Hydraulic Machines Questions and Answers – Air Vessels
This set of Hydraulic Machines Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Air Vessels”.1. A pressure vessel is used to hold _ a) Air b) Gases c) Molecules d) Solids View Answer
Answer: b Explanation: The pressure vessels in most turbomachinery are used to hold liquid and gasses at a pressure that is different from an ambient pressure.2. Why do we need a maximum safe operating pressure? a) Pressure vessel might explode b) Temperature increase needs to be controlled c) Heat transfer is rejected d) Improve overall efficiency View Answer Answer: a Explanation: Pressure vessels need to be operated under low conditions as they might explode due to increase in pressure.
- The pressure vessels in most turbomachinery are used to hold liquid and gasses at a pressure that is different from an ambient pressure.3.
- When is a reciprocating pump used? a) When quantity of liquid is small b) When quantity of liquid is large c) To pump high pressure d) To pump low pressure View Answer Answer: a Explanation: Reciprocating pump is used when the quantity of liquid is small.
Because handling such small quantity liquids is difficult. Especially when the delivery pressure is quite large.4. The maximum efficiency of the reciprocating pump is _ a) 20 b) 50 c) 70 d) 85 View Answer Answer: d Explanation: Reciprocating pump is more favourable for small liquid quantities.
- As the chamber in the liquid is trapped, it has a stationary cylinder which contains a piston and a plunger.
- The maximum efficiency of the reciprocating pump is 85 percent.5.
- A tank that is used to protect closed water heating systems is called _ a) Pressure vessel b) Expansion vessel c) Heat vessel d) Auto vessel View Answer Answer: b Explanation: A tank that is used to protect closed water heating systems is called expansion vessel.
It is essential for heating process of water. Check this: | 6. How is the construction of the vessel tested? a) Uniform testing b) Continuous testing c) Pulsating test d) Non-destructive testing View Answer Answer: d Explanation: Pressure vessels are tested using non-destructive testing also called the NDT.
It is a very essential method to determine the defects in the turbomachinery.7. What does BPVC stand for? a) Boiler and pressure vessel code b) Boiler and pump vessel code c) Boiler and pressure vessel clutch d) Boiler and pump vessel clutch View Answer Answer: a Explanation: BPVC stands for Boiler and pressure vessel code.
It is a standard code for determining the pressure that the pressure vessels can withstand.8. Which of the following is not an NDT type? a) Ultrasonic b) Liquid penetrant c) Visual d) Hammer test View Answer Answer: d Explanation: Hammer test is not a non destructive type of testing.
- Some of the examples of destructive testing are ultrasonic, radiography, liquid penetrant and visual testing.9.
- What is the full form of NDI? a) Non-destructive intern b) Non-destructive inspection c) Non-destructive inkling d) Non-destructive inertia View Answer Answer: b Explanation: The full form of NDI is Non-destructive inspection.
It is a very essential method to determine the defects in the turbomachinery.10. NDT is a money and time saving technique. a) True b) False View Answer Answer: a Explanation: NDT is a money and time saving technique because it does not permanently alter the article that is being inspected.
- It does evaluation, trouble shooting and research work.11.
- Where is the excess quantity of water from the pump accumulated? a) Froth tube b) Draft tube c) Air vessels d) Bicycle pump View Answer Answer: c Explanation: The excess quantity of water is accumulated in air vessels.
- Air vessels help to maintain high temperature and pressure of fluid.12.
NDT relies upon _ a) Electromagnetic radiation b) Heat c) Pressure change d) Temperature View Answer Answer: a Explanation: NDT relies upon sound and electromagnetic radiation. NDT is a money and time saving technique because it does not permanently alter the article that is being inspected.
It does evaluation, trouble shooting and research work.13. What is the shape of a pressure vessel? a) Square b) Spheres c) Cones d) All the shapes View Answer Answer: d Explanation: Pressure vessel can be made of any shape. It is most commonly made up in spheres, cones, cylinders and cut into different sections with different cross sections.14.
