Passing the Test: RPV Extends its Range of Testing Facilities

Suffolk based valve stockist, modifier and test house RPV, has made significant extensions to its testing facilities to include cryogenic testing to a temperature of -196°C. When added to the company’s capability to hydrostatic test and gas test up to 10,000 psi it amounts to one of the most comprehensive testing facilities held by any valve stockist in Europe.

“Our aim is to become a one stop shop and this is another step along the road to that destination,” says RPV QA/QC Director Steven Withers. The fact that RPV has many high spec., high value valves in stock which can be modified and retested on site means that their customers save valuable time by not having to move the valves from facility to facility for each step of the process. In the oil and gas industry, every minute counts so the new capabilities are proving very popular with RPV’s customers.

The company is also gaining a reputation for emission testing. The test house carries out daily emission testing to Shell 77/312 specification and ISO 15848.

An official modifier of brands including: BFE, Della Foglia, Goodwin, Kitz, Shipham and Valvosider. Not only do the company have approvals from these key brands and others, but all of the work is PED certified as the company is approved by BSI to ‘modify, valves with a design range up to 700 bar and from -196°C to 850°C.’ “Recently we took a set of 12", 600 flanged Passing the Test: RPV Extends its Range of Testing Facilities metal seated ball valves, valves we had in stock. We were able to machine the flange to a butt-weld profile and carry out welding to pipes at each end. The valve was modified, fully NDT tested and pressure tested on site and as it was in stock the customer received it days after the enquiry. They were delighted,” commented Steven Withers.

The newest development at the Mildenhall Test House is the cryogenic testing facility. As mentioned above, it is PED certified and also is controlled by the company’s ISO 9001 quality assurance system. One of the most impressive aspects of the system is the bespoke designed control panel which allows RPV engineers complete control of the facilities via remote whilst they monitor the valve on a TV screen and the results on various monitors. The whole process can be monitored live by the customer via internet link, or recorded and viewed at a later date. RPV of course has the associated clean room and degreasing capability on site, complete with UV light for inspection.

As outlined above, RPV now has an impressive range of testing capabilities in terms of pressure and temperatures. These are all excellently complimented by the 10 tonne lifting facility in the engineering and testing houses. “It means we are able to offer the complete service here at RPV” suggests Steve Withers. “If a customer was to approach us for a 2", class 800lb gate valve, we’d of course have it in stock, but now we could modify it with a cryogenic extension, clean and degrease, test it to -196°C and have it ready to ship within the week. Furthermore the work would be CE marked under our PED certification. It is very exciting for us and our customers.”

The improvements RPV have made to their capabilities, particularly when coupled with their existing facilities mean they now offer a complete service on site. It is exciting and important news for the European market. Given the company’s impressive record of investment, who knows what could be next for the team at RPV?

RP Valves Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1638 711311
Email: sales@rpv-group.com
www.rpv-group.com

Published: 15th October 2013