Misinterpretation of design validation testing

摘要

Valve test expert Colin Zegers has concerns about how his design validation testing (DVT) services are often interpreted in practice. DVT only covers a certain section of the MESC procedure. Unfortunately, many end users do not recognize this. Colin Zegers is the founder and owner of the company ITIS (Industrial Testing and Inspection Services) located in Goes, the Netherlands. Their success has led to considerable growth of their operations and as a result they have opened a new and modern testing facility where they provide a wide range of services such as type approval, production and fire safe testing, as well as NDT and Fugitive Emission testing. At this location, they also carry out the renowned Shell MESC SPE 77/300 - Procedure and Technical Specification for Design Validation Testing of Industrial Valves (formerly known as TAT - Type Acceptance Testing) now known as DVT. This extensive testing procedure is designed to assess the capability of valve manufacturers to design and prove full functional performance of newly designed industrial valves. When valves have passed this qualification, it will be rewarded with certificate of acceptance which have validity of 5 years, and can be extended. There are several (inter)national standards applicable for valve testing however most are not complete enough to make an educated conclusion about the performance of the valve when operating in practical conditions. The DVT test is designed specifically to prove a valve for its designed purpose i.e. the minimum and maximum design P/T rating as specified by the OEM.