Safety valve is used to ensure that the pressure in the vessels is not exceeded. a) True b) False View Answer Answer: a Explanation: Safety valve is used to ensure that the pressure in the vessels is not exceeded. Safety valve is also called as the relief valve.
- It has an intricate design to serve this purpose.15.
- Pressure vessel closures are used to _ a) Avoid breakage b) Avoid leakage c) Retain structures d) Maintain pressure View Answer Answer: c Explanation: Pressure vessel closures are used for retaining structures.
- It is designed in such a way to provide quick access to pressure vessels, pipelines and filtration systems.
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Contents
- 1 How do you Hydro test a vessel?
- 2 What is the basic requirement to design the pressure vessel?
- 3 How often should pressure vessels be tested?
- 4 What is Hydraulic testing?
- 5 Which ASME code will be used to construct pressure vessel?
- 6 Why is proof testing important?
- 7 Why do we do the pressure testing for piping and vessels?
- 8 How are pressure relief valves tested?
- 9 How are pressure switches tested?
- 10 Why do we do the pressure testing for piping and vessels?
How are pressure vessels tested?
There are two methods for pressure tests: hydrostatic and pneumatic. A hydrostatic test is performed by using water as the test medium, whereas a pneumatic test uses air, nitrogen, or any non-flammable and non- toxic gas. At SLAC pressure tests must be hydrostatic unless pneumatic tests can be justified.
How do you Hydro test a vessel?
Water Jacket Method – In order to conduct a this method, the the vessel is filled with water and loaded it into a sealed chamber (called the test jacket) which is also filled with water. The vessel is then pressurized inside the test jacket for a specified amount of time.
- This causes the vessel to expand within the test jacket, which results in water being forced out into a glass tube that measures the total expansion.
- Once the total expansion is recorded, the vessel is depressurized and shrinks to its approximate original size.
- As the vessel deflates, water flows back into the test jacket.
Sometimes, the vessel does not return to its original size. This second size value is called permanent expansion. The difference between the total expansion and permanent expansion determines whether or not the vessel is fit-for service. Typically the higher the percent expansion, the more likely the vessel will be decommissioned.
What is the basic requirement to design the pressure vessel?
A welded steel pressure vessel constructed as a horizontal cylinder with domed ends. An access cover can be seen at one end, and a drain valve at the bottom centre. A pressure vessel is a container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure,
- Construction methods and materials may be chosen to suit the pressure application, and will depend on the size of the vessel, the contents, working pressure, mass constraints, and the number of items required.
- Pressure vessels can be dangerous, and fatal accidents have occurred in the history of their development and operation.
Consequently, pressure vessel design, manufacture, and operation are regulated by engineering authorities backed by legislation. For these reasons, the definition of a pressure vessel varies from country to country. Design involves parameters such as maximum safe operating pressure and temperature, safety factor, corrosion allowance and minimum design temperature (for brittle fracture).
Construction is tested using nondestructive testing, such as ultrasonic testing, radiography, and pressure tests. Hydrostatic pressure tests usually use water, but pneumatic tests use air or another gas. Hydrostatic testing is preferred, because it is a safer method, as much less energy is released if a fracture occurs during the test (water does not greatly increase its volume when rapid depressurization occurs, unlike gases, which expand explosively).
Mass or batch production products will often have a representative sample tested to destruction in controlled conditions for quality assurance. Pressure relief devices may be fitted if the overall safety of the system is sufficiently enhanced. In most countries, vessels over a certain size and pressure must be built to a formal code.
- In the United States that code is the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC),
- In Europe the code is the Pressure Equipment Directive,
- Information on this page is mostly valid in ASME only.
- These vessels also require an authorized inspector to sign off on every new vessel constructed and each vessel has a nameplate with pertinent information about the vessel, such as maximum allowable working pressure, maximum temperature, minimum design metal temperature, what company manufactured it, the date, its registration number (through the National Board), and American Society of Mechanical Engineers ‘s official stamp for pressure vessels (U-stamp).
The nameplate makes the vessel traceable and officially an ASME Code vessel. A special application is pressure vessels for human occupancy, for which more stringent safety rules apply.
