Valve Test Benches: Something You Need to Know When Choosing It
Valve testing goes far beyond simply opening and closing a valve.
It involves a series of evaluations to confirm that a valve will operate safely and reliably throughout its service life.
The main categories include:
Functional Testing – Measures opening/closing speed, travel distance of internal parts, and flow control at different positions to verify consistent performance under varying conditions.
Leakage Testing – Detects any fluid or gas escaping past the seals when the valve is closed, ensuring tight shut-off.
Strength Testing – Subjects the valve body to extreme internal or external pressure to confirm it can handle its rated working environment.
Regular testing offers key benefits:
Improved Safety – Identifies weaknesses before they lead to accidents or environmental issues.
Performance Assurance – Keeps the valve operating within design specifications for smooth system performance.
Cost Savings – Early detection of minor faults prevents expensive repairs and downtime.
Regulatory Compliance – Many industries require periodic inspection to meet safety and environmental standards.
Main Types of Valve Test Benches
The right valve test bench depends on the valve’s type, size, and testing requirements.
Common categories include:
1. General Valve Test Benches
Versatile systems suitable for a variety of valve types and dimensions.
Typical components include:
Clamping System to hold the valve securely.
Pressure Source (compressed air, gas cylinders, etc.) to simulate operating pressure.
Sensors & Data Acquisition for recording pressure, flow, and temperature during tests.
These benches handle functional, leak, and pressure-resistance tests.
2. Hydraulic Valve Test Benches
Powered by hydraulic systems to achieve higher pressure and flow, ideal for:
High-Pressure Valves used in oil, gas, or power industries.
Large Valves that require robust clamping and support.
Hydraulics provide precise pressure control and stable force for structural integrity testing.
3. Safety Valve Test Benches
Designed for the special requirements of safety valves, focusing on:
Opening Pressure – the point at which the valve begins to release pressure.
Reseating Pressure – the pressure at which the valve closes again.
Flow Capacity – how much excess pressure it can safely discharge.
These tests ensure safety valves respond correctly during over-pressure events.
How to Choose the Right Valve Test Bench
When selecting a valve test bench, consider:
1. Compatibility with Valve Type and Size
Suitable for the specific valve style (gate, ball, butterfly, check, etc.).
Adequate clamping capacity for the valve’s flange size, diameter, and weight.
Pressure rating that exceeds the valve’s working pressure.
Flow capability that matches real operating conditions.
2. Pressure and Flow Requirements
The bench must replicate or exceed actual operating pressures and flows to prove the valve’s performance under extreme conditions.
3. Automation and Data Collection
Automation Level – Some benches offer fully automated test cycles, while others require manual operation.
Data Recording – Quality benches track and report key parameters such as pressure, flow, and temperature.
4. Safety Features
Pressure Relief Systems to prevent over-pressurization.
Emergency Shut-Off for quick test termination.
Material Compatibility to resist the test medium (water, oil, gas, or corrosive fluids).
Conclusion
Valve test benches are essential for verifying valve reliability, safety, and service life.
By replicating real operating conditions and evaluating critical parameters, they ensure valves perform consistently in any environment.
With advances in technology, modern benches increasingly feature remote monitoring, smart analytics, and higher automation—further improving testing efficiency and accuracy.