Regarding Pop Testing to re-certify VR Certified Valves. In jurisdictions which adopt the National Board "VR" Program (Ohio, NC, KY, etc.)it is true that when a VR ressure Relief Valve (PRV) is either modified or altered, disassembled and repaired the PRV must be recertified by a licensed VR Certification facility. However, for valves taken from stores, i.e. pulled off the shelf in as new condition ("VR" repaired), a set pressure test verification may be accomplished to re-verify the VR Certificaiton. Your Testing Facility is correct.
As a member of NBIC Sub-Committee on Overpressure Protesction, I can assure you thatr this is acceptable. It is totally above board. I refer you to the National Board Inspection Code, Publication NB-23 (your VR Certified Shop is required to have the latest edition on hand). Paragraph RA-2246, RB-8400 and Appendix J all address Testing PRVs to verify performance.
You may also be interested to know that I recently conducted a poll of several of my owner/user clients regarding shelf life of a PRV. In all cases, the users conduct a pretest of any RV (new or repaired) which has been on the shelf for some specified time. The time varied from 60 days to 6 months, but no longer than 6 months. My inquiries were directed to Nuclear Utilities, Petro-Chemical Plants and Pharmaceutical Facilities which all hold VR Certificates of Authorization.
I hope this information has been helpful.
J. Alton Cox