How do you find the design pressure of a vessel?
Example 1: – Operating Pressure Design Pressure Pressure at top (kg/cm 2 g) 2 3.8 Pressure drop (kg/cm 2 ) 0.3 0.3 Bottom liquid head (kg/cm 2 g) 0.2 0.2 Pressure at the bottom (kg/cm 2 g) 2.5 4.3 As a practice, while a vacuum condition is likely to occur due to malfunction during steam purge or emergency shutdown of reboilers (all condensable vapor service), etc, the vessel should be designed to withstand full vacuum.
If the vacuum design is an uneconomical solution, vacuum protection devices such as breather valves can be installed of employing vacuum design, keeping in mind the types, location and response time of devices, flow rate, availability of inert gas is used as well as it should be ensured that the devices are functioning properly even under abnormal conditions.
When the vessel is located on the discharge side of the pumps is not protected by relief devices, the design pressure shall be determined as the larger of the following criteria, Design pressure= Differential pressure under normal flow rate + design pressure of suction vessel+ head between the tangential line of the suction vessel and the centerline of the pump impeller.
Design pressure= Pump shut off head +normal operating pressure of suction vessel+ head between the tangential line of the suction vessel and the centerline of the pump impeller. Pump shut-off head can be calculated as Maximum suction pressure + 1.25 x Normal differential pressure. For the centrifugal compressor, the design pressure of the compressor discharge shall be at least equal to the specified relief valve setting, if relief valve setting is not specified, the design pressure shall be at least 1.25 times the maximum specified discharge pressure (refer API RP 617).
A safety valve must be used on the discharge of each stage of a reciprocating compressor to avoid possible damage to the machine from excessive pressure due to overloading.
What is proof test in pressure vessel?
A Proof-Pressure Test verifies if a component can withstand pressure above its intended operating pressure without permanent damage. It is a form of stress test to demon- strate the fitness of an Expansion Joint under the test pres- sure conditions.
How often should pressure vessels be tested?
When does inspection/testing need to take place? – PSSR Regulation 8 requires that before pressure systems are used a Written Scheme of Examinations (WSE) must be in place. According to PSSR, the WSE may specify the need for an initial examination prior to the first use of the system.
PSSR Regulation 6 requires that the installation doesn’t give rise to danger or impairs the operation of protective devices. Developing a WSE before the use of a system would ensure adherence to this regulation. PSSR also requires regular periodic inspections of pressure systems. The frequency may vary from 12 months to many years, depending upon the type of equipment and their condition.
The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) has made comprehensive recommendations for inspection frequencies. See their Guidance PSG01, which is freely downloadable from their website. After a pressure vessel is manufactured and installed it may undergo alterations or repairs throughout its lifecycle.
What is the difference between Hydrotest and hydrostatic test?
Hydrostatic Testing in Houston, Texas – Hydrotesting is another pressure testing option where a liquid (usually water) is injected into a pipe system to check for structural flaws permitting leakage. Hydrostatic testing allows the detection of leaks that only become obvious at elevated operating pressures.
What is Hydraulic testing?
Hydraulic Pressure Testing Circuit – The pressure test circuit consists of the piping system connected to the HPU as shown below in Fig 1.0. The pressure line is interconnected to the return and drain line by a tee through the hoses. Return and Drain line check valves at the HPU are interchanged to ball valves (they can also be blanked alternatively). Pressure Testing of a hydraulic system involves a sequence which is as follows:-
Filling the circuit with working fluid. Pressurizing the pressure line to the pressure line test pressure. Releasing the Pressure of the pressure line. Pressurizing the return and drain line to their respective test pressures.
The HPU of the hydraulic system is used to fill the system with oil as shown in Fig.1.1. Since the pressure line pressure will be very high as compared to the return and drain line, the pressure line is tested first by isolating the return and drain line. Once the pressure line is tested, the pressure test of return and drain line is done. The pressure is increased until the line attains the test pressure. The pressure is then held in the line for 15 mins (or based on the customers requirement) and checked for leakages. For a hydraulic pressure test there are mainly two methods of checking the leakages at the joints.
