Test Bench

Butterfly Valve Testing

Installing an inspected and verified leak free valve is an essential part of the dependability and future of your water delivery system. You depend on the performance of your valves to operate properly and stop the flow of water when needed. United Water Works has invested in the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art valve testing equipment available in the industry.

Put your mind at ease by pre-testing your butterfly valves before installation. Avoid unwanted labor costs and project delays caused by unnecessary valve problems. AWWA Standards permit, and most manufacturers follow, seat testing prior to installation. This new valve testing technology is a cost-effective tool for districts throughout California. The valve test stand is designed to perform hydrostatic testing on Butterfly valves from 12”-36” in both Class 150# and 250#.

This new test stand is mounted on a dual-axle trailer and comes complete with everything needed—leveling jacks, and electric brakes. Its built-in water reservoir with a closed-loop recovery system makes this a self-contained, efficient unit.

As a partner to customers, United Water Works, Inc. is committed to saving customers time, coming up with the best solutions to solve their problems, and ultimately saving them money. The new Valve Test Stand will accomplish all of that. United Water Works is not only a supplier, but a resource and partner to its customers.

The United Water Works test bench makes inspection easy, safe and reliable.

Water Butterfly Valve Testing Unit Santa Ana
Water Butterfly Valve Testing Unit Santa Ana

Test Bench Specifications

The Model HVR-150T-MOD is designed to perform pressurized hydrostatic testing on various valves from 12” to 36” in diameter. The testing is performed via a seal plate with O-ring grooves and/or a gasket sheet. The unit has six sliding hold down clamps using an air-driven piston pump with water as the test media. Test pressures range from 0 - 400 psi and hydraulic clamping pressures range from 0 - 10,000 psi. Both hydrostatic and hydraulic clamping pressures are achieved by air-driven piston pumps and are adjustable by means of panel mounted pressure regulators.

The fill pump supply and air supply valves are panel mounted and have 4” dial gauges used to indicate supply pressure. Hydrostatic test gauges are installed on the panel and are 6” stainless steel with max pointers and glycerin filled to prevent shock to the gauges. The pressure gauges are equipped with automatic pressure limiting values to prevent over pressurization or damage to the gauges. The test bench has a Hydraulic Safety Interlock valve that prevents the accidental release of clamping pressure when the valves being tested are under pressure. The Interlock valve automatically isolates the cylinder pressure when the test pressure is increased above 100 psi.

The HVR-150T-MOD test bench is trailer mounted for ease of travel. It is equipped with an onboard power generator, air compressor and water reservoir to allow for valve testing when no connections to shop air or city water are available. Testing at a United Water Works facility is still recommended due to the controlled field environment.

Testing Requirements and Procedures

  • The supplier at no cost to the district shall provide valve testing. Valves failing to pass the testing shall be repaired or replaced at no cost to the district. Repaired or replaced valves shall be re-tested at no cost to the district.
  • Valves shall be tested at a United Water Works facility.
  • Valves shall be tested in the presence of a district representative.
  • Care shall be taken in all aspects of the hanadling of the valves to be tested. Rough handling and the use of chains prohibited.
  • Safety of the inspector, tester and all field personnel is a priority. Liability is taken by United Water Works, Inc.
  • If required, the exterior epoxy shall be touched up with the appropriate epoxy at the conclusion of the testing.
  • The supplier shall furnish all necessary personnel and hydrostatic testing equipment and a safe means of turning the valves over.
  • Valve to be tested in a horizontal position in order to be able to capture water on the seat of the valve and view any bubbles or turbulence leaking past the seat. This gives you a location of the problem area so it can be addressed.
  • The test duration shall be from 5 – 15 minutes per district standards.

Reporting and Marking

  • A district representative shall record the results of the test on the valve test sheet. A copy will be supplied to the tester and supplier.
  • A district representative shall mark the valve to indicate the test results.
  • A district representative shall visually check each valve in the field prior to installation. Those valves not marked will be rejected.
  • Touch up exterior epoxy as necessary.
  • Palletize and shrink wrap.