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VALVE REPAIR “VR” PROGRAM
The National Board Pressure Relief Valve Repair Program or “VR” Program, as it is better known, accredits companies which repair pressure relief valves. Any company which meets the program requirements may obtain a Certificate of Authorization including owners and users of these devices. The purpose of the program is to provide the industry with a means to identify those organizations which have established and demonstrated an adequate quality system for the repair of pressure relief valves. The goal of the program is to improve the caliber of repairs to National Board capacity certified pressure relief valves bearing ASME Code symbols so that they will continue to protect boilers and pressure vessels from potentially catastrophic overpressure conditions.
WHY SHOULD A COMPANY APPLY FOR “VR” ACCREDITATION?
It may be a legal requirement of the jurisdiction or a requirement of your insurance company. For other companies without such requirements, it is a method of documenting that valve repairs are performed properly and may help meet OSHA safety equipment maintenance requirements. This widely used standard is based on sound engineering and maintenance practices and may ensure these repairs are properly completed.
If your company is in the business of pressure relief valve repair, “VR” accreditation is becoming an essential requirement which many users specify in order to bid for repairs.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A “VR” CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZATION
Organizations must submit complete and original application paperwork, and submit the Shop Review Advance Deposit and VR Certification fee.
Documentation
- VR Application (NB-550)
- Control Sheet (NB-552)
- Terms and Conditions Document (NB-564)
Deposit and Fee
- Shop Review Advance Deposit – Continental US -- $4000
Outside Continental US -- $5500
- VR Certification Fee – New issuance (includes loan of VR stamp) -- $660
(3-year Period) Renewal issuance -- $600
Documentation and funds should be submitted to:
The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors
Pressure Relief Department
7437 Pingue Drive
Worthington OH 43085 USA
Phone: (614) 888-8320
Fax: (614) 848-3474
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REQUIREMENTS TO “VR” CERTIFICATION
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1) All requirements pertaining to the use of the National Board “VR” symbol are presented in the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), Part 3 in the following paragraphs:
- 1.7 Accreditation
- 4.5 Pressure Relief Valve Performance Testing
- 5.9 Stamping Requirements
- Supplement 7: Requirements for Repair
- Supplement 8: Recommended Guide for Design of a Test System
- Each applicant is required to obtain a copy of the NBIC and prepare a written description of their quality system.
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2) A review of your quality system and its implementation in your repair facility is then scheduled.
- A representative of the National Board will travel to your facility and receive a copy of the quality control manual.
- This manual will be reviewed and any comments will be brought to your attention so corrections or clarifications may be made.
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3) A review of the implementation of the quality control program in the repair facility will be made.
- This includes the checking of required records such as training documentation, calibration records, and repair information.
- The repair of several sample pressure relief valves will be witnessed.
- Documentation of special processes such as welding, non-destructive examination (NDE), and heat treatment (if included) will be checked.
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4) An independent test for operation and capacity of the sample pressure relief valves will be conducted at a National Board-accepted laboratory. The test is verification that the repaired valves meet applicable ASME Code requirements for performance and relieving capacity.
- The National Board Testing Laboratory is available to perform this testing, along with several other major valve manufacturers which operate National Board-accepted testing laboratories.
- A National Board representative will witness the valve testing.
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HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE?
Once the organization is prepared for the review, a review is usually scheduled within two to three months. The review is normally scheduled for 1 ½ days in your facility. The laboratory testing can be completed in approximately three to five weeks during which time the review report is processed.
Following successful completion of the laboratory testing and acceptance of the review report, the Certificate of Authorization will be issued the “VR” certificate along with a steel “VR” stamp used to apply the “VR” symbol to the repair nameplate.
HOW CAN YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
The Pressure Relief Department staff is available to answer questions on the application process. Please contact us by phone at 614.888.8320, by fax at 614.848.3474, or by email at prdinfo@nationalboard.org
In addition, the Training department of the National Board offers a one week seminar on the repair of pressure relief valves, including Codes and Standards, repair techniques, testing demonstrations, and an in-depth discussion of the program requirements.
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