Visual check of the joints (flanges, fittings) to spot any leakages. Visual Check on the pressure gauge to spot any pressure loss.
If the line clears the above checks it has then successfully been pressure tested. The pressure of the pressure line is released using the drain valve as shown in the Fig 1.3 below After the Hydraulic Pressure Line pressure release, the return and drain lines are pressurized through the pressure line by opening the valves as shown in the Fig 1.4 below The pressure of return and drain is checked through the gauges at the manifold and the extreme end of the pressure line. This is because since the pressure line is connected to the return and drain line, they together act as a unit. So the reading at the hydraulic pressure line gauge will be the same as that of the pressure on the return line.
What is the purpose of hydrostatic testing?
What is Hydrostatic Pressure Testing? Hydrostatic testing is the primary method used to test for leaks and assess the structural integrity of meter skids, compressed gas cylinders, boilers, tubing, pipelines and other pressurized vessels. It’s performed by filling the system with water, pressurizing it up to a level greater than Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP), and monitoring for visible and/or measurable leaks during a specified amount of time.
What are the factors that considers a designing of a ship?
Principal Aspects of Boat Design and Manufacture – There are four principal aspects of boat design, viz., aesthetics, materials used in building the boat, the various technologies and features integrated into the boat, and the psychology of the boat buyer.
Aesthetic Boat Design
One of the main aspects of consideration, after all structural requirements are satisfied, is the aesthetic appeal of the boat. People usually believe that only cruise ships or luxury yachts are expected to think about boat aesthetics; it is enough for the other boats to be functional.
- However, this is far from the truth.
- Even the smallest of boats needs to be ergonomic and have a certain aesthetic appeal for achieving maximum efficiency in operation.
- The design philosophy has to include all the human and social elements through the design process, to create a feeling of pleasure in operating the boat.
The influence of aesthetics varies from boat to boat, depending on the function for which it is used. A kayaking boat and a patrol boat will not have the same design requirements. Nevertheless, in either case, the appeal of the boat increases manifold when it is optimized for ergonomy as well as structure.
Materials Used in Boat Design
The materials used in boat design and manufacture have developed radically in the last 50 years, with the invention of better, cheaper, and more durable options. Wood, iron, and steel were traditionally the core materials used to build a boat. The chief problem with iron and steel is that they can be too heavy for smaller boats, which limits their application to large ships and cruise liners which almost all still use them for the hull design. Figure: FRP Boat Building at Craftway Engineers High speed, increased reliability, longer life, low maintenance cost, resistance to corrosion, and improved efficiency are some of the major advantages of FRP boats,
Technology in Boat Design
This is one aspect of boat design that has changed drastically in the past decade. There have been monumental improvements in the technology integrated in boats, to make the ride comfortable and smooth. Sophisticated navigation and location software, advanced personal safety devices, automated controls, and thermal imaging are just some of the examples in which technology has become an integral part of boat design.
Today, every boat is designed to accommodate these components, as they have become necessities for better operation. A lot of new technologies have been influenced by the need for more environment-friendly boats. Sustainable boat design, which makes use of renewable energy source to fuel its needs, reuse and recycling of hazardous waste to prevent marine litter, etc.
are some of the ways in which boats are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, thanks to technology.
Boat Buyer’s Mindset
Emotion is a key factor that induces a person to buy a boat. Naturally, this means that it needs to be considered as an important aspect during boat design. There are various types of boat buyers who need different kinds of motivators to close the final purchase.
These range from serious professionals to amateurs who simply like to go out for a weekend of boating and fishing. Nevertheless, all kinds of boat buyers are understandably concerned about the way the boat has been designed. Depending on the application they are choosing the boat for, their requirements and perspectives vary.
It is important for design engineers to understand the end-buyer’s thought process and take their convenience into account before adding or eliminating any functionality from the boat’s structure. Summing Up These are the four aspects to be considered for boat design and manufacture.
