Qualification testing is when particular valve is about to be used for the first time by end user; or when the same type of valve(s) are about to be re-qualified after several years (usually 3-5 years depends on end user regulation) in order to check whether newer technology (design / material) applied to the existing valve are still complying with Fugitive emission criteria in this regards.
At some country this qualification criteria (among others) is also governed by authorized institution which covers Oil and gas operator in that country.
I believe that this is mandatory prior acceptance / approval by end user.
Notes:
- There are several class for Fugitive Emission --> for example A, B or no class (leaking is not desirable however no guarantee from manufacturers)
- Re-qualification test period is becoming lesser and lesser due to newer material R&D applied to existing type of valve. Which is evolving every day (the material R&D). End user need reassurance whether this newer concept applied still meet with their stringent criteria. Anyhow, shall there is environmental leakage above XX ppm or XX kg due to Fugitive Emission / damaged stuffing box, is the end user who responsible to report it.
Production test is sampling test of production batch (similar type of valve produce at the relatively same time, at same production line). This of course after the valve has pass the qualification testing.
Normally due to efficiency (money-wise, time-wise), only approximately 10 percent of those batch is required to be tested. So if vendor had produce 100 valve, end user only requires evidence that 10 valve have pass the complete testing. Shall 1 valve fail out of 10, vendors requires to retest 10 other new sample and so on (depends on best practice).
In my company, yes both test need to be performed.
metalart007,
for the distinction between the types of test based on their scope, I’d suggest to refer to the definitions of “type test”, “production test” and “acceptance test” given EN 736 standard, Part 3 about Valves - Terminology - Definition of terms (paragraph 3.6 in the 1999 edition; latest edition date is now 2008, but I don’t have it in this moment…).
In the particular case of fugitive emission testing, according to ISO, such a distinction is clearly reflected in the split of ISO 15848 standard into Part 1 for type testing qualification and Part 2 for production tests.
In other reference normative contexts, things may be a little more difficult, so it’s always better to define the precise requirements with Your Customers against their specifications, of course (even if a type test qualification should always bear a general meaning and value of its own, and therefore should be accepted as it is).
I’d suggest to search this forum for more detailed information, as there are many threads about the issue in object.
