. This service is a sure way to guarantee minimal downtime and peak valve performance. If you are preparing to service your boiler, Valsource technicians will come to your site and test each main steam safety valve to determine which valves require service. We will perform the repairs in-house or on-site using our 53’ field machining trailer, install and re-test back to calibrated set points.

If you need the best in valve repair and remanufacturing, Valsource can deliver the right options for your company. We offer rapid response times and emergency repair services available to resolve unplanned outages quickly. Our experienced technicians look forward to working with you to determine the most effective solutions for your valve repair needs.