Valve failure safety alert: May 2012 update. Guidance Note.

Author(s) : Institute of Refrigeration

Type of article: Periodical article, Standard/Recommendation

Summary

Further failures of this type of valve have been reported since the original guidance note was issued in May 2011 and it is clear that some of these failures are not due to corrosion. The assembly of the valve is susceptible to lack of complete fusion of the brazing filler ring, which in turn weakens the joint of the side port to the valve body. The Institute of Refrigeration recommends that all such valves, where the valve nozzles are brazed into the main body, should not be used on ammonia refrigeration plant. Any valves fitted to existing systems should be carefully examined. If there is any doubt as to their integrity they should be replaced immediately with a suitable valve manufactured with a one-piece body, and should be treated with extreme care until they are replaced. This should include clearly labelling the valve with a warning, protecting it from accidental mechanical impact and using appropriate PPE when working on the system in the vicinity of the valve.

Details

  • Original title: Valve failure safety alert: May 2012 update. Guidance Note.
  • Record ID : 30004880
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Regulation
  • Source: Institute of Refrigeration, Guidance Note - n. 22
  • Publication date: 2012/05

Links


See the source