Product Test Report PTR-4068

Swagelok Company Rev. -

29495 F.A. Lennon Drive March 2016
Solon, Ohio 44139 U.S.A. Page 1 of 3

TITLE
Thermal Cycle Test of Stainless Steel Swagelok® FKB Series Medium-Pressure Ball Valves at
20 000 psig (1378 bar)

PRODUCT TESTED
18 pieces of the FKB series medium-pressure ball valve as shown in Table 1

Table 1 – Product Tested

Swagelok
Medium-Pressure Test Temperature
FK Fitting Size O-Ring Low High
Ordering Number Quantity in. Material °F (°C) °F (°C)
SS-6FKBFK6 3 3/8
FKM
SS-8FKBFK9 3 9/16
0 (–17) 250 (121)
SS-6FKBFK6-H 3 3/8
HNBR
SS-8FKBFK9-H 3 9/16
SS-6FKBFK6-C 3 3/8
FFKM 20 (–6) 185 (85)
SS-8FKBFK9-C 3 9/16

PURPOSE
The valve assemblies were tested to observe their shutoff performance over three high-
temperature and two low-temperature cycles under laboratory test conditions.

TEST CONDITIONS
Test Media: 50/50 glycol/water
Test Pressure: 20 000 psig (1378 bar)
Test Temperature: As shown in Table 1
Shell Leak Rate Threshold: < 1000 psig over 10 minutes, and no visible leakage
throughout the pressure range, 0 to 20 000 psig (1378 bar)
Seat Leak Rate Threshold: < 1000 psig over 10 minutes, and no visible leakage
throughout the pressure range, 0 to 20 000 psig (1378 bar)

 2016 Swagelok Company

 Product Test Report PTR-4068
Swagelok Company Rev. -
29495 F.A. Lennon Drive March 2016
Solon, Ohio 44139 U.S.A. Page 2 of 3

TEST METHOD
Figure 1 shows the thermal profile required for the testing procedure as presented.
1. The valve was placed into an environmental chamber and pressurized to 20 000 psig
(1378 bar).
2. Pressure transducers were utilized to perform shell and seat leak tests.
3. The environmental chamber temperature was increased or decreased to the high/low-
temperature threshold and held for one hour. The valve was monitored for shell leakage.
4. The valve was actuated, and the pressure transducers were utilized to perform shell and
seat leak tests.
5. The environmental chamber temperature was decreased or increased back to room
temperature, 70°F (20°C), and held for 15 minutes (if going back to same high/low-
temperature threshold) or one hour (if going to opposite high/low-temperature threshold).
6. The valve was actuated, and the pressure transducers were utilized to perform shell and
seat leak tests. This step completed one high/low-temperature cycle.
7. Steps 3 through 6 were repeated four additional times for a minimum of three high-
temperature and two low-temperature cycles.
8. All exhaust valves were opened to decrease pressure to 0 psig (0 bar).

Figure 1 Thermal Cycle—Time Profile

260
Thermal Cycle Profile
240
220
200
180
160
Temperature (°F)

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time (hours)
Temperature limits for valves with FKM and HNBR O-ring materials
– – – Temperature limits for valves with FFKM O-ring material

 2016 Swagelok Company

 Product Test Report PTR-4068
Swagelok Company Rev. -
29495 F.A. Lennon Drive March 2016
Solon, Ohio 44139 U.S.A. Page 3 of 3

TEST RESULTS
Table 2 – Test Results

Test Temperature
O-Ring Low High
Ordering Number Quantity Material °F (°C) °F (°C) Pass / Fail
SS-6FKBFK6 3 3/0
FKM
SS-8FKBFK9 3 3/0
0 (–17) 250 (121)
SS-6FKBFK6-H 3 3/0
HNBR
SS-8FKBFK9-H 3 3/0
SS-6FKBFK6-C 3 3/0
FFKM 20 (–6) 185 (85)
SS-8FKBFK9-C 3 3/0
At each test point, all valves performed within the seat and shell leak rate threshold under
the above test conditions.

These tests were performed to consider a specific set of conditions and should not be
considered valid outside those conditions. Swagelok Company makes no representation or
warranties regarding these selected conditions or the results attained there from. Laboratory
tests cannot duplicate the variety of actual operating conditions. Test results are not offered as
statistically significant. See the product catalog for technical data.

SAFE PRODUCT SELECTION

When selecting a product, the total system design must be considered to ensure safe, trouble-
free performance. Function, material compatibility, adequate ratings, proper installation,
operation, and maintenance are the responsibilities of the system designer and user.

Swagelok—TM Swagelok Company

 2016 Swagelok Company