Oliver Valves has announced a significant investment in its R&D and testing capabilities with the introduction of a new in-house hydco cycle rig. This advanced system is designed to automatically test up to four ball valves simultaneously, enhancing the company’s ability to ensure product quality and reliability.
The new hydco cycle rig is equipped with pneumatic actuators that operate with precision, offering the capability to handle valves with torque up to 82.3 Nm and withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C. These features allow for comprehensive testing that closely replicates real-world conditions, ensuring that the valves can meet the demanding requirements of various global industries.
Enhancing Valve Testing Precision
The system’s automated valve testing capabilities mark a significant improvement in the efficiency and accuracy of Oliver Valves’ testing processes. With the ability to test four valves at once, the rig reduces manual intervention while increasing throughput.
Additionally, two of the testing stations are equipped with sensors that measure crucial data points such as pressure drops, temperature fluctuations, and the correct opening and closing of valves. The system’s alarms automatically stop the test if any parameter exceeds the acceptable range, preventing damage and recording each valve’s cycle data.
Contamination Control for Accurate Results
One of the rig’s standout features is its contamination control. To maintain a clean testing environment and prevent cross-contamination during fugitive emissions tests, an extractor fan has been installed. This ensures that any leaks from one valve do not affect the results of tests on others, guaranteeing the accuracy of each test.
Custom Programming for Flexibility
The hydco cycle rig is also designed with flexibility in mind. Each valve station is controlled by its own Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), allowing engineers to tailor test cycles according to the specific needs of different valve types. The PLCs enable independent control over the time between each valve’s opening and closing cycle, ensuring that the tests can be adapted for a variety of projects.
A Testament to Global Innovation and British Engineering
This new rig is part of Oliver Valves’ ongoing commitment to reinvesting in R&D and improving its manufacturing processes. “The hydco cycle rig allows us to enhance our quality assurance and deliver even more reliable products to our global clients,” said a company spokesperson. “It exemplifies our dedication to innovation, precision, and British engineering excellence, ensuring that every valve meets the highest standards before it reaches our customers.”
With this cutting-edge system in place, Oliver Valves continues to lead in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of high-performance valves, supplying industries across the globe with the robust solutions they require
