Extended Testing for API-600 Valves 3

[valveman30]

Please advise your expert opinions, I have a customer who insists to test valves in his fabricated steam pipeline to the standards of ASME B31.3 2006; 345.2.2. The customer is ignoring the testing standards of API-598, ASME B16.34, MSSP-61 and API-6D. While each of these referenced standards states a required minimum testing time, my customer wants to test his pipeline for 2 hours at the testing requirements of WOG x 1.5. While we beleive our testing times of 2-4 min meets the requirements of all applicable testing standards, our customer states he is testing the fabricators work (welding). It is our contention that the customer is putting additional stress to the valves in his piping system. Where does the customer's desire stand compared to the adherance of the manufacture to the mandated testing of the above mentioned standards. WHO IS RIGHT?

 

[jbeckhou]

My opinion, whoever is paying for the valve is correct.

If they wanted to do something that wasn't safe, I wouldn't do so. Testing a valve for 2 hours isn't going to hurt the product as long as it was designed/manufactured/inspected, etc. correctly.

When we test equipment outside of our standards, we state this on the COC, which is signed by our customer.

Petrotrim Services

 

[vpl]

To add to jbeckhou's comment: What does the client's specification state and did you take any exemptions?

If the client requires testing to ASME B31.3, and you agreed to that test as part of accepting the contract, then you can't change your mind now that the contracts been signed.



Patricia Lougheed

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[reverman]

Like the above comments state. it depends on what was in the contract. If you took exception or it was not specified then you could tell the customer that if they do the test they violate the warranty and you are not responsible for the valves.

That said I think that is the wrong approach. as jbeckhou said as long as the valves are manufactured correctly a 2 hour shell test at 1.5 the rated pressure won't harm the valves any. Personally I would tell them no problem go ahead with the test.