Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21

RD-416 Rev. E

Test Procedure For Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA Method 21

Revised By:

____________________________ Vahe Najarian, Eng. Corporate Manager, R&D and Engineering Support

Reviewed By:

____________________________ Christian Beguian, Eng. R&D Manager

DATE:

Revised BY:

REV.:

PAGE No:

Feb 22, 2007

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Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
1. INTRODUCTION The following procedure covers the testing for sealing and operability of a) Cryogenic valves tested at -196 C (-320 F). b) Low temperature valves, tested at -46 C (-50 F).

RD-416 Rev. E

This procedure is based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA Method 21, to the extent applicable and specified herein.

2.

TEST PLAN The test comprised of the following tests at ambient temperature, then cryogenic or low temperature and again at ambient temperature as given below:

2.1

Ambient Temperature:

Shell and seat test according to API 598. System proving seat test. Repeat system proving seat test. Operational tests for opening and closing torques. Low pressure seat test. High pressure seat test at incremental pressures up to high seat test pressure. Repeat system proving seat test. External leakage test. Visual examination.

2.2

Cryogenic or low Temperature:

2.3

Ambient Temperature

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Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 TEST TEMPERATURES Ambient temperature: Cryogenic temperature: Low temperature: Test performed at 25 10 C (77 18 F). Test performed at -196 5 C (-320 9 F). Test performed at -46 3 C (-50 6 F).

RD-416 Rev. E

4. 4.1 4.2

SEAT TEST PRESSURES Low pressure seat test: Test at 80 psig.

System proving seat test: Test at high seat test pressure (one increment), as per table below. Exception: For soft seated ball valves at ambient temperature, Test at low seat test pressure (as per API 598).

4.3

High pressure seat test:

Raise the pressure in increments up to seat test pressure as given in the table below. Measure and record the leakage rate at each pressure interval. High Seat Test Pressure* (psi) 275 720 1,440 1,800 2,000 2,000 Increment of Test Pressure (psi) 100 250 375 375 400 400

Pressure Class (ASME B16.34) 150 300 600 800 900 1500

*Note:

If the valve maximum permissible working pressure at 20C or the valve seat rating is less than that shown in above table, use the lower value as the high seat test pressure.

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Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
4.4 4.5 Duration of Seat Test: Direction of Seat Test:

RD-416 Rev. E

10 minutes minimum at each pressure interval.

4.5.1 Globe and gate valves:

Seat test is conducted in the normal flow direction for the valve. Seat test is conducted in the reverse flow direction of the valve. Seat test is conducted in preferred direction. For valves, which are capable of sealing in both directions the normal flow (or preferred) direction only shall be tested. Upon specific customer request and agreement, each sealing direction can be tested separately.

4.5.2 Check valves:

4.5.3 Ball and Butterfly valves: 4.5.4 Bidirectional sealing:

5. 5.1

TEST SEQUENCE Ambient Temperature Tests:

5.1.1 Perform shell and seat test according to API 598. 5.1.2 Purge the valve using helium gas. 5.1.3 Perform initial system proving test. 5.2 Cryogenic or Low Temperature Tests:

5.2.1 Cool down the valve. When the valve has reached the required test temperature, allow for one hour of stabilization time, then testing may proceed. 5.2.2 Repeat initial system proving test. 5.2.3 Cycle the valve open-close 5 times. Record the operating torques for the first and last cycle. 5.2.4 Close the valve and pressurize the valve in the seat test direction to 80 psig. Wait at least 10 minutes to stabilize helium temperature.

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Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
5.2.5 Record seat leakage rate.

RD-416 Rev. E

5.2.6 Increase the pressure in stages to the maximum seat pressure as described in Section 3.3. At each test pressure, wait at least 10 minutes to stabilize the gas temperature. 5.2.7 Record the seat leakage rate at each of the pressure intervals. 5.3 Ambient Temperature Tests after Cryogenic Tests:

5.2.1 Remove the valve from liquid nitrogen and let it warm back to ambient temperature. 5.3.2 Repeat initial proving test. 5.4 External Leakage Test

5.4.1 With the valve half-open, pressurize the valve to 90 psig helium gas. 5.4.2 Use the helium mass spectrometer to sniff the leakage around the valve for the entire test duration. Mass spectrometer is to be calibrated (before use) as per the equipment manufacturers procedure. A one-time packing-bolt, bonnet-bolt, and end-flange-bolt re-torque is allowed during testing. Valve Size 3 to 16 > 16 Test Time (minutes) 6 9

5.4.3 Retainerless design dual plate check valves are exempt from external leakage test. A retainerless design has no openings through the body, i.e. no packing and no body/bonnet gasket. 5.5 VISUAL EXAMINATION After successful testing, the test flanges on the valve shall be removed and the disc and seat sealing area shall be visually inspected to the extent possible (practical only on large valves).

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Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
6. 6.1 ALLOWABLE LEAKAGE RATES Seat leakage: Valve Type Ball, gate, globe & Butterfly: Check: 6.2 External leakage:

RD-416 Rev. E

Allowed Seat Leak (standard cc/minute/inch) Class 150, 300 & 600 Class 800, 900 & 1500 150 200 300 400

at no time throughout the duration of the test, shall a reading of >1x10-4 cc/sec or 50 PPM be sustained for more than ten (10) seconds.

