This document applies to control valves having bodies, bonnets, cover plates, and bottom flanges made of carbon steel, low alloy and high alloy (stainless) steel, nickel-base alloy, cast iron, and ductile iron.

This document establishes requirements and definitions for standard hydrostatic shell testing of control valves by the valve manufacturer to prove the structural integrity and leak tightness of the valves’ pressure-retaining parts, including any closure parts such as the valve body to bonnet joint, but excluding packings, bellows, or other moving seals, and packing leakoff/purge/vent port connections. Bellows or similar moving stem seals may be pressure tested after assembly at a pressure to be agreed upon by the valve manufacturer and the purchaser. The requirements of this document do not cover pneumatic and hydraulic actuators and regulators.

This document describes and specifies the specific circumstances of hydrostatic shell testing of control valves and is in accordance with the hydrostatic testing requirements of ASME B16.1, ASME B16.34, and ASME B16.42, with the exception that the test requirements of paragraph 4.8 are not allowed by ASME B16.34.

WARNING — SERIOUS BODILY HARM CAN BE CAUSED BY HIGH VELOCITY LEAKS THROUGH THE SHELL OR SEALS, RESULTING FROM THE ENERGY STORED IN THE PRESSURIZED FLUID AND CONTAINMENT EQUIPMENT. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF TEST AND INSPECTION PERSONNEL. SPECIFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDUCTING HYDROSTATIC TESTING AND INSPECTION ARE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS STANDARD.