Although the structural design of boats remains somewhat consistent for the different applications, these factors influence boat design beyond its size and shape. Boat manufacturers and service providers in India are aware of these considerations and we see a new generation of innovative boats coming up accordingly.
It is now imperative that we look towards the future for inspiration and keep reinventing our design considerations to build great boats! What other factors would you say influence boat design? Drop a comment to let us know!
Why designing a pressure vessel is important?
Components Of A Pressure Vessel – Pressure vessels have varying parts depending on the contents housed inside. Many vessels are custom-made for a specific purpose or use like storing butane. In most instances, people have to buy or build a pressure vessel to hold one type of substance or material.
What code or standard covers the construction of pressure vessels?
The ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard that regulates the design and construction of boilers and pressure vessels, The document is written and maintained by volunteers chosen for their technical expertise,
What is the difference between design pressure and test pressure?
ASME B31.5 Test Refrigeration Piping – The test pressure shall be at least 1.1 and shall not exceed 1.3 times the design pressure of any component in the system, The pressure in the system shall be gradually increased to 0.5 times the test pressure, after which the pressure shall be increased in steps of approximately 1/10 of the test pressure until the required test pressure is reached.
What is design pressure as per ASME?
ASME Sec VIII the most common code used for designing We are all aware of the ASME Sec VII I, as an international Code for designing pressure vessels, but have we ever thought that despite the code being not mandatory why it is a common trend in Oil and Gas. If we look up in history of incidents that led to safety hassles, in most cases ‘Improper design’ caused unknown pressure differential that was dangerous and led to fatal consequences.
Considering these impacts in the past, many associations developed guidelines to design pressure vessels. Some guidelines are followed internationally and some are followed country wise. These guidelines are termed as Codes and Standards. Amongst the available codes (ASME Sec VIII, PD 5500, EN 13445 3, IS 2825) ASME is the most favored code in the,
The reason for such universal acceptance of VIII is essentially due to the following parameters:
- ASME Sec VIII is one of the safest code and the safety margin is also high compared to other design codes.
- ASME codes are updated every year based on the feedback received from the users and based on current industry scenario.
- ASME being the largest committee for codes also ensures better and reliable experience. Interpretation of any code is always a complicated issue for engineers wherein the support provided by ASME through prompt replies helps the engineers to understand the technical aspect and expedites the engineering process.
- Additional Information regarding Pressure Vessels & ASME Sec VIII
- Pressure Vessel: A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure.
- Pressure ranges in ASME Sec VIII code:
Pressure range starts from 15 PSI to 3000 PSI can be designed as per ASME Sec VIII Division 1. Pressure range starts from 3000 PSI to 10,000 PSI can be designed as per ASME Sec VIII Division 2. Pressure range over 10,000 PSI can be designed by ASME Sec VIII Division 3. ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Stamps – Ready Reckoner
- A – Field Assembly of Power Boiler
- E – Electric Boilers
- H – Heating Boilers, steel plate or cast iron sectional
- HV – Heating Boiler safety valve
- HIW – Lined portable water heaters
- M – Miniatures Boilers
- N – Nuclear power plant components
- NPT – Nuclear power plant component particles
- NA – Nuclear power plant installation/Assembly
- NV – Nuclear power plant safety valves
- PP – Pressure piping
- RP – Reinforced plastic pressure vessels
- RTP – Reinforced Thermoset plastic corrosion resistant equipment
- S – Power boilers
- U1, U2, U3 – Pressure vessels
- UD – Rupture disc devices
- UM – Miniature Pressure vessels
- UV3 – High pressure vessel safety valves
- V – Boiler safety valve
- Important Facts
- Till 2008 the ASME U-stamp will be as shown below,
- From 2009 the ASME stamping has been changed as shown below.
- ASME is the stamp and U is the designator.
- Designator shall be changing based on the application and design like A, E, H, HV, M, N, NPT, NA, NV, PP, RPetc.
: ASME Sec VIII the most common code used for designing
Which ASME code will be used to construct pressure vessel?
Pipe Specifications – The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is the standard that regulates the design and construction of boilers and pressure vessels. The ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping consists of a number of individually published sections, as shown below.
