Valve Inspection and FAT Planning for China Imports

A clear inspection and test plan (ITP) helps an overseas buyer verify that industrial valves match the purchase specification before shipment from China. The plan should identify the governing product and test standards, inspection stages, document submittals, witness points, acceptance criteria and release authority. It should not rely on a supplier's generic statement that a valve is 'API tested.'

Define the Valve and Governing Requirements

Start with valve type, nominal size, pressure class or PN, body and trim materials, end connections, seat construction, flow direction, actuator and accessories, service conditions and project specification. State the applicable standard and edition for the product, pressure testing, control-valve leakage, fire type testing, fugitive emissions, low-temperature qualification or sour-service materials as required.

API 598 addresses inspection and testing for valves within its scope. ANSI/FCI 70-2 addresses control-valve seat leakage classes; it is not an alternative name for IEC 60534-4 and its Classes I–VI should not automatically be applied to general isolation valves. Use the leakage criterion required by the valve type and contract.

Build an Inspection and Test Plan

List each manufacturing and inspection stage, the procedure or drawing, acceptance criterion, record produced and responsible party. Mark points as review, surveillance, witness or hold. A hold point means production cannot proceed without the named approval or an agreed waiver; define notice periods and waiver rules in the purchase order.

Typical stages include document approval, incoming material verification, casting or forging review, welding and heat treatment where applicable, machining, nondestructive examination, assembly, dimensional inspection, pressure and closure testing, functional checks, painting or coating, marking, preservation and final packing.

Specify Pressure and Leakage Testing

For each required shell, closure, backseat or low-pressure test, specify the standard and edition, test medium, pressure basis, duration, direction, valve position and acceptance method. Avoid copying generic pressure multipliers into the order without checking the valve rating and governing edition.

For actuated valves, define torque or thrust settings, travel time, fail action, limit and torque switch checks, solenoid and position-feedback verification, and any partial-stroke or control signal test. Control-valve leakage class and test conditions should be stated separately from isolation-valve acceptance.

Plan Third-Party or Buyer Witnessing

The buyer may nominate an independent inspection agency or its own representative. Identify who selects and contracts the inspector, who pays travel and attendance costs, the required qualifications, language, report format, confidentiality rules and authority to accept, reject or request corrective action.

Agree the inspection notice period according to the order schedule and agency availability rather than using a universal five-day rule. Provide the approved ITP, drawings, procedures, data sheets, purchase order and previous nonconformance status before the visit. Record any waived witness point and the evidence reviewed remotely.

Document Traceability and Calibration

Define which records are required for each valve or production lot: material certificates, heat numbers, weld and heat-treatment records, NDE reports, dimensional results, pressure and leakage test reports, coating records, actuator settings, nameplate data, certificate of conformity and packing list.

Require test instruments to have valid calibration traceable to an accepted national or international system, with a suitable range and accuracy for the measurement. Link the valve tag or serial number to the test record and material traceability. EN 10204 certificate type should be specified by the purchaser; do not assume every shipment automatically includes a 3.1 certificate.

Budget and Schedule Special Qualification Early

Fire type testing, fugitive-emission qualification, cryogenic or low-temperature testing, sour-service material controls and project-specific performance testing can require qualified product configurations, external laboratories or witness coordination. Request current quotations and lead times for the exact scope; fixed prices or days published in a general article quickly become misleading.

Distinguish a product type-test certificate from a routine production test on the ordered valve. Check the certificate's standard, edition, size and class range, materials, seat and packing configuration, issuing body, report number, validity and any extensions or exclusions.

Final Release Before Shipment

Close all nonconformances and verify approved concessions before release. Review the manufacturing record book against the document index, confirm marking and preservation, inspect packing for transport and storage conditions, and issue a release note only after required hold points are cleared.

Photographs and remote video can supplement inspection but do not replace a required physical witness or independent test. Agree how digital records will be delivered and retained; avoid using removable media as the only copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is standard pressure testing automatically included in every quotation?

Do not assume so. The quotation and purchase order should state the routine tests, applicable edition, certificates, witness status and any additional cost. Special qualification and third-party attendance are separate commercial items unless expressly included.

Can FCI 70-2 Class VI be specified for any shutoff valve?

FCI 70-2 is a control-valve seat-leakage standard. For isolation valves, first use the applicable product or test standard and define any supplemental leakage requirement with the manufacturer and responsible engineer.

What should a FAT invitation contain?

Include the purchase order, valve list, approved ITP, procedures, drawings, data sheets, test schedule, location, safety requirements, witness points, document list and contact details. State the response deadline and waiver process.

Contact Wofer Valve

For a project-specific inspection and FAT proposal, send the valve schedule, governing standards and editions, required ITP template, witness points, document index, destination and requested shipment date. Wofer Valve will confirm the feasible test scope, records, commercial impact and inspection schedule in the quotation.

Ted Wang

Wechat/Whatsapp: +86 18267833722

Email: sales@wofervalve.com

Website: www.wofervalve.com