Testing Fluid Control Valves and Seals

Solution

• Software-controlled tensile and compression testing systems, available in single or twin-column configurations.
• Load cells rated to the specific forces required for each valve or spring assembly.
• Grips and fixtures tailored to spring and valve geometries.
• Integrated software for calculations, pass/fail evaluation, and data comparison.

Benefits

• Precise control and repeatable testing results.
• Flexibility to test multiple valve and spring designs using the same machine.

Requirement

Gas lift systems used in the production of oil and gas are based on a series of valves placed throughout the production tubing to inject gas, which in turn lifts the fluids to the surface. These are automatically controlled valves that work on bellows or spring systems at pre-established pressure. To avoid failure in severe and remote applications, it is always important that valves are mechanically tested before they are installed.

Safety-critical use of valves also includes pressure relief and spring-operated safety valves, which are vital in the refinery, power generation, and industrial processing. Likewise, centrifugal compressors use floating ring and dry gas seals, in which the springs provide a specific force to ensure that there is a slight gap between the stationary and rotating discs. Measuring the spring compression ensures these components perform within strict tolerances.

Solution

Presto Stantest’s force testing systems provide accurate measurement of tension and compression characteristics for valve actuators and spring assemblies. Bench-top machines with capacities from 2.5 kN to 50 kN accommodate a wide range of loads. Test software allows compression to a defined displacement or load in single or multiple cycles, with results presented as graphs and tabulated pass/fail outcomes.

Extended crossheads, safety guards, and custom fixtures can be incorporated to seat springs securely and maintain proper axial compression during testing.

Application Examples

• Push-fit plastic valves in commercial water treatment and non-commercial swimming pool systems—MultiTest 2.5-i.
• Safety, high-pressure, and back-pressure relief valves (PRV/PORV); spring testing—MultiTest 2.5-i.
• Pressure-reducing and RPZ valve springs for domestic heating and plumbing flow control – MultiTest 2.5-i / 25-i.
• Large spring assemblies for oil and gas centrifugal compressors – MultiTest 2.5-i.
• Cyclic actuation of flow control valves in oil and gas operations—MultiTest 50-i.
• Floating rim seal and compressor spring testing for industrial gas plants – MultiTest 2.5-i.

Test Equipment

• Software-controlled single or twin-column force testing stand.
• Load cells matched to the expected test loads.
• Custom fixtures designed for the geometry and performance characteristics of each component.