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    SwRI adds flow component test cell to testing facility

    Jan. 30, 2014
    The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has added a cell for testing valves and other pressure-containing and pressure-controlling products to its flow component testing facilities.

    Offshore staff

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has added a cell for testing valves and other pressure-containing and pressure-controlling products to its flow component testing facilities. The new test cell, which was added to meet an increasing demand for test services, is identical to one completed in July 2012.

    To ensure the safety of pipelines, refineries, offshore platforms, and chemical processing plants, valves and similar devices operating under high pressure must be tested to established standards. SwRI offers these testing services to the oil and gas and chemical industries, and tests various products to API, ASME, ANSI, and ISO standards.

    The cell is capable of evaluating products up to 30,000 psi with gas hydraulic pressure. Other capabilities include cryogenic testing, fugitive emissions testing, and thermal cycling, among others.

    The cell measures 15 ft (4.6 m) wide by 15 ft (4.6-m) deep by 25 ft (7.6 m) high, and has a 5-ton crane, a crew access door, and a large equipment door that allows for the use of forklifts for moving in heavy test articles. The cell is also designed to withstand a blast load in the event of a catastrophic pressure release.

    01/30/2014