Hi Romullo,
Ideally yes, it is required. However, normatively it is depending on the customer binding/required norms; terms and conditions; as well as valve design/function.
Some common standards used for testing are: API 598, API 6D and ISO 5208. Even in those (updated) standards, Closure/Seat testing for some Classes and sizes is optional.
Just try to think out-loud here in correspond with Seat A and B testing logic. This is my interpretation, and might be differ with others in some cases
Gate valve:
> Cavity relief (CR) --> with CR (one side only); without CR (both side)
> Unidirectional (one side only high pressure side); bidirectional (both side); integral double block and bleed (both side)
> Type of valve: Wedge (both side); double expanding (can be both, can be one side only); through conduit (can be both side); Slab (can be both)
> End user perspective: Is this for double barrier (both side tested); Pressure can be from both side (both side tested); one side is pressurized one side is atm/flare (can be one side); a lot number of valves (can be represented by some percentage), etc.
> type of Seat and or back seat ring: both seat floating or spring energized (both side tested); there is Graphite act as primary seal over the seat (optional for High pressure, might be required for low pressure)
> End user function: Isolation valve (required both side); critical for process (required both side)
>etc.
Kind regards,
MR
All valves will last for years, except the ones that were poorly manufactured; are still wrongly operated and or were wrongly selected