Hot Spot NWIP ISO 4126-11

Performance Testing of Safety Devices New Work Item Re-Issued

What is it?

ISO TC 185 originally issued and approved the attached new work item proposal in 2021, but unfortunately work did not get started and so according to ISO rules the project ran out of time. The proposal has now been resubmitted and still relates to a new performance testing standard for safety valves and non-reclosing devices as part of the ISO 4126 family of standards. BSI will vote on behalf of the UK as to whether this work item should be approved.

The standard is intended to define the testing procedures to be applied for carrying out performance tests on closing, non-reclosing and combined safety devices for protection against excessive pressure as specified in ISO 4126 Parts 1, to 10, with particular reference to type testing. Inlet and outlet conditions and back-pressure influence shall be considered, if necessary. Special consideration should be given to test rigs, measurement techniques and precision as well as to testing procedures for low and high pressure applications.

The purpose of this Hot Spot is to draw attention to the re-launched new work item and invite any comments on the content from members. If you or your organisation have knowledge and experience of safety valve performance testing and would like to participate in the development of this standard please contact the BVAA to express an interest. Please pass any comments that you may have to the BVAA secretariat before 17/3/23 to allow it to be passed on to BSI and potentially included in the UK response to the ballot.

Why is it Important?

There are existing type test standards for safety valve performance such as ASME PTC 25 and VdTUEV 100, but neither of these standards have the status of an international standard, publication of ISO 4126-11 would rectify this.

Type tests are needed to fulfil the requirements according to the Pressure Equipment Directive or the PE(S)R for the certification of safety devices. The method and equipment used for such testing may affect the quality and accuracy of the test results. This standard would ensure performance tests are conducted and completed in a repeatable manner irrespective of testing location and taking into consideration both the requirements of manufacturers and plant operators applying the safety devices.

Did we miss anything?

Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact jane@bvaa.org.uk. 

Published: 23rd February 2023