Used valves supplied by Owner- 1

[qualitypro]

Hi
We are building a power project wherein the owner has supplied used control, manual and relief valves from a decommissioned plant probably over 20 years old. As the installer what are the conditions and requirements that these Fuel gas valves have to meet before we can use them. Are there any specific ASME, API, NFPA or OSHA requirements that have to be met for used valves? Are there recommended guidelines that can be provided to the owner as this could be huge safety concern that would undermine operator safety plant integrity? Thanks in advance for your inputs and guidance.

 

[KoachCSR]

I'm not aware of any code restrictions on using "old" or "not-so-gently used" valves. That said, you are 100% correct in that the owner is choosing to introduce a potentially significant amount of risk into the project for the sake of saving a few bucks, especially with the control valves.

My thoughts:
>Ensure you don't have any performance guarantees or warranty responsibility tied to any of these used components - have the owner assume full responsibility for any impacts since they are directing you to do this.
>Ensure that the nameplate rating on the valves confirms that they are rated for the systems they will be installed in.
>Do your best to get the valves leak-tested as a minimum, especially those being counted on for system isolation; I'm guessing many of them likely need new seats.
>Scrutinize the control valves - if existing documentation doesn't exist, try contacting OEMs. Verify that the turndown, flow characteristic, etc. matches what the design calls for. When it doesn't, tell the owner you need buy a new one.

Also, make sure you aren't being directed to reuse any safety relief valves. You don't just plop those in anywhere; their design, application, and maintenance is heavily driven by codes and very seldom, if ever, are they interchangeable from one system to another.

 

[gerhardl]

Interesting case, where KoachCSR has given good and sensible advice.

My thoughts is that it is necessary also to check and verify the juridical responsibility for design, layout and overall function of the plant.

If you are 'building' in the sense of mounting and assembling designs and parts described, and/or provided by the plant owner, you could inform about your concern in writing and disclaim any responsibility for function. Same if you help provide checking of the used valves.

If you are supplying active process parts and/or designing solutions or are responsible for performance and safety in any way, you should require new components.

The used valves could well be OK, the tricky part is control and responsibility.

(Suggested parallell case: Try to buy a new car, insisting on using your own used parts for some of the construction, and hear what the dealer and insurance company will tell you!!)

 

[mk3223]

For the saving of the cost and schedule, it was not unusual for the project requested to reuse the old equipment or piping.
For the Code requirement, make sure to have proper documents, i.e. data sheets, material & testing certs, etc., for the existing valves to be reused, same as for the equipment.