We have an extensive research and development laboratory on site here at Thompson Valves. These facilities are used to take engineering projects all the way from concept to completion. Over the years we have invested in flexible and comprehensive test equipment and are therefore able to configure and test many differing valve solutions for the high pressure industrial gas, oil & gas, and Nuclear industries. With over 80 years worth of experience and five engineering degrees between them, our personnel have the knowledge and experience to make the most of our specialist facilities.
Main testing capabilities and facilities:
| Static Pressure Testing |
(Hydraulic) |
1380 bar (20000 psi) |
| Static Pressure Testing |
(Air) |
1200 bar (18000 psi) |
| Air Flow Rig |
Max Air Flow |
2500 Nm3H-1 (1500 scfm) |
| |
Max Pressure |
275 bar (4000 psi) |
(With data logging computer for pressure/flow analysis and flow curve generation.)
| Hydraulic Flow Rig (2”NB) |
Max Flow |
400 Lmin-1 (88 GPM) |
| |
Max Pressure |
8 bar (115 psi) |
| Cycle Test Rig - Hydraulic |
Max Water Pressure |
414 bar (6000 psi) |
| |
Max Temperature |
100°C |
| Cycle Test Rig - Elevated Temperature - Hydraulic |
Max Water Pressure |
206 bar (3000 psi) |
| |
Max Temperature |
320°C |
| Environmental Chamber |
Temperature Range |
-70°C to 200°C |
| |
Capacity |
200 L |
(With Computer Integrated Documentation system.)
| Motorised Tensile Test |
Max Tensile Force |
5000 N |
| |
Max Velocity |
40 mms-1 |
- Load Cell: 1200 kg (2600 lb)
- High Voltage Flash Testing: 2000 VAC
- Variable DC Supply: 0-250 VDC 0-5 A
- Vacuum Pump: 225 Lmin-1
- Various test media: Air, nitrogen, helium.
Design Tools and Facilities:
- 2D/3D CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- CFD (Computerised Fluid Dynamics)
- FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Manual machine shop for prototype creation and alteration