This technique allows to test and certify safety and relief valves with no stoppage in production. The system may also be used during scheduled repairs in order to check valves for operability, which eliminates the necessity for their removal for repair which is actually not needed.
The general principle involves applying a hydraulic force to overcome the force of the valve spring closing it. The applied force is measured by a strain-gage sensor, the respective value being recorded and converted into technical units that will be used in various calculations.
Testing is carried out with no interference in the production process, so considerable cost savings and operational advantages are ensured that the valve remains free to work during the entire process of testing.