Gas and hydro testing of sub sea valves

[axlechaos]

Years ago when I was a lad and the price of beer wasn't through the roof, metal to metal sealing faces in valves of various descriptions did not have allowable leak rates on test. They were classified according to their ability to stop whatever was in the line from passing - especially gas!

Today however, bubble rates per minute have crept into various standards, with some allowances at ridiculous levels! Can anyone tell me how this came to be?

I am talking about shut-off or isolation valves such as ball and gate - not PRV/PSV's which are allowed varying degrees of leakage.

 

[Cockroach]

3 bubbles per minute using standard 1/4 inch tubing while the open end barely touches a water level in a glass. (i.e. you can't submerge the open tube end to bottom of the water container for fear that the hydrostatic pressure mitigates true bubble rates)

The bubble allowance is typical on metal seated valves where the seat has not been conditioned to break into the ball during cyclic wear or normal use in operation. It is that, just an allowance to account for manufactured new being the worst case bubble rate leakage.

I believe the price of beer is a local issue. In the UK, yeah, a guy doesn't even get a kiss with his pint for what you pay. The US and Canada are somewhat more reasonable, but the quality suffers in comparison to the European counterparts. But in the Far East, the value still holds the same. Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam the beer is still cut with formaldehyde and give it that liver crashing boost per glass. Japan is higher than Europe due to economic reasons, taxation and vendor gouging, but I bet it is due to the import of hops and barley from abroad. Some of the guys tell me South Africa and a few communities in South America are bargains as well as being fairly easy on the eyes.

Hope this helps a guy out.

Regards,
Cockroach