The 6 Main API Standards for Industrial Ball Valves

When it comes to industrial ball valves, quality and safety are non-negotiable. Industries across the globe rely on API standards to maintain consistency and ensure top-notch performance. 

API, or the American Petroleum Institute, sets crucial guidelines that industrial equipment manufacturers, like ball valve producers, follow. These standards assure customers that products meet specific, rigorous safety and functionality requirements.

But what exactly does it mean for a ball valve to be API-certified? What do people need to know about API standards for industrial ball valves?

Let’s break down what API standards for industrial ball valves that people need to know.

What is an API Standard?

What exactly is an API Standard? API standards are technical specifications developed to ensure that industrial products—especially those used in petroleum and gas—are safe, reliable, and meet industry expectations. These standards cover everything from materials and design to testing and performance.

For industrial ball valves, API standards ensure the valve can handle high pressures, resist corrosion, and perform consistently. 

Six key API standards are essential for ball valves: API6a, APIgd, API594, API598, API608, and API607.

6 Main API Standards for Industrial Ball Valves

API Standard	What It Is	Main Rules	Where It’s Used
API 6A	For equipment in oil and gas.	Must handle high pressure and extreme heat.	Wellheads and offshore oil extraction.
API 6D	For valves in pipelines.	Must pass pressure and leak tests.	Oil and gas pipelines.
API 594	For check valves to stop backflow.	Must let fluid flow easily and stop backflow.	Pump systems in power plants.
API 598	For testing all kinds of valves.	Must pass leakage and pressure tests.	Oil and gas, water systems, and industry.
API 608	For strong ball valves in tough places.	Must be thick and pass fire tests.	Refineries and chemical plants.
API 607	For fire-safe ball valves.	Must not leak during or after a fire.	Oil refineries and chemical facilities.

1. API 6A

API 6A is primarily used in wellhead and Christmas tree equipment. This standard focuses on ball valves that can handle the pressures and challenges of the oil and gas sector. API 6A valves are tough and used in finding and getting oil and gas. They need to handle rough places and heavy use without breaking.

Main Requirements: API 6A valves need to be very strong. They must handle high pressure, hot and cold temperatures, and be made from special materials. Companies make sure these valves work well in very tough spots, so they don’t fail when needed most.

Application Examples As previously mentioned, API 6A valves are often found in wellhead systems, Christmas trees, and other components involved in oil and gas extraction. Their ability to withstand high pressure makes them ideal for offshore and onshore applications in the energy sector.

2. API 6D

API 6D is a standard covering pipeline valves. It applies to a wide range of valves, including ball, gate, and check valves, used in transmission and distribution pipelines. 

For industrial ball valve manufacturers like ONERO, API 6D certification ensures that their products meet the stringent requirements of pipeline service.

Main Requirements Valves certified under API 6D must comply with guidelines on pressure ratings, end-to-end dimensions, and testing. The standard also calls for stringent leak testing to ensure that valves are sealed tight and safe for pipeline use.

Application Examples These valves are essential in pipelines for oil, gas, and other fluids, where reliability is key. The API 6D certification confirms that the valves are safe, durable, and capable of withstanding pressure fluctuations in pipelines.

3. API 594

API 594: This rule is mainly for check valves, but it also helps some ball valves that work with them. It makes sure that valves don’t slow down the flow and stay strong. This is important so liquids don’t accidentally flow backward.

Main Requirements: API 594 has rules for certain types of check valves to keep liquid moving smoothly without slowing down. Valves certified under this standard are rigorously tested for backflow prevention.

Application Examples: Valves with API 594 are used where stopping the backward flow is very important, like in pump systems. You’ll see them in power plants, water systems, and other places where it’s crucial to keep liquids moving in the right direction.

4. API 598

API 598 is a standard related to valve inspection and testing. It doesn’t define specific types of valves but ensures that all valves, including ball valves, meet minimum testing criteria. This is crucial for any industrial ball valve, as it guarantees that the valve has undergone stringent testing before reaching the customer.

Main Requirements Valves tested under API 598 undergo seat leakage tests, shell tests, and backseat tests. This standard helps prevent malfunctioning valves from being sold and used in critical applications.

Application Examples API 598 is used across industries to confirm that valves are fit for purpose. Whether it’s for oil and gas, water distribution, or general industrial use, API 598 testing helps ensure that valves won’t leak or fail under pressure.

5. API 608

API 608: This rule applies to strong ball valves. It includes both floating and trunnion-mounted valves. These valves work well in tough environments. For example, ONERO’s Floating Ball Valve meets API 608 standards. This means it performs well even in very hard conditions.

Main Requirements: To meet API 608, ball valves must have thick walls. They also need to pass fire safety and pressure tests. This makes sure they can handle high pressure and heat. It helps them work safely in intense situations.

Application Examples: You’ll find API 608 valves in many industries. They’re used in refineries, where valves must handle a lot of stress. These valves stay strong, even under very hard conditions. They’re particularly suitable for applications involving high-pressure gases or liquids.

Industries from chemical processing can also benefit from API 608-certified valves, like ONERO’s Floating Ball Valve, which is engineered to handle high-stress conditions.

6. API 607

API 607 pertains to fire-tested ball valves and checks that they can maintain integrity during and after exposure to fire. This is crucial in industries where flammable materials are processed or transported, as a fire could lead to severe consequences.

Main Requirements Valves with API 607 certification go through tough fire tests. This testing makes sure they don’t leak when exposed to flames. This involves testing the valve’s ability to prevent leakage during and after fire exposure.

Application Examples API 607 valves are commonly used in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and other facilities where fire hazards exist. Their ability to remain sealed during a fire provides an extra layer of safety in these environments.

Fire Safe API 607 vs. API 608: Key Differences in Valve Standards

API 607 and API 608 are both valve standards with distinct focuses. API 607 primarily applies to soft-seated quarter-turn valves, emphasizing fire safety in flammable environments, such as oil and gas, with rigorous fire resistance and leakage tests. In contrast, API 608 targets metal-seated ball valves, prioritizing durability, operational efficiency, and broader industrial applications like water and chemical systems. While API 607 is tailored for hazardous conditions, API 608 offers versatility and cost-effectiveness for general industrial use.

What API Standard Ball Valves Does ONERO Valve Provide?

At ONERO, we’re committed to providing API-compliant ball valves that meet the highest standards. Our offerings include API 6D, API 598, and API 607-certified ball valves. Each of these standards ensures that our valves perform reliably in diverse industrial settings, from pipelines to fire-sensitive environments.

• API 6D Ball Valves: Ideal for pipelines, ensuring long-lasting performance and safety.
• API 598 Ball Valves: Tested for leakage, ensuring that only reliable products reach our customers.
• API 607 Ball Valves: Fire-tested for safety in flammable environments, adding peace of mind in hazardous industries.

You can learn more about our API-certified valves on our product pages.

Conclusion

API standards play a vital role in the quality, safety, and reliability of industrial ball valves. Each of these six API standards has its own benefits. They help valves resist fire and prevent leaks.

At ONERO, we’re proud to manufacture industrial ball valves that meet these rigorous standards, providing customers with products they can trust in demanding applications. 

Explore our range of API-certified ball valves and find the right solution for your industry needs or contact us today!

Resources

• Standards
• API – Valve Standards: An overview of the American Petroleum Institute – API – valve standards.