• TECH TALK •
MSS SP-160 Enhances Safety for
The MSS SP-160 standard, published by the Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, specifies design, testing, and quality requirements for a variety of valves, including Hydrogen Fluoride( HF) Alkylation Service. The standard aims to improve the safety and reliability of valves throughout the industry.
• By Paul Heald – Vice President of Product Engineering, Specialties & China Operations- Bonney Forge
In September 2024, a new standard, MSS SP-160, was published by the Manufacturers Standardization Society( MSS). It was developed by a Task Group committee within MSS Technical Committee 410, which focuses on severe and special service valves.
The committee was comprised of end users, valve manufacturers, distributors, and valve modification services. However, it was the end user’ s participation that had a significant impact on reducing the amount of publishing time for this standard.
Why was MSS SP-160 Published? The MSS SP-160 standard was created due to a number of challenges. Small valve leaks not detected by industry standard test methods indicated a need for more stringent methods. Additionally, previous approvals of specific industry standard specifications for manufacturers were no longer available and various specifications utilized by end users needed to be harmonized.
Valve design includes many key standards, such as low-performance emissions and compliance with industry design standards.
Since typical pressure decay test methods were deemed incapable of detecting small leaks and / or defects, comparative nondestructive examinations( NDE) on known defective valves were performed.
Even though NDE radiographic testing( RT) can potentially detect defects, it is not 100 % effective. However, a Helium Mass Spectrometry Test – Accumulation Technique was found to be the most result oriented.
An Overview of The MSS SP-160 Standard
* The MSS SP-160 document provides several sections outlining specific and current stipulations.
These include:
• Scope
• Valve Design
• Materials
• Definitions
• Foundry Requirements
• Welding
• Weld Repairs
• PWHT and NDE Testing.
• Marking and Tagging
• Preparation for Shipping and Documentation
The MSS SP-160 document also includes an annex, appendix, tables, and figures for documentation and trim configurations. Revisions in the document remove the minimum regulations for upgraded valves manufactured prior to the first publication.
14 Valve World Americas | October 2025 | www. valve-world-americas. com