Water. Desalination + reuse
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/670678
May-June 2016 | Desalination & Water Reuse | 25 | TECHNOLOGY material is performed by both internal foundry metallurgical labs as well as external independent testing authorities in accordance with ASTM, EN, and ISO norms. These tests include detailed evaluations of tensile strength, yield strength, material elongation, hardness, and Charpy impact resistance. The results of these tests not only demonstrate material consistency and conformity, but also serve to validate the material's ability to be used in pressure system applications in accordance with the PED. The data generated from these tests at Victaulic is maintained on file and audited by TÜV Rheinland (Notified Body 0035) as a requirement of its Material Manufacturer QMS Certification of Victaulic's ductile iron casting material. This certification validates the ductile iron manufacturing process in accordance with PED requirements, and is held by several global foundry locations. In addition, Victaulic is occasionally requested to conduct customized testing for a client who must produce performance data for couplings and fittings for review by their Notified Body (local authority having jurisdiction – AHJ). Such tests are uniquely designed to simulate the specific performance characteristics that will be experienced in the client's end use application. These tests can include various combinations of pressure and bending loads, high and low temperature exposure, high amplitude joint deflection and rotational bending - just to name a few. The results of these custom evaluations are used by clients and their Notified Bodies to conduct internal studies on their system designs and are often used by the designer of record in preparing a Particular Material Appraisal (PMA) in accordance with PED Annex I, Section 4.2. For valve products, Victaulic again utilizes the services of TÜV Rheinland for its Module H Certification in accordance with Annex III of the Pressure Equipment Directive. The Module H Certification not only signifies an important achievement in one's PED safety program, but also signifies a strong commitment to designing and manufacturing high quality pressure equipment that can be utilized in a wide range of system applications and heavy industries around the world. MaiNTaiNiNG GLObaL MaNufaCTuriNG CONsisTENCY With a global reach in diverse markets, it is essential to not only provide the correct products in a timely manner, but to also ensure consistency in products and materials for the full range of piping system demands in any given region. The same techniques described above, to ensure material property compliance to global standards as well as pressure equipment safety for local applications, must be maintained at each production location. Materials are routinely tested to ensure that their physical properties are compliant and consistent with internal manufacturing standards as well as with guidelines that support global compliance with other pressure equipment safety legislation and norms. rEMaiNiNG diLiGENT iN CHaNGiNG MarkETs As applicable codes, standards and directives continue to evolve in various industries and markets, manufacturers are challenged to keep up with these changes by applying new compliance systems. The Victaulic Regulatory group remains aware of pending changes in regional piping codes, through direct and dedicated involvement in the codes & standards development process. The goal is to not only stay informed of changes in the codes, but also play a direct role in shaping these requirements through membership and active participation on a wide range of standards committees globally. Within these groups, the aim is to apply expertise to technical discussions, and also represent "the voice of the customer" by working toward problem resolutions that will have a positive influence in the relevant markets; and at the end of the day continuously improve safety for the operators and end-users of these components and systems. Figure 3 Fully assembled products are selected at random on a periodic schedule and are subjected to laboratory testing.