When a relief device or valve is removed for repair, the inspector should do which of the following?

When a relief device or valve is removed for repair, the inspector should do which of the following?

• A. Inspect the inside of the inlet and outlet piping where the valve was removed
• B. Inspect only the valve body
• C. Inspect only the mounting flange on the piping
• D. Perform a hydrostatic test of the entire piping system

Answer: (A)

When you remove a relief device, you’re exposing the portion of piping that carries the flow. The most important check is inside the inlet and outlet piping where the device was located because any corrosion, scale, or debris inside that run can affect the valve’s seating, restrict flow, or create a leakage path when the device is reinstalled. Inspecting these interiors helps ensure clean, undamaged surfaces and a reliable seal and flow path once the relief device is back in service. Checking only the valve body or only the flange misses potential issues inside the piping. A full hydrostatic test of the entire system isn’t needed for this type of repair and isn’t the right step to confirm the immediate integrity around the removed device.

When you remove a relief device, you’re exposing the portion of piping that carries the flow. The most important check is inside the inlet and outlet piping where the device was located because any corrosion, scale, or debris inside that run can affect the valve’s seating, restrict flow, or create a leakage path when the device is reinstalled. Inspecting these interiors helps ensure clean, undamaged surfaces and a reliable seal and flow path once the relief device is back in service. Checking only the valve body or only the flange misses potential issues inside the piping. A full hydrostatic test of the entire system isn’t needed for this type of repair and isn’t the right step to confirm the immediate integrity around the removed device.