An intelligent and versatile test system for safety valves
The patented Inline-test system increases valve maintenance quality and efficiency through data gathering and analysis. The system has been tested and qualified both onshore and offshore.
- Inline
- Offshore
- Onshore
- Workshop
The inline concept
Testing valves inline comes with several advantages. The first is safety. There are less operations needed when performing tests inline, each operation is associated with a risk and the fewer operations the lower the risk.
Considering the time needed to demount, lift, transport and test/replace a valve and transport it back to mount it is a lot more than just testing the valve inline. This gives the opportunity to test valves that are known to have problems more often if needed.
When testing a safety valve inline it is tested as mounted and will reflect the functionality in case of a “real” pop. When dismounting and transporting a valve to a workshop for testing there is a risk that the seat can get out of position etc.

Our test method follows the standards for valve testing API 527 and 576. Using a mobile test unit, certified for testing in Ex Zone1 IIC, the valve is connected via hoses to the drain points of the valve. Via a tablet the operator can monitor and run the test. After the test is performed an encrypted certificate is generated and can directly be uploaded to the ERP system.

API 527
API 576
Gathering data
Inline-test uses several methods to gather data. The test unit is equipped with sensors and valves that will gather data about the complete test. Temperatures, pressure, flow, pressure build up time, pressure drop during pop just to mention a few. This data set is stored in our cloud based database and can be paired with other data via API towards ERP systems like SAP.
To get a head start in analysing the performance of your safety valves we also take advantage of historical test data that can be entered into the databased and used for analysis straight away. Using machine learning on the collected data will enable discoveries and insights about safety valves that can help optimizing the service interval
Generating value
- With the possibility of full integration towards ERP system and test documentation systems along with automated certificate generation administration is kept at a minimum
- The test unit can be used both inline and in workshop to make sure that data from all tests are stored in the same system, for complete analysis.
- The user interface for testing is designed to guide the operator and ensures that every test is performed according to the test procedures.
- The data analysis can give insights on process level that can help optimize the maintenance schedule and choice of valve types and vendors.
Our story
References
AKERBP -VALHALL
In 2018 Inline-Test signed a five year contract with Aker BP on the Valhall platform. Inline-Test will during that period perform tests on Pressure Safety Valves (PSV) and Emergency Shut Down Valves (ESD). Inline-Test will also deliver the Inline Cloud Solution including automatic generation of certificates, analytics and machine learning. The system is to be taken into service at the Valhall installation in the North Sea at the end of 2019.
Contact
Do you want to know more about Inline Test and how we can improve your valve testing?
Contact us via email or phone and let us help.