National Board Testing Laboratory
The principle roles of the laboratory are to:
- Evaluate the performance and relieving capacity of safety valves.
- Support industry research and development efforts by testing new design concepts.
- Serve as the companion standard for other laboratories.
- Validate new concepts for industry technical standards.
To verify compliance with a variety of construction standards and specifications, pressure relief device testing is conducted on a regular basis for manufacturers, assemblers, and repair organizations located around the world. The laboratory’s testing methods, procedures, equipment, and personnel meet internationally-recognized standards.
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The main area of the National Board Testing Laboratory contains three test systems using steam, nitrogen, and water. Each system features the following:
|
|
Steam |
Air |
Water |
| Media |
Dry Saturated Steam |
Compressed Nitrogen |
Ambient Temp. Water |
Maximum
Source Pressure |
850 psi
(58 bar) |
3,500 psi
(238 bar) |
625 psi
(43 bar) |
Flow Measurement
Method |
Timed Weight Method |
Sonic Flow Nozzle
and
Sharp-Edged
Orifice Plate |
Sharp-Edged
Orifice Plates
and
Timed
Weight Method |
| Maximum Stamped Set Pressure |
500 psi (34 bar)
4" (DN 100) |
Low |
Medium |
High |
500 psi (34 bar)
4" (DN 100) |
580 psi (39 bar)
6" (DN 150) |
1,100 psi (75 bar)
4" (DN 100) |
2,025 psi (138 bar)
3" (DN 80)** |
| Maximum Stamped Flow Capacity |
12,000 pph
(5,443 Kg/h) |
13,000 SCFM
(22,087 m3/h) |
15,000 SCFM
(25,485 m3/h) |
5,000 SCFM
(8,495 m3/h) |
550 gpm
(2,082 L/min) |
**Valve orifice diameter must be less than or equal to 1 inch (applies to high pressure air system only)
A computer-based acquisition system is available to electronically capture the best data for flow computation and analysis.
For more information regarding the National Board Testing Laboratory, please Contact Us.