Testing of irrigation valves, regardless of type, makes it possible to characterise these devices and ensure compliance with the minimum requirements established in applicable standards.
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Standards used
- UNE-EN 1267 "Valves. Flow resistance test using water as test fluid
- ISO 9644 "Agricultural irrigation equipment. Pressure losses in irrigation valves. Test method"
- UNE-EN 1074 "Valves for water supply. Fitness for purpose requirements and appropriate verification tests." Parts 1 to 5.
- ISO 9635 Agricultural irrigation equipment — Irrigation valves. Parts 1 to 5.
- ISO 10522 "Agricultural irrigation equipment. Direct-acting pressure-regulating valves"
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Ensayos
- Head loss: the objective is to determine the pressure loss caused by a valve in an irrigation network as a function of flow rate.
- Kv determination: the objective is to determine the flow coefficient (Kv), defined as the flow rate in cubic metres per hour [m³/h] of water that produces a 1 bar pressure drop across the valve.
- Body resistance to internal pressure and all pressurised components: the objective is to verify that the tested valve withstands the specified internal pressure without damage, according to reference standards.
- Closure element resistance to differential pressure: the objective is to verify that, in the closed position, the obturator withstands the specified differential pressure without damage.
- Leak tightness of the housing and all pressurised components under internal pressure: the objective is to verify that valves are watertight under the reference test pressure.
- Leak-tightness of the housing and all pressure-bearing components against external pressure: the objective is to verify that valves are sealed against the ingress of air, water, or any foreign matter.
- Seat tightness under high/low differential pressure: the objective of this test is to verify that, in the closed valve position, the valve is watertight under a differential pressure established by applicable reference standards.
- Fatigue resistance (against constant hydrostatic pressure or continuous water flow): the objective of this test is to assess how the initial characteristics of a valve—regarding static pressure resistance—evolve over time.
- Hydraulic performance test of control valve (pressure regulation function, flow regulation function, flow control function): the objective of this test is to verify the correct operation of regulating valves under different test conditions.
To learn more about the test benches where the tests are carried out, consult:
