What is the required minimum performance for a valve under hydrostatic testing?

The required minimum performance for a valve under hydrostatic testing is that it must withstand without failure a pressure test of four times the rated service pressure. This requirement ensures that the valve can handle significantly greater pressures than it will encounter in normal operation, providing a safety margin that is critical in preventing failures in high-pressure systems.

Hydrostatic testing is a method used to validate the integrity and strength of valves and other pressure-containing components. By testing the valve at a pressure that is four times its rated service pressure, manufacturers can identify any potential weaknesses or defects in the valve material or construction that could lead to leaks or failures during normal use. This rigorous testing process is crucial in maintaining safety standards in the handling of compressed natural gas, where high pressures are involved.

In contrast, other choices do not align with safety standards or testing protocols. The requirement that a valve must leak at designed service pressure does not ensure reliability and is not acceptable for safety. Showing significant wear after testing would indicate a failure of the valve's design or material integrity, which is not a desirable outcome. Lastly, only testing once during the valve's lifetime ignores potential degradation or material fatigue that can occur over time, which could compromise safety. Therefore, the necessity for a high-pressure test