API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications

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# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications

Introduction

When it comes to valve testing and performance standards in the oil and gas industry, API 607 and API 608 are two critical specifications that often come into discussion. While both standards are developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), they serve different purposes and apply to distinct types of valves. Understanding the differences between API 607 and API 608 is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance personnel working with industrial valves.

What is API 607?

API 607 is the standard for fire testing of quarter-turn valves and valves equipped with non-metallic seats. This specification outlines the fire test requirements that valves must pass to be certified as fire-safe. The standard applies to various valve types including ball, butterfly, and plug valves that incorporate soft seats or other non-metallic sealing components.

Key aspects of API 607 include:

  • Defines test procedures for external and internal leakage during and after fire exposure

  • Specifies temperature requirements (up to 1,400°F/760°C for 30 minutes)

  • Includes requirements for post-fire operability

  • Covers both soft-seated and metal-seated quarter-turn valves

What is API 608?

API 608 covers metal ball valves for petroleum and natural gas industries. This standard specifies requirements for design, materials, face-to-face dimensions, pressure-temperature ratings, and testing of ball valves. Unlike API 607, API 608 focuses on the general construction and performance of ball valves rather than their fire resistance.

Key aspects of API 608 include:

  • Applies to flanged, threaded, and welding-end ball valves

  • Covers sizes from DN 15 to DN 600 (NPS ½ to NPS 24)

  • Specifies pressure classes from 150 to 2500

  • Includes requirements for valve operation and testing

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

Feature API 607 API 608
Primary Focus Fire testing of quarter-turn valves General requirements for metal ball valves
Valve Types Covered Ball, butterfly, plug valves with non-metallic seats Metal ball valves only
Testing Requirements Fire resistance testing Pressure testing, shell testing, seat testing
Application Critical service where fire safety is paramount General petroleum and natural gas applications

Applications of API 607 and API 608 Valves

API 607 Valve Applications

API 607 certified valves are typically used in:

  • Offshore platforms

  • Refineries

  • Chemical plants

  • Any application where fire safety is critical

API 608 Valve Applications

API 608 compliant

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