Engineering & Turbine Specialists
Our purpose built test facilities provide standard and enhanced valve/operator testing involving hydrostatic pressure and gas pressure testing, low and high temperature testing, fire testing, bend/load testing, destructive testing and hyperbaric testing. We also undertake cyclic testing which simulates valve operating conditions.
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It’s important that critical automated valve assemblies always remain 100% functionally reliable, any small deviation in performance of any part of the assembly can have serious consequences. It is important to ensure that all reasonably practicable steps are taken to test and verify fitness for purpose and full functionality through the life cycle of the assembly.
Our unique SureOP™ automated valve assembly testing service can quickly and reliably measure the crucial operating characteristics such as torque/force demanded by valves in process conditions on automated valve assemblies.
With the addition of SureOP™ to Factory Acceptance testing (FAT) procedure prior to delivery, end users can have complete confidence in the Engineering design and confirm that the as new automated valve assembly is fit for purpose and can be safely installed. These initial benchmark test results are then used to track and trend the performance over time using V-MAP G3 or V-MAP Portable in situ testing and diagnostics system.
We have the capabilities of carrying out various types of In-Situ Testing;
In hazardous application and critical service, the consequences of leaking valves are likely to be severe, therefore product pressure testing is a critical part of ensuring product integrity. Every client wants to know that the valves being commissioned on their site have been comprehensively pressure tested. At Score, we conduct pressure testing using purpose-built facilities, fully trained personnel and proven procedures to provide you with the confidence that the products supplied are going to perform to your expectations.
Hydrostatic Testing
Valves of a variety of types and sizes are tested in experimental pipelines within test cells at prescribed pressures using different fluids, including inhibited water, in accordance with API 6D and ISO 14313 specifications. This procedure, which is often the last of a series of tests undertaken before re-painting, verifies the strength of critical valve components including body, bonnet, ends and seats. Hydrostatic testing also investigates the integrity of the valve’s pressure retention envelope and seat sealing capability when subjected to internal pressures greatly in excess of those likely to be encountered during a normal operational life span. Leakage is measured on a pressure gauge or recorded automatically with a chart reader device which monitors pressure loss over time. Testing procedures are monitored by camera and the results are open to inspection by customers and independent third parties.
High Pressure Gas Testing
Utilising high-pressure pumping systems, valves and other components can be tested underwater in experimental pipelines at internal gas pressures of up to 30,000psi. Any leakage, however small, is detected and measured by fully calibrated micromanometers.
External Leak Detection
A variety of valves of different sizes and types can be tested with tracer gases including methane or helium, or a mix of 99% nitrogen and 1% helium. Using our high-sensitivity mass spectrometer, external leakage rates as low as one billionth of a cubic centimetre per second can be detected and pinpointed.
We have extensive experience in facilitating site integration testing activities on large valves, subsea frames & skids, offshore equipment and specialised well response equipment. Services include the following:
Pressure testing, both hydrostatic and gas, is a normal activity at Score. All such tests occur within dedicated test cells and meet internationally accepted standards for quality and safety. Unlike others, we would never test a valve in the middle of an open workshop.
We also perform other specialist reliability tests which include:
External Leak Detection
Valves of all sizes and types can be tested with tracer gases including methane or helium, or a mix of 99% nitrogen and 1% helium. Using a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer, external leakage rates as low as one billionth of a cubic centimetre per second can be detected and pinpointed.
Methanol Testing
Using methanol as the test medium, performance testing can be carried out to simulate the type and operational conditions of the valve under test. The testing procedure, which is repeated over a specified number of endurance cycles, is usually performed at ambient temperature and high pressure.
Slurry Testing
Slurries introduced into pipelines during oil production procedures contain much abrasive material which is damaging to valves and other pipeline components. Score have facilities to carry out tests to API standards with slurry containing 2% sand, or according to client’s specification. The process can achieve flow rates in a purpose-built experimental flow loop of 2000 litres/min, or greater.
Flow-Loop Testing of Control Valves
Flow rates of up to 2000 litres/min with clean water are used to test the efficiency of control valves within an experimental flow loop. Operation is performed remotely; flow rates and pressures are recorded digitally.
Cyclic Testing
Valve performance decreases with use over time so it is extremely important to monitor the rate and extent of valve deterioration during continuous cycling tests. Cyclic tests can be conducted over the expected working life of a valve (and its operating device) and also up to the point of complete breakdown of component integrity.
Hyperbaric Testing
We have three hyperbaric test chambers available to the industry for testing subsea equipment. Hyperbaric testing effectively simulates subsea conditions to verify integrity and reliability of subsea components. (Click to see images and details of these chambers)
Qualification / Design Verification Testing
Qualification / Design Verification Testing is performed to prove that equipment and assemblies are fit for purpose and can adequately withstand the rigors of the service they are required to be put into. We can test in accordance with recognized international standards or develop a custom test program using our in-house experts.
Our testing capabilities include:
In any pipeline system the effect of extreme temperature inside the piping is likely to have an effect on flow characteristics with potential consequences for productivity and safety.
This may be due to a direct effect on the physical or chemical properties of the liquid or gas, or to the effect of high or low temperature on the operation of valves in the system.
Operational conditions can be very severe and the fluids involved in many processes are flammable. Consequently, the efficient and safe operation of valves over a wide range of temperatures and over prolonged periods is vitally important.
At Score, we offer specialist valve testing services to our clients worldwide. These services include:
Elevated-Temperature Testing
A variety of valves of all types and sizes can be performance tested at high temperatures in purpose-built thermally insulated test boxes by our specialist technicians. In order to ensure maximum reliability, the testing is carried out at temperatures greatly in excess of those ever likely to be encountered under operational conditions. We test at up to 600 degrees C using heating elements and up to 1000 degrees C using gas burners.
Low-Temperatures & Cryogenic Testing
In our purpose-built thermally insulated cryogenic chambers, valves can be tested at temperatures as low as -196 degrees C, in accordance with BS 6364. The cryogenic chambers are of different sizes to accommodate various sizes and types of valves, the largest chamber measuring 12ft x 6ft x 6ft.
Fire & Flame Testing
In our specially constructed Fire Test building, valve performance can be tested under simulated burning conditions at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees C. Using manoeuvrable and adjustable gas burners, the flame can be directed onto any area surrounding the valve according to client's requirements. Fire testing is carried out to Standards BS EN ISO 10497, API 607, 589 and API 6FA, 6FB, 6FC and 6FD.
PR2 Testing
Where operating conditions demand, valves may be required to be tested over a range of temperatures and pressures, eg high pressures and temperatures followed by lower pressures and low temperatures, or any combination of temperature and pressure.
We pride ourselves on offering a flexible and comprehensive testing service, where each package is tailored to meet your requirement.
