As control valves play a key role in process quality and reliability, “extreme care” must be taken to avoid costly premature failures, possibly resulting in substantial loss and even plant shut-down, states industrial testing equipment supplier AT Technical Services.

Periodic service and testing allows plants to operate for longer intervals, according to the company, which notes that its control valve test units are designed and equipped to conduct high-pressure testing, seat leakage classification according to ANSI/FCI 70-2, allow for the checking of the operation, also known as ‘stroking’, of the valve and its controls, as well as conduct total performance testing.

The services are offered to the technical and engineering sector, including the mining and petrochemicals sectors, as well as industrial, water and wastewater industries.

The company’s horizontal control (HC) valve test unit is also complete with a strong clamping system for quick and easy positioning and clamping of all common Globe, Camflex and Waver type valves in the horizontal position – keeping the valve stem vertical. The U-shaped HC10 clamp generates a clamping force of 10 t and the clamp ensures excellent accessibility for assembly and stroking.

The stronger HC combines the system and clamp with high-pressure liquid and gas testing. The standard HC is complete with sealing adapters for international standards DIN/ANSI raised face flanges, but can also accommodate the use of ‘inner seal’ adaptors for control valves with socket weld ends.

The unit is equipped with various test systems for common control valve test procedures. Optional features include Windows-operated, computer registered systems, a vacuum quick filling system, electronically controlled, and hand-controlled test and operation systems for actuators.

Also offered are automatic dynamic scans, and digital seat leakage measuring systems for gas and liquid, as well as a torque test and measuring system from 0 Nm to 500 000 Nm.