PARTIAL STROKE TEST FOR SHUTDOWN VALVE

Partial stroke test is an activity that intended to verify shutdown valve actuation is not stuck in its normal position. For example, if we have an energized failure close (FC) shutdown valve, and we need to make sure that this valve will close at de-energized of solenoid valve, than we could use a partial stroke test to check it. With partial stroke test, we will actuate the shutdown valve (ball valve) up to a certain travel percentage (generally it is 15% travel or 15 degree closing) of its full travel. This test usually performed locally only and will override by any shutdown demand (during shutdown demand, this test couldnt be performed). Another reason to do the partial stroke test is the capability of this test to reduce the Probability of Failure Demand (PFD) compare with a full stroke test only which is done every 1 or two years with do some flow bypass. But with the partial stroke test, since it doesnt fully blocked the flow, it can be done event on every 6 months which will make the PFD lower than the full stroke test only. There a lot of method to perform the Partial Stroke Test (PST). It can utilize a solenoid valve with pulse signal, mechanical limiting by using travel stops, by using SMART positioner, or by using a cam directional valve and manual key operated valve. This article will explain in detail the last method since this method is the most used method in the oil & gas industries. In general, the partial stroke test facility in the shutdown valve is constructed integrally in its local panel. The shutdown valve actuator with partial stroke test facility usually consist of (see below picture): 1. 2. 3. 4. Filter, pressure regulator, and pressure gauge (usually already integrally built in on pressure regulator). Manual key operated directional pilot valve. Solenoid valve Cam operated directional valve.

OPEN BELOW SCHEMATIC PICTURE IN THE NEW TAB FOR MORE CLEAR VIEW

The partial stroke test will be done as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. At initial conditions no applied power to the solenoid valve (de-energized), solenoid valve is in normal position (normally close). Actuator is in close position. Solenoid valve is energized and the instrument air passing through the solenoid valve to the actuator cylinder. The valve start actuated to its open position.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

The operator manually operates the manual valve with the dedicated key to avoid unauthorized user to perform this test. The manual key operated valve will be in close position causing an instrument air supply to the actuator is blocked. The actuator starts to close following this blocked instrument air supply. When the actuator movement (stroke) reaches 15% of its full travel or 15 degree closing, it will actuate the cam operated valve causing this valve on its open position. The instrument air will be transmitted to the manual key operated valve by this cam operated valve causing the manual key operated valve back to its normal position (open position).

10. The instrument air supply will pass through this manual key operated valve again and causing the actuator to start open again. 11. The partial stroke test is done.