Are your valves compliant?
Do you use a pressure system in your work? Did you know that safety valves must be checked every 2-3 years? Have you checked your safety valves?
There are many categories that work with equipments that use safety valves without knowing it! Some examples?
- Dentists: You find safety valves in your sterilization system.
- Hospitals, Clinics, Chemical Laboratories: You find safety valves in your sterilization system and autoclaves.
- Companies and Mechanical Workshops: You find safety valves on your industrial compressor.
- Wine maker and breweries: You find safety valves on your fermentation tank.
Every Country establishes the directives for the periodic verification and commissioning of pressure-bearing equipment, including safety devices such as safety valves.
The user of systems equipped with safety valves is required to demonstrate the correct functioning of these valves through a verification of their functionality in the presence of an inspector. This verification can be conducted by testing on a test bench, simulations, or, if not compromising the operating conditions, by an on-site execution. In the specific case of safety valves, the verification may consist of ascertaining the set pressure indicated and certified by the manufacturer.
The verification described above must be carried out during the periodic verifications of the pressure assembly and equipment.
...and what if I don't verify my pressure equipment?
If the mandatory periodic verification is not carried out, the penalties can vary depending on the severity of the violation
- Administrative Penalties: A significant fine, which depends on national and regional regulations.
- Suspension of Plant Use: The Notified Body or the labor inspectorate can order the suspension of the plant's use until the verification is completed.
- Criminal Liability: In the event of accidents or damages (e.g., explosions or injuries), the employer or the person responsible for the system may be involved in legal proceedings, with severe penalties, including fines and custodial sentences.
- Liability for Negligence: If an accident occurs due to the failure to perform the verification, the company could be held liable for negligence, resulting in compensation payments and legal sanctions.
Not only does the failure to perform periodic verification expose the plant to high risks, but it also endangers personnel safety and environmental protection!
- Risk of Safety Valve Malfunction: The valve might not open at the right time, preventing the release of excess pressure, increasing the risk of structural damage or explosions.
- Increased Risk of Failures and Explosions: If the safety valve does not work correctly, the plant could suffer damage due to overpressure, resulting in explosions that damage structures and risk people's safety.
- Risks to People's Health and Safety: A malfunction could lead to leaks of dangerous substances, such as flammable or toxic gases, with severe consequences for the health of workers and people nearby.
- Environmental Damage: Leaks of chemicals or other hazardous substances could contaminate the environment, causing damage to the surrounding fauna, flora, and natural resources.
- Risk of Fires and Contamination: If the safety valve is not checked regularly, the plant could be vulnerable to fires or contamination caused by excessive pressure that is not managed adequately.
And now, how do I perform the verification?
Every safety valve is laser-marked with the year of production, which is fundamental information for determining its regulatory expiration. This same year is reported at the bottom of the certificate of conformity, providing a clear and verifiable reference.
Starting from the indicated production date, the valve's period of validity begins, which usually varies between 1 and 2 years based on the conditions of use and the applicable regulatory specifications. At the end of this period, the valve must be re-certified or replaced, ensuring the required safety standards are maintained.
If your Country doesn’t have clear guidelines about the periodical check of pressure components, we can suggest to use the international standard API510 that states below intervals for safety valves verification:
- 5 years for typical process services
- 10 years for clean (nonfouling) and noncorrosive services
CONTACT US TO RE-CERTIFY YOUR NUOVA GENERAL VALVES
Why choose a Nuova General Instruments valve?
- Option for Thrid Party Certification for all our valves: An inspector will perform the calibration at our facility using our certified test benches. Upon completion, an official test report will be issued, avoiding the need for first verifications.
- Option to recondition and re-certify valves with Thrid Party testing: We manage the return of valves from the field, performing their reconditioning and re-certification with an updated date. Subsequently, upon request, we carry out the bench test witha n inspector for the issuance of a new test report.
- Operational continuity with "spare/standby" valves: By purchasing two identical valves, while one is in use, the other can be sent for re-testing and Third Party certification. At the time of inspection, the certified valve quickly replaces the one in operation, avoiding machine downtime and always ensuring a compliant device.
Choosing our valves means investing in the safety, reliability, and operational continuity of your plant. With our management of certifications and re-testing, we ensure that your valves are always compliant with regulations, minimizing risks and interruptions.
Our services
Choosing a Nuova General Instruments safety valve means relying on a product designed and manufactured according to the highest quality and safety standards. In addition to our years of experience and continuous focus on innovation, we offer a range of dedicated services to best support our customers at every stage, from product selection to after-sales assistance:
Quick shipping
Whatever Nuova General Instruments safety valve you need, and regardless of the quantity requested, we guarantee its production within 10 working days.
Do you have an urgent need for even faster delivery? No problem! With our Fast Track channel, we will reduce processing time to just 5 working days, ensuring maximum efficiency without compromising on quality.
Note: For 3.2 testing by external certification bodies, delivery times will depend on the availability of the certifying body.
Batch flexibility
Whether you need just one safety valve or large batches up to 1000 pieces, Nuova General Instruments guarantees the same level of care, attention, and precision in every single product.
Thanks to our flexible production organization, we can meet both small orders and large-scale requests, always maintaining the high-quality standards that distinguish us. Additionally, we adhere to the fast delivery times mentioned above, ensuring efficiency and reliability without compromise.
Third party inspection
To ensure maximum reliability and provide additional confirmation of the correct calibration of the safety valve, we offer the option to obtain 3.2 test certificates issued by the most prestigious certification bodies.
Thanks to these tests performed by independent organizations, you can be certain that your safety valve meets the highest standards in terms of quality and performance. Among the available certifying bodies:
- INAIL
- TUV
- RINA
- LLOYD
- DNV
- ABS
Free Consultation
Our team of specialized technicians is always ready to support our clients at every stage, guaranteeing fast, precise, and professional pre- and post-sales assistance. You will be assisted in managing technical requests, with consulting on specifications, calculations, and sizing, as well as obtaining solutions for special and personalized requests.
Applications and Industries
Our distinctive strength lies in the ability to configure and adapt the safety valves according to the specific application needs of each customer. We leverage a wide range of connections and 100% Italian certified materials, which guarantee high standards of quality and performance. Every product is completely traceable, offering a total guarantee on its origin and production process.
With over 30 years of experience, we are capable of designing and manufacturing safety valves for the most complex and critical applications, ensuring maximum reliability and compliance with international regulations. Our products undergo rigorous redundant testing to guarantee their resistance and longevity, with a continuous commitment to technological innovation. Thanks to our expertise, our valves effectively meet all the needs of our clients, successfully covering a wide range of industrial sectors, such as:
- Pharmaceutical, Chemical, and Healthcare: High-purity solutions for environments with stringent requirements.
- Food & Beverage: Safe valves for contact with food and drinks.
- Boilers and Steam Generators: Reliable protection for thermal systems.
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Safety for HVAC systems and industrial refrigeration.
- Oil & Gas: Valves designed to withstand extreme conditions.
- Compressors: Solutions to ensure pressure control.
- Wine maker and Breweries: Specific applications for the fermented beverage sector.
- Coffee: Safety for pressure systems in roasting and extraction processes.
- Hydrogen, Methane, Biogas, and Cogeneration: Valves compatible with alternative energies.
- Railways: Valves for applications on trains and railway systems.
DO YOU NEED TO REPLACE A NUOVA GENERAL VALVE?
Fill below form!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE A QUOTE FOR NUOVA GENERAL VALVES?
Follow the steps of our quote configurator and receive an accurate and detailed offer right away.