LDE / PVS Program FAQ:
LDE Operations:
1.
What
is the role of the LDE Operations group?
a. The role of the LDE Operations group is to inspect,
consult and certify LDE located on GSFC. The LDE Operations
Technician’s role is to ensure LDE are safe to use by inspecting
the equipment according to National and NASA standards.
2.
When
a piece of equipment fails an inspection, who is responsible for fixing
it?
a. When a piece of equipment fails an inspection or
fails during use, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the equipment
is repaired so that it can be safely used. After the repair, the owner
should contact the LDE Operations group so that an inspection can be
performed to certify the equipment for use.
PVS Operations:
1.
When
is a relief valve required?
a. Anytime the maximum gas pressure possible exceeds the
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of any component in the system.
2.
What
is a system, and what gets certified by the PVS Program?
a. A system is a network of components from source gas
pressure to final end use. The PVS Operations group is responsible for
certifying the entire scope and not just single components. Effectively,
we help ensure that all links in the chain fit together safely.
3.
The
tag on my relief valve has expired, how do I fix this?
a. The valve may still be good for a total of 5 years
from the previous inspection date. Contact the PVS Operations group to
evaluate your system and updating the expiration date before you
replace/re-test the valve.
4.
I
heard proportional relief valves are no longer acceptable, is this true?
a. Not entirely. If you can provide sufficient data that
guarantees the proportional relief valve has enough capacity to relieve
the required load upon over-pressurization, then the valve may be
acceptable in your system and no modifications/replacements to the valve
are required. Otherwise they should not be used as the primary safety
device on your system.
5.
If
a system is using inert gas and is less than 150 psig, is it excluded
from the PVS Program?
a. Yes/No. Certain components within the system can be
considered excluded from requiring analysis and regular maintenance
intervals under these conditions, but the system as a whole is still
considered a pressurized system and therefore must be checked and
certified by the PVS Program.
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