Section 2120.1280  Performance Testing of Repaired Valves

Repaired valves shall meet the performance criteria equivalent to the standard for new valves.

a)         Valves marked for steam service or having special internal parts for steam service shall be tested on steam. Valves marked for general service may be tested with air or gas. Each valve shall be tested to demonstrate set pressure, response to blowdown, if required, and seat tightness in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Sections of the ASME Code.

b)         When valves are repaired by the owner for the owner's own use and not for resale, valves for steam service may be tested on air or nitrogen for set pressure and, if possible, blowdown adjustment, provided manufacturer's corrections for differential in set pressure between steam and testing medium are applied to the set pressure.

c)         A hydraulic or pneumatic device may be used to apply an auxiliary lifting load on the spring of a repaired valve which has been installed on a boiler or pressure vessel to establish the set pressure of the valve in lieu of the tests required in subsection (a) and (b) above, provided calibrated testing equipment and testing procedures are followed. In such cases, the manufacturer's recommendations shall be used to establish blowdown.

(Source:  Amended at 17 Ill. Reg. 14917, effective September 1, 1993)