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Testing of Valves & Valve Components

We offer more than 40 years of experience testing valves, chokes, actuators, and other wellhead equipment used in the oil and gas industry. SwRI’s Ocean Simulation Laboratory valve testing program evaluates production valves as recommended in API Specification 6A. The facility can accommodate up to 20,000-psi rated valves and actuators. We can also test stem seals, bonnet seals, and other API-6A equipment.

Design validation testing in accordance with API-6A typically involves the use of nitrogen gas as the pressurization medium. SwRI has multiple high-pressure gas boosters and pressurization loops available for use during these tests. Each system was designed and built by SwRI using the highest quality components with safety in mind. Custom manifolds and plumbing can be added to the systems to accommodate special pressurization configurations that may be required for custom test articles.

Computer-based data acquisition systems are used to collect signals from pressure transducers, torque/load cells, thermocouples and potentiometers throughout testing. Each system can support multiple channels of various types of data. SwRI also has the ability to design customized software and test systems for computer-controlled and fully automated testing. Environmental chambers are an integral part of the test loop. Used during the temperature extreme test phases, the insulated chambers can maintain maximum (400°F) and minimum (−200°F) temperature limits. The valve test facility has several environmental chambers and a portable temperature control unit used specifically for extreme temperature testing of wellhead equipment.

API 6A-PR2 Tests

  • Force measurement open/close
  • Dynamic cycling at ambient temperature
  • Maximum/minimum temperature cycling
  • Pressure/temperature cycles
  • Ambient temperature seal tests
  • Dual-zone temperature control

Facilities & Capabilities

  • Tenney environmental chamber: 27 ft3, −75°F minimum to 392°F maximum
  • Large environmental chamber: 500 ft3, 375°F maximum
  • Nitrogen gas boosters: 36,000 psi maximum
  • Hydraulic power units for operation of hydraulic actuators, up to 6,000 psi and 7 GPM
  • Hydraulic torque motors for operation of manual valves, up to 2,500 ft-lb
  • Portable environmental control unit: variable test volume, −200°F minimum to 400°F maximum

For more information about testing of valves and valve components, please contact Joe Crouch at +1 210 522 4295 or Chris Storey at +1 210 522 3992.