Safety Valve Testing
Flow Component Testing Facilities

This test stand is used for liquid testing of safety valves and other flow products. Both water and sand slurry flows are available for use in testing.

This test stand is used for liquid testing of safety valves and other flow products. Both water and sand slurry flows are available for use in testing.

The Flow Component Testing Facilities (FCTF) valve test laboratory at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is accredited through the American Petroleum Institute (API) to perform validation testing for both surface and subsurface safety valves. Experimental safety valve testing can also be performed to assist clients with the design and validation of various products.

 Use of API Specifications

Operation and use of the laboratory is in accordance with the latest revisions of API Specification 14A/ISO 10432, "Specification for Subsurface Safety Valve Equipment," and API Specification 6AV1, "Specification for Verification Test of Wellhead Surface Safety Valves and Underwater Safety Valves for Offshore Service."

 Additional Safety Valve Test Information

Our safety valve facilities can accommodate experimental gas or liquid flow testing applications. More information about safety valve tests can be found in the following documents:

Benefits of Testing at the FCTF

This blast chamber can be internally heated to provide high-pressure/high-temperature conditions for testing.

This blast chamber can be internally heated to provide high-pressure/high-temperature conditions for testing.

  • Independent, third-party testing services


    SwRI is an independent, nonprofit research and development organization.

  • Complete confidentiality


    All work done at the FCTF is governed by a confidentiality policy that protects client names, results, and other information obtained in connection with the work performed.

  • Technical excellence


    SwRI has an international reputation for technical excellence, and the FCTF is an industry-recognized leader in third-party verification testing.

  • Resources


    All projects at the FCTF have access to SwRI world-class laboratories and staff of more than 3,000 in 11 technical divisions, which provide one of the most comprehensive design, development, and testing resources in the world.

Related Terminology

API 14A  •  API 6AV1 •  ISO 10432 •  safety valve testing •   flow component testing •  BS 6364  •  fugitive emissions •  cryogenic valve •  valve testing •  flow products •  cryogenic testing •  fugitive emissions

Benefiting government, industry and the public through innovative science and technology
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.
01/03/13