- B31.1 Power Piping : Typically found in electric power generating stations, in industrial and institutional plants, geothermal heating systems, and central and district heating and cooling systems.
- B31.3 Process Piping : Typically found in petroleum refineries; chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants; and related processing plants and terminals.
• B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries : Transporting products that are predominately liquid between plants and terminals and within terminals, pumping, regulating, and metering stations. • B31.5 Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components : Refrigerants and secondary coolants.
- B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems : Transporting products that are predominately gas between sources and terminals, including compressor, regulating, and metering stations; gas gathering pipelines.
- B31.9 Building Services Piping : Typically found in industrial, institutional, commercial, and public buildings, and in multiunit residences, which does not require the range of sizes, pressures, and temperatures covered in B31.1.
• B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines : Gaseous and liquid hydrogen service and pipelines in gaseous hydrogen service. Although it is B31.3—Process Piping that is most used in the process industries, other sections frequently apply. For example, if a process facility contains power piping then it is likely that B31.1 will have to be followed.
In all cases ASME states that, “It is the owner’s responsibility to determine which Code Section is most applicable to the piping installation.” Determining which section of the code to follow can be difficult and complicated process and will likely require the services of an expert. To illustrate some of the difficulties Huitt (2016) illustrates code jurisdiction and transitioning with the use of a steam drum on a process facility.
In Fig.4.1 a process facility is generating steam in a boiler or waste heat boiler. The steam goes to a steam drum, as shown. The drum must meet the requirements of BPVC 2015, Section I―Rules for Construction of Power Boilers. The steam from the boiler leaves through external piping which may be covered either by Section I or by ASME B31.1―Power Piping. Figure 4.1, Steam drum piping. The codes will provide data such as that given in Table 4.2 to show the pressure rating for different classes of steel at different temperatures. It provides the maximum allowable nonshock pressure and temperature ratings for steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings at various temperatures according to the American National Standard ANSI/ASME B16.5 (ANSI, 2013).
Maximum Allowable Nonshock Pressure (psig) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temperature (°F) | Pressure Class (lb) | ||||||
150 | 300 | 400 | 600 | 900 | 1500 | 2500 | |
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (psig) | |||||||
450 | 1125 | 1500 | 2225 | 3350 | 5575 | 9275 | |
−20 to 100 | 290 | 750 | 1000 | 1500 | 2250 | 3750 | 6250 |
200 | 260 | 750 | 1000 | 1500 | 2250 | 3750 | 6250 |
300 | 230 | 730 | 970 | 1455 | 2185 | 3640 | 6070 |
400 | 200 | 705 | 940 | 1405 | 2110 | 3520 | 5865 |
500 | 170 | 665 | 885 | 1330 | 1995 | 3325 | 5540 |
600 | 140 | 605 | 805 | 1210 | 1815 | 3025 | 5040 |
650 | 125 | 590 | 785 | 1175 | 1765 | 2940 | 4905 |
700 | 110 | 555 | 740 | 1110 | 1665 | 2775 | 4630 |
750 | 95 | 505 | 675 | 1015 | 1520 | 2535 | 4230 |
800 | 80 | 410 | 550 | 825 | 1235 | 2055 | 3430 |
850 | 65 | 320 | 425 | 640 | 955 | 1595 | 2655 |
900 | 50 | 225 | 295 | 445 | 670 | 1115 | 1855 |
950 | 35 | 135 | 185 | 275 | 410 | 685 | 1145 |
1000 | 20 | 85 | 115 | 170 | 255 | 430 | 715 |
Read full chapter URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128128831000048
What is a proof test procedure?
Develop the procedures – A proof test procedure is based on an analysis of the known dangerous failure modes for each of the components in the safety instrumented function (SIF) trip path, the SIF functionality as a system, and how (and if) to test for the dangerous failure mode.
Procedure development should start in the SIF design phase with the system design, selection of components, and determination of when and how to proof test. SIS instruments have varying degrees of proof testing difficulty that must be considered in the SIF design, operation and maintenance. For example, orifice meters and pressure transmitters are easier to test than Coriolis mass flowmeters, mag meters or through-the-air radar level sensors.
