ITIS | LNG Valve Testing

Several 36″ and 42″ butterfly valves were tested under cryogenic conditions at –196 °C in an LNG application, observed by our customer and the end user via a live-stream internet connection.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas—mainly methane (CH4) with some ethane (C2H6)—that has been cooled to a liquid state to allow easy and safe storage or transport without pressure. It occupies about 1/600 of the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state at standard temperature and pressure. It is odourless, colourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive.

To maintain and further improve our high standards in valve design and production testing, we operate strict cryogenic test programmes at our test facility. Valves can be tested at any controlled temperature down to –196 °C (boiling point of liquid nitrogen). Parameters monitored include seat and body leakage, operating torques and cycles under typical low-temperature or cryogenic conditions. Tests are carried out in accordance with internationally recognised standards, or can be designed to customer specifications to ensure fitness for purpose.

All tests are performed under controlled conditions and in completely safe environments. Measured data can be recorded and logged through a digital recording system, making test reporting relatively simple.

As we always strive to keep up with the latest technologies, valve testing can also be attended online. Test data and video footage can be streamed live, allowing an inspecting authority, customer, end user or any interested party to witness the full test procedure from anywhere in the world.