Testing Fluid Control Valves and Seals

Solution

• Single- or twin-column tensile and compression testers.
• Software for calculating results and comparing against pass/fail criteria.
• Load cells rated for the expected forces.
• Grips and fixtures matched to spring and valve geometries.

Benefits

• Precise control and consistent test repeatability.
• Versatility to accommodate multiple valve and seal designs on the same machine.
• Configurable test protocols for single-cycle or multi-cycle evaluation.

Requirement

In oil and gas production, gas lift systems rely on precision-engineered valves distributed along the production tubing. These valves operate sequentially to inject gas lifting fluid to the surface. Each valve must open under a defined pressure, actuated by bellows or spring mechanisms. Reliability under extreme conditions and in remote installations is essential, making mechanical strength testing prior to installation a critical quality measure. Maintenance of faulty valves often requires removing the entire tubing assembly, which is labor-intensive and costly.

Valves in industrial applications extend beyond gas lift systems. Refineries and power plants, and process industries should have safety relief and pressure-regulating valves that can always be used to control the flow of liquid, steam, or gas with minimal limitations on operation. Equally, long pipeline systems have compressors to sustain flow, and floating ring seals are to be tested intensively. Dry gas seals depend on a precise gap (around 5 µm) between stationary and rotating discs, maintained by spring force; measuring this force ensures compliance with mechanical tolerances.

Solution

Presto Stantest mechanical testing systems offer reliable evaluation of tension and compression forces in valve actuators and spring assemblies. Benchtop test frames ranging from 2.5 kN to 50 kN accommodate typical load requirements, while configurable software allows compression tests to a defined displacement or load over single or repeated cycles. Test results are presented graphically with tabulated pass/fail metrics for clear quality assessment.

Customizable features include extended crossheads, operator guards, and specialized fixtures to securely hold springs and ensure correct axial alignment during compression.

Applications include:

• Push-fit plastic valves for municipal water and pool systems; MultiTest 2.5-i
• PRV and PORV safety valves in high-pressure and back-pressure relief; MultiTest 2.5-i
• Pressure-reducing and RPZ valve springs for domestic heating and plumbing: MultiTest 2.5-i and 25-i
• Push-fit plastic valves for municipal water and pool systems; MultiTest 2.5-i
• PRV and PORV safety valves in high-pressure and back-pressure relief; MultiTest 2.5-i
• Pressure-reducing and RPZ valve springs for domestic heating and plumbing: MultiTest 2.5-i and 25-i
• Large spring assemblies in centrifugal compressors for oil and gas operations; MultiTest 2.5-i
• Cyclic actuation testing of flow control valves in upstream and midstream pipelines: MultiTest 50-i
• Evaluation of floating rim seals and compressor spring assemblies in industrial gas plants; MultiTest 2.5

Test Equipment

• Single- or twin-column test stands with software control.
• Intelligent cells calibrated for specific test loads.
• Fixtures designed to match component geometries and operational requirements.