Valve Inspection Protocol

This method can be successfully used when valve/line pressure is not known. It is recommended that a base line be established for each valve to be tested. It is also known as the A, B, C & D Method 1. Single valve inspection: note, at all times, it is recommended that the inspector listen to the valve flow/no flow sound quality through headphones or a speaker while performing the valve test. a. Note four inspection points: 2 upstream, and 2 down stream. b. Upstream test points to be equal distance. The first X diameters distance immediately upstream of the valve. The second point is directly upstream of the valve right at the pipe fitting.. c. Downstream test points of equal distance in relation to the two upstream test points. The first to be directly downstream at the pipe fitting. The second X diameters downstream. d. Begin a test base line by touching the first test point. Adjust the sensitivity until the meter reads a mid line level (If a meter mode is to be used, adjust the meter mode dial to LIN) for the Analogue Instruments and read the dB Value on the Digital Instruments. e. Do not adjust the sensitivity and take a second reading at the second upstream level. They should be close to each other. It is possible that the second upstream level may be slightly lower. f. Next compare these levels with the two downstream test points. It the downstream levels are close to or lower than the upstream levels, than the valve is considered good, or Not to be leaking. If the two readings are higher, than the valve is considered to be leaking. g. If the valve is considered to be in a good condition, note the base line downstream decibel levels (using the attenuator transfer curve if your instrument is analogue). h. On subsequent inspections, test the two downstream levels at the same original settings (decibels) and compare. As the decibel levels begin to increase, this will be an indication of a leak condition developing.. i. Alternative method 1: record the valve test points on a tape recorder and download to a computer using Spectra software. j. Alternative method 2: record the valve test points directly on to a vibration analyzer and observe the amplitude levels.

The best method of testing valves is called the A,B,C,D Method

ON/OFF VALVES On/off valves are usually checked for position, open or closed, or for leakage in the closed position. Valves are tested with the ultrasonic unit utilizing the contact module. The first step in testing a valve for leakage is to visually confirm if the valve is closed or in the off position. The valve is then tested for leakage. This is accomplished by first contacting 2 points upstream of the valve (test point A and B), and adjusting the sensitivity to read about 50 percent of full scale in the Analogue Instruments or by reading the dB Value in the Digital Instruments. A and B are the baseline. The downstream side is then contacted at two test points: C & D. The sound intensity of the baseline (A and B) is compared to test point C. Test point D is measured to insure there is no other ultrasonic sound from downstream of the valve. If reading D is higher than C, this means that ultrasonic sound is being transmitted from a point downstream. If possible, this ultrasonic sound must be either tuned out or shut off to get a proper test of the subject valve. When it is not possible to turn off or tune out a downstream structure borne ultrasound, find the source of the highest reading in order to determine its effect on the outcome. If reading D is lower than C, the valve test is valid. MANIFOLD VALVE INSPECTION Basically, this is the same procedure as above. The only consideration is that it may not be possible to use two test points as described. In this instance, test immediately upstream of the valve and compare to a test point on the valve body, which may be used as a downstream test point. Select a point as close to the valve seat as logistically possible and record the results.