The application and valve design also can affect the comprehensiveness of the valve proof test to ensure that dangerous and incipient failures due to degradation, plugging or time-dependent failures don’t lead to a critical failure within the selected test interval.
While proof test procedures are typically developed during the SIF engineering phase, they should also be reviewed by the site SIS Technical Authority, Operations and the instrument technicians who will be doing the testing. A job safety analysis (JSA) should also be done. It’s important to get the plant’s buy-in on what tests will be done and when, and their physical and safety feasibility.
For example, it does no good to specify partial-stroke testing when the Operations group will not agree to do it. It’s also recommended that the proof test procedures be reviewed by an independent subject matter expert (SME). The typical testing required for a full function proof test is illustrated in Figure 1.
Full function proof test requirements Figure 1: A full function proof test specification for a safety instrumented function (SIF) and its safety instrumented system (SIS) should spell out or refer to the steps in sequence from test preparations and test procedures to notifications and documentation.
Proof testing is a planned maintenance action that should be performed by competent personnel trained in SIS testing, the proof procedure, and the SIS loops they’ll be testing. There should be a walk-through of the procedure prior to performing the initial proof test, and feedback to the site SIS Technical Authority afterward for improvements or corrections.
Why is proof testing important?
A proof-test is designed to reveal built-in device failures, not detected by anyone. It is a vital part of the safety lifecycle, critical to ensure a system achieves its required SIL throughout the safety lifecycle.
What is the purpose of proof testing?
Proof-testing is defined in IEC 61508 as a ‘Periodic test performed to detect dangerous hidden failures in a safety-related system so that, if necessary, a repair can restore the system to an ‘as new’ condition or as close as practical to this condition ‘.
What is the need of testing of pressure vessel after commissioning?
Why Use Pressure Vessel Inspection Checklists? – Boilers and pressure vessels vary by shape, construction materials, working pressure, vessel threads, safety features, and maintenance features. Engineers, safety officers, or boiler inspectors use pressure vessel inspection checklists to help maintain the good working condition of pressure vessels and their safety accessories which keep liquid and gas pressure in check.
Why do we do the pressure testing for piping and vessels?
1 Introduction – Crude refineries are sensitive industrial facilities where millions of crude oil are refined to different petroleum fractions. The processing of crude oil in refineries is carried out at high pressures. For this purpose, pressure testing is carried out in the refineries to ensure a safe production process.
- Pressure testing is equally important for the storage and transportation of petroleum fractions.
- Usually, the highest chances of production failure are linked to the pipeline system and the storage tanks in the refinery.
- This article discusses several leak testing methods, the planning process, the test’s preparation, the pressure testing’s execution, documentation, and acceptance of the test standards.
Pressure testing in the piping system is performed according to the piping codes. It is ensured that the newly installed or the already existing repaired piping system can handle the required pressure of the system and whether the system is leakage proof.
International regulatory bodies already define pressure testing standards that ensure the quality of the pressure testing performed. In pressure testing, the tests are performed according to the piping codes defined by the regulatory bodies. The codes have been generated by implying test procedures on prototype equipment.
It involves increasing the pressure to a limit where measurable yield occurs, or the prototype reaches a point of rupture. From the acquired experimental data, pressure ratings are defined according to the code specified in the system.
How are pressure relief valves tested?
How to Perform a PSV Crack Test – PSVs should be tested at their operating pressures and temperatures. A test can be performed “in-situ,” while the valve is still in service, but the set pressure is often challenging to create in the field so they’re more commonly removed from the system entirely and taken into a lab/test center for bench testing.
- During a conventional PSV test, a technician carefully supplies rising pressure to the valve until it pops (or “cracks”), compares that pressure to the set pressure, and records the results.
- The goal is to ensure the valve will open and perform its function at the desired set pressure and that the reseal event happens at the desired lower pressure.