7. 7.1

TEST SET-UP for CRYOGENIC TESTS: The valve to be tested is supported in a stainless steel tank. The sides and the underside of the tank are insulated on the outer faces. The valve is held between blind flanges with small bore piping leading to the fixtures to supply the pressurising media. Stem position is vertical for gate, globe, ball and butterfly valves. Check valves (swing, dual plate, etc.) may be tested in either vertical or horizontal disc position. The valve temperature is lowered by filling the tank with the cooling medium (see below table), to a level above the body-bonnet bolting. The valve temperature is monitored by a thermocouple, installed on the valve body or end plate. The test is commenced when the valve temperature is stabilized within the test temperature tolerances, as indicated by the thermocouples. Cooling Medium Liquid Nitrogen. Dry ice, mixed with a heat transfer fluid (eg. Ethylene Glycol). Test Valve @ Temperature Cryogenic @ -196 C (-320 F). Low temperature @ -46 C (-50 F).

7.2

7.3

Test gas (see below table) from a fully charged bottle is used to provide test pressure on the inlet side of the valve. The opening and closing torques for the valve are measured using a torque wrench. Test Gas Test Valve @ Temperature Minimum 97% pure Helium. Cryogenic @ -196 C (-320 F). Minimum 97% pure Helium or Nitrogen, mixed Low temperature @ -46 C (-50 F). with 1% Helium (for external leak detection).

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Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
7.4 7.5

RD-416 Rev. E

All instruments (flowmeter, pressure gauges, torque wrench, etc.) are to be calibrated. A typical test rig is shown on sketch A.

8. 8.1 8.2

Flowmeters, Flowmeter Calibration, Seat Leak, and Correction Factors: Flow meter type: Any type may be used, provided that it can be calibrated. Flow meter calibration: Are to be calibrated for the test gas (Helium or Nitrogen). Or, the manufactures correction factor is to be used to relate the calibration gas (typically Nitrogen) to the test gas. Seat leak: Allowed seat leak is measured at the flowmeter, and are at standard atmospheric conditions. Temperature Correction: Temperature of exiting test gas is to be measured (before flow meter). Charles law is to be used for temperature correction. I.e. V1*T2=V2*T1. Therefore, Q1*T2=Q2*T1. Where: V1 is test gas volume exiting the flowmeter. V2 is test gas volume expressed (corrected) at ambient temperature. T1 is test gas temperature exiting the flowmeter (R). T2 is the standard ambient temperature (528 R). Q1 is test gas flow exiting the flowmeter (cc/min). Q2 is test gas flow exiting the flowmeter and expressed (corrected) at ambient temperature (standard cc/min).

8.3

8.4

8.5

Pressure Correction: Pressure of the exiting test gas is near atmospheric, and assumed to have negligible effect. Therefore, measurement of exiting pressure, as well as correction is not required. Exemption: Some flow meters (eg. Electronic mass flow meters) are not affected by pressure or temperature changes, and can be calibrated to provide a direct reading at standard conditions. When such a flow meter is used, test gas pressure and temperature (as well as correction) at the flow meter is not required.

8.6

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Research & Development Dept.

Test Procedure for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21

RD-416 Rev. E

DATE:

Revised BY:

REV.:

PAGE No:

Feb 22, 2007

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8 of 9

Research & Development Dept.

Test Report for Testing of Cryogenic Valves Based on BS 6364, API 598 and EPA method 21
Velan Order/Item/Position:

RD-416 Rev. E

Test Date & No.:

Customer Order No.:

Project Name: Valve Fig. No.:

Valve Type/Size/Class: Actuator Type & HW :

(in)

Flowmeter Type:

Valve Tag No.: Test Temperature Cooling Medium Test Gas: 97% Pure Allowed Seat Leak: scc/min Allowed External leak: 1x10-4 cc/sec or 50 ppm
Note: scc/min = standard cm /minute
3

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INITIAL PROVING TEST: Test Pressure (psig) Duration of Seat Test (min)
Valve stabilization Temperature (F): Duration (min) Cycle Opening Torque (ft.lbs)

Seat Leak Rate (scc/min)

CRYOGENIC or Low Temp TEST:

Time:
Seat Leak (cc/min) Closing Torque (ft.lbs)

Initial Proving Test Pressure (psig) Valve stroked 5 times Record Operating Torques Low Pressure Seat Test (psig)

1 5th
Duration (min) Seat Leak (cc/min)

st

Incremental Seat Test: Increment 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Pressure (psig) Duration (min) Measured Seat Leak (cc/min) Corrected Seat Leak (scc/min)

Ambient Temperature Tests

Initial Proving Test Pressure (psig) External Leakage Test Pressure (psig) Duration (min) Duration (min) Bonnet Joint Seat Leak (scc/min) Valve Body Stem Seal

Visual Examination or Comments:

PASS ( ) FAIL ( X )

Tested By

Approved By

Customer Witness

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