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Pressure Relief Lab News
09/22/23


Engineers and technicians at the National Board’s Pressure Relief Laboratory commemorate the lab’s 60,000th test.
From left are Austin Peck, lab manager; Bob Viers, senior staff engineer; Tyler Burton, staff engineer; Tim Brown, senior lab technician;
Matt Birch, staff engineer; Tom Beirne, technical manager; Steve Bowman, senior lab technician; and Devon Ault, staff engineer.

Pressure Relief Laboratory conducts 60,000th test

The National Board’s Pressure Relief Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio, reached a milestone Sept. 19 by conducting its 60,000th test.

The test was performed on an air/gas service pressure relief valve. The valve, which was assembled by Basin Valve Co., successfully met all test requirements.

“Lab testing is the objective check that verifies the quality program of a pressure relief device manufacturer, assembler, VR, or T/O company,” said Bob Viers, a senior staff engineer at the lab. “The 60,000 tests that have been performed here represent millions of pressure relief devices out in service, keeping people safe every single day. That’s a powerful thought.”

The lab’s first test was conducted May 10, 1991, and now about 2,500 tests a year are performed on air, steam, and water pressure relief valves. Companies in more than 30 countries regularly send devices to the lab for testing.

The lab underwent a 2,970-square-foot expansion in 2011, bringing the total test area to 6,400 square feet.

To read more about the lab, click here.