To get started you’ll need to connect your PSV, a pressure reference gauge, and an external pressure source. Be sure to follow ASME Section VIII standards for the type of valve being tested. Step 1: Before you start testing, determine the set pressure of the PSV.
Every PSV has a set pressure engraved on the tag riveted onto the body, which is the reading at which the valve should pop open to quickly release pressure. Be sure that the gauge you’re using has the correct measuring range to accommodate the set pressure. Step 2: Apply pressure from your external pressure source until a sudden release or pop action is observed.
Record the reading at that exact moment. Step 3 : Slowly decrease the flow of pressure and record the reseating pressure value, or the pressure point at which the valve closes. If the volume of your pressure source is too low, this will happen instantly and the lower pressure may be difficult to record.
Step 4 : Repeat multiple times – three times is recommended, recording all pressure readings for confirmation Though the basic PSV testing procedure is relatively easy to perform, results are certified by a technician based on simple observation with little hard data to back it up, and certificates are signed and issued with little to no traceability other than the technician’s word.
Even two highly trained technicians observing the same test may record different results, which highlights the inherent potential for human error in this type of standard PSV test.
How are pressure switches tested?
A Modern Way to More Easily Test Pressure Switches – – Classic methods for pressure switch testing have been superseded with the introduction of new pressure test tools. Today most pressure switches are tested with a pressure gauge mounted to a pump to supply and measure pressure, and a DMM set to continuity to verify the opening and closing of the switch.
The technician or electrician making the test is required to interpret the pressure applied to the switch when the continuity beeper sounds indicating contact closure of the switch. A workable solution but new tools can make this task easier. Modern calibrators can automatically record the pressure applied when a pressure switch changes from open to closed and from closed to open.
In doing so the switch set point and reset point and deadband are much easier to determine. With a modern documenting calibrator you can test for dry contacts opening and closing on the switch or if you are using the Fluke 753 or 754 you can leave the switch connected to the live voltage and the calibrator will measure the changing AC voltage and interpret it as opening and closing of the switch.
What is an acceptable process for verifying a pressure vessel’s functionality?
Hydrostatic test Non-destructive test of pressure vessels For the autopsy procedure, see,
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Hydrostatic tester A hydrostatic test is a way in which such as,,, and fuel tanks can be tested for strength and leaks. The test involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid, usually water, which may be dyed to aid in visual leak detection, and pressurization of the vessel to the specified test pressure.
Pressure tightness can be tested by shutting off the supply valve and observing whether there is a pressure loss. The location of a leak can be visually identified more easily if the water contains a colorant. Strength is usually tested by measuring permanent deformation of the container. Hydrostatic testing is the most common method employed for testing pipes and pressure vessels.
Using this test helps maintain safety standards and durability of a vessel over time. Newly manufactured pieces are initially qualified using the hydrostatic test. They are then revalidated at regular intervals according to the relevant standard. In some cases where a hydrostatic test is not practicable a pneumatic pressure test may be an acceptable alternative.
Why do we do the pressure testing for piping and vessels?
Pressure testing of refinery pipelines and tanks Crude refineries are sensitive industrial facilities where millions of crude oil are refined to different petroleum fractions. The processing of crude oil in refineries is carried out at high pressures.
- For this purpose, pressure testing is carried out in the refineries to ensure a safe production process.
- Pressure testing is equally important for the storage and transportation of petroleum fractions.
- Usually, the highest chances of production failure are linked to the pipeline system and the storage tanks in the refinery.
This article discusses several leak testing methods, the planning process, the test’s preparation, the pressure testing’s execution, documentation, and acceptance of the test standards. Pressure testing in the piping system is performed according to the piping codes.
It is ensured that the newly installed or the already existing repaired piping system can handle the required pressure of the system and whether the system is leakage proof. International regulatory bodies already define pressure testing standards that ensure the quality of the pressure testing performed.
In pressure testing, the tests are performed according to the piping codes defined by the regulatory bodies. The codes have been generated by implying test procedures on prototype equipment. It involves increasing the pressure to a limit where measurable yield occurs, or the prototype reaches a point of rupture.