What Tests Should Be Performed on Industrial Valves Before Shipment?

Quality inspection is an essential part of industrial valve manufacturing. Before valves are shipped, different tests and inspections may be required depending on the valve type, pressure rating, material and project specifications.

One of the most important inspections is the hydrostatic shell test. Water is used to pressurize the valve body and check whether there is any leakage or structural problem. This test helps verify the pressure integrity of the valve body.

The seat leakage test is also important. It checks the sealing performance of the valve when the valve is closed. Different valve types may have different allowable leakage requirements according to the applicable standard or project specification.

Dimensional inspection verifies important dimensions such as face-to-face length, flange drilling, valve height and connection dimensions. This is particularly important for replacement projects because incorrect dimensions can cause installation problems.

For stainless steel, duplex or other alloy valves, PMI (Positive Material Identification) may be required to verify the actual material grade. This helps prevent material mix-ups during manufacturing.

Other inspections may include visual inspection, coating thickness inspection, marking verification and actuator operation testing.

For projects requiring third-party inspection, inspectors may also review MTC, inspection reports, test certificates and traceability records before shipment.

A complete quality-control system should therefore cover not only the final valve but also materials, machining, assembly, testing and documentation.

A reliable valve supplier should be able to provide a clear inspection plan and complete documentation according to the customer's project requirements.