The International Society of Automation (ISA) working group responsible for ISA TR 96.05.01 2008 edition on partial stroke testing of automated valves published an update to the original technical report (TR) in late 2017. This latest edition resulted from a lengthy process that included input from end users, valve and actuator original equipment manufacturers, process safety engineers, valve maintenance providers, engineering service companies and consultants. Feedback from end users around the industry has been positive.
Although not containing mandatory requirements, the updated TR is very informative and a must-read for engineers responsible for automated-valve test programs.
The update introduces concepts that were not widely deployed when the 2008 version was issued. These reflect the evolution of more stringent process safety standards and effective proof-testing schemes for critical automated valves, testing and analysis methods. Experience gained from initial partial stroke testing (PST) implementations and automated online valve testing programs revealed key concepts that should be factored into PST and other valve proof-testing programs designed to support process safety objectives.
