Engineering Bulletin – 99008

REPLACEMENT OF 1” ISOLATION BALL VALVES WITH

¾” CHECK VALVES ON HIGH PRESSURE TEST UNITS

1. SCOPE
To prevent over-pressurization of the High Pressure Test Units' hydraulic charge pumps due to the isolation
valve on the hydraulic tank being in the closed position. Units constructed after the date of this bulletin are of
a revised design and are not affected.

2. PRODUCTS INVOLVED
Hydraulic Pressure Test Units, part numbers AA869, AC272, AC874, AD325, AF851, AH135, and AH693.

3. BACKGROUND
It has been found that when the isolation valve on the hydraulic tank return line is left in the closed position
(during pump start-up), the hydraulic charge pumps’ housing cracks due to over-pressurization. A simple
solution to this problem is to use a check valve that will allow continuous return flow into the tank, but prevent
tank leakage through the same line during repair. In addition, the valve on the discharge line of the reservoir
must always be open during normal operation so that hydraulic oil flow is provided to the charge pumps to
make up for internal leakage, maintain positive pressure, serve as a lubricant, and reduce friction and heat.

4. IDENTIFICATION
A 1” ball valve (Hydril Part #37-503154) is to be replaced with a ¾” check valve (Hydril Part #AM252). Fittings
and adapters may be required depending on “as built” plumbing of the unit.

5. PRODUCT SUPPORT
The 1” ball valve currently located downstream of the heat exchanger and before the 30 gallon reservoir on the
¾” tubing return line should be replaced with the ¾” female NPT check valve (see Figure 1). In addition, a
label should be placed on the discharge valve indicating that it must always remain open during operation to
prevent damage to the charge pumps.

HYDRIL is a registered trademark and service mark of Hydril Company

1999 Hydril Company

All rights reserved

September 16, 1999

LATEST REVISION Printed on : Mon Sep 30 01:48:25 EDT 2013