Piping Codes, Valve Standards and Ball Valve Selection: Ron Manson, March 2015

Piping codes, valve standards
and
ball valve selection
Ron Manson, March 2015
Valve Requirements for Piping Codes ASME B31.1
Power Piping, 2014
ASME B31.3
Process Piping, 2012
ASME B31.4
Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries, 2012
ASME B31.8
Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, 2012
All the above codes list valves as a piping component.

See sections 101.1.1, 300.2, 400.1 & 803.2 respectively
ENGINEERED & PROCESS VALVES
ASME B31.1
Power Piping, 2014
Listed valves (table 126.1) ASME B16.34 - Valves Flanged, Threaded and Weld End
MSS SP67
- Butterfly Valves
MSS SP68
- High Pressure Butterfly Valves with Offset Design
Note: the list excludes cast iron and bronze valves

107 VALVES
107.1 General
(A) Valves complying with the standards and specifications listed in Table 126.1 shall be used
within the specified pressuretemperature ratings. Unless otherwise required in the individual
standards and specifications listed in Table 126.1, such steel valves shall be pressure tested
in accordance with MSS SP-61.
(B) Valves not complying with (A) above shall be of a design, or equal to the design, that the
manufacturer recommends for the service as stipulated in para. 102.2.2. Such valves shall
be pressure tested in accordance with MSS SP-61.
ASME B31.3
Process Piping, 2012
Listed valves (table 326.1) ASME B16.34 - Valves Flanged, Threaded and Weld End
MSS SP72
- Ball Valves with Flanged or Butt-Welding Ends

for General Service
API 608
- Metal Ball Valves-Flanged, Threaded and Welding Ends

307 VALVES AND SPECIALTY COMPONENTS
The following requirements for valves shall also be met as applicable by other pressure
containing piping components, such as traps, strainers, and separators. See also Appendix F,
paras. F301.4 and F307.
307.1 General
307.1.1 Listed Valves. A listed valve is suitable for use in Normal Fluid Service, except as
stated in para. 307.2.
307.1.2 Unlisted Valves. Unlisted valves may be used only in accordance with para. 302.2.3.
Unless pressuretemperature ratings are established by the method set forth in ASME
B16.34, pressure design shall be qualified as required by para. 304.7.2
ASME B31.4
Pipeline Transportation Systems

for Liquids and Slurries, 2012
Listed valves (table 423.1.1) ASME B16.34 - Valves Flanged, Threaded and Weld End
MSS SP68
- High Pressure Butterfly Valves with Offset Design
MSS SP72
- Ball Valves with Flanged or Butt-Welding Ends

for General Service
API 600
- Steel Gate Valves - Flanged and Butt-welding Ends,

Bolted Bonnets, Twelfth Edition
API 602
- Steel Gate, Globe and Check Valves for Sizes DN 100 and
Smaller for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries, 9th Ed
API 603
- Corrosion-resistant, Bolted Bonnet Gate Valves-Flanged

and Butt-welding Ends, Eighth Edition
API 6D
- Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves, 24th Ed
API 6A
- Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment
ASME B31.4
Pipeline Transportation Systems

for Liquids and Slurries, 2012
404.5 Valves
404.5.1 General. Steel valves conforming to standards
and specifications listed in Tables 423.1-1 and 426.1-1 may be used. These valves
may contain certain cast, malleable, or wrought iron parts as provided for in API 6D.
Cast iron valves conforming to standards and specifications listed in Tables 423.1-1
and 426.1-1 may be used for pressures not to exceed 250 psi (17 bar). Care shall be
exercised to prevent excessive mechanical loading (see para. 404.4.8.3).
Working pressure ratings of the steel parts of steel valves are applicable with the
temperature limitations of -20F (-30C) to 250F (120C) (see para. 401.2.2.4).
Where resilient, rubber-like, or plastic materials are used for sealing, they shall be
capable of withstanding the fluid, pressure, and temperature specified for the piping
system.
404.5.2 Special Valves. Special valves not listed in Tables 423.1-1 and 426.1-1 shall be
permitted, provided that their design is of at least equal strength and tightness and
they are capable of withstanding the same test requirements as covered in these
standards, and structural features satisfy the material specification and test procedures
of valves in similar service set forth in the listed standards.
ASME B31.8
Gas Transmission and Distribution

Piping Systems, 2012
Listed valves (table 423.1.1) ASME B16.33
- Manually Operated Metallic Gas Valves for Use in Gas Piping

Systems up to 175 psi (Sizes NPS1/2 Through NPS 2)
ASME B16.34
- Valves Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
ASME B16.38
- Large Metallic Valves for Gas Distribution: Manually

Operated, NPS 21 .2 (DN 65) to NPS 12 (DN 300),
125 psig (8.6 bar) Maximum
API 6D
- Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves, 24th Ed
API 6A
- Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment
ASME B31.8
Gas Transmission and Distribution

Piping Systems, 2012
831.1 Valves and Pressure-Reducing Devices

831.1.1 Valves Without Threads. Valves shall conform to standards and
specifications referenced in this Code and shall be used only in accordance
with the service recommendations of the manufacturer.
(a) Valves manufactured in accordance with the following standards may be
used: see previous list.
(b) Valves having shell (body, bonnet, cover, and/or end flange) components
made of cast ductile iron in compliance with ASTM A395 and having
dimensions conforming to ASME B16.1, ASME B16.33, ASME B16.34,
ASME B16.38, ASME B16.40, or API 6D/ISO 14313 may be used at pressures
not exceeding 80% of the pressure ratings for comparable steel valves at their
listed temperature, provided the pressure does not exceed 1,000 psig (6 900
kPa), and welding is not employed on any ductile iron component in the
fabrication of the valve shells or their assembly as part of the piping system.
(c) Valves having shell components made of cast iron shall not be used in gas
piping components for compressor stations.
Federal Codes for Transportation of

Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline
192.145 Valves.
Link to an amendment published at 80 FR 181, Jan. 5, 2015.
(a) Except for cast iron and plastic valves, each valve must meet the minimum
requirements of API 6D (incorporated by reference, see 192.7), or to a national or
international standard that provides an equivalent performance level. A valve
may not be used under operating conditions that exceed the applicable pressuretemperature ratings contained in those requirements.
(b) Each cast iron and plastic valve must comply with the following:
(1) The valve must have a maximum service pressure rating for temperatures that
equal or exceed the maximum service temperature.
(2) The valve must be tested as part of the manufacturing, as follows:
(i) With the valve in the fully open position, the shell must be tested with no
leakage to a pressure at least 1.5 times the maximum service rating.
(ii) After the shell test, the seat must be tested to a pressure not less than 1.5
times the maximum service pressure rating. Except for swing check valves, test
pressure during the seat test must be applied successively on each side of the
closed valve with the opposite side open. No visible leakage is permitted.
Federal Codes for Transportation of

Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline
(iii) After the last pressure test is completed, the valve must be operated through its
full travel to demonstrate freedom from interference.
(c) Each valve must be able to meet the anticipated operating conditions.
(d) No valve having shell (body, bonnet, cover, and/or end flange) components
made of ductile iron may be used at pressures exceeding 80 percent of the
pressure ratings for comparable steel valves at their listed temperature. However, a
valve having shell components made of ductile iron may be used at pressures up to
80 percent of the pressure ratings for comparable steel valves at their listed
temperature, if:
(1) The temperature-adjusted service pressure does not exceed 1,000 p.s.i. (7 Mpa)
gage; and
(2) Welding is not used on any ductile iron component in the fabrication of the valve
shells or their assembly.
(e) No valve having shell (body, bonnet, cover, and/or end flange) components
made of cast iron, malleable iron, or ductile iron may be used in the gas pipe
components of compressor stations.
[35 FR 13257, Aug. 19, 1970, as amended by Amdt. 192-62, 54 FR 5628, Feb. 6,
1989; Amdt. 192-85, 63 FR 37502, July 13, 1998; Amdt. 192-94, 69 FR 32894, June
14, 2004; Amdt. 192-114, 75 FR 48603, Aug. 11, 2010]
Federal Codes for Transportation

of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline
195.116 Valves.
Link to an amendment published at 80 FR 186, Jan. 5, 2015.
Each valve installed in a pipeline system must comply with the following:
(a) The valve must be of a sound engineering design.
(b) Materials subject to the internal pressure of the pipeline system, including
welded and flanged ends, must be compatible with the pipe or fittings to which
the valve is attached.
(c) Each part of the valve that will be in contact with the carbon dioxide or
hazardous liquid stream must be made of materials that are compatible with
carbon dioxide or each hazardous liquid that it is anticipated will flow through
the pipeline system.
(d) Each valve must be both hydrostatically shell tested and hydrostatically seat
tested without leakage to at least the requirements set forth in Section 11 of API
Standard 6D (incorporated by reference, see 195.3).
(e) Each valve other than a check valve must be equipped with a means for
clearly indicating the position of the valve (open, closed, etc.).
(f) Each valve must be marked on the body or the nameplate, with at least the
following: Not shown in this presentation
Comparison of Valve Standards API 6D vs API 608

API 6D 24TH EDITION, AUGUST 2014
API 6D INDEX
Scope
Conformance
Units of measurement
Rounding
Conformance with Specification
Processes Requiring Validation
Description
API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER 2008

Sec
Description
This standard specifies the requirements for

metal ball valves suitable for petroleum,
petrochemical and industrial applications that
have flanged ends in sizes NPS 1/2 through
This specification defines the requirements for the
NPS 20 (DN 15 through DN500); butt-welding
design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and
ends in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 20 (DN 15
documentation of ball, check, gate, and plug valves
through DN 500); socket-welding ends in sizes
for application in pipeline and piping systems for the
NPS 1/4 through NPS 2 (DN 8 through DN 50);
petroleum and natural gas industries.
threaded ends in sizes NPS 1/4 through NPS 2
This specification is not applicable to valves for
(DN 8 through DN 50).
1.1
pressure ratings exceeding Class 2500.
Corresponding to the nominal pipe sizes in
If product is supplied bearing the API Monogram
ASME B36.10M.This standard applies to metal
and manufactured at a facility licensed by API, the
ball valves with pressure classes as follows;
requirements of Annex A applies.
flanged ends in Classes 150, 300 and 600 (PN
Annexes B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O
16, 25, 40 and 100);butt-welding ends in
are annexes that are used in order listed.
Classes 150, 300 and 600 (PN 16, 25, 40 and
100); socket-welding ends in Classes 150, 300,
600 and 800 (PN 16, 25, 40 and 100); threaded
ends in Classes 150, 300, 600 and 800 (PN 16,
25, 40 and 100).
Sec
1.2
1.2.1 Not addressed
1.2.2 Not addressed
1.3 Not addressed
1.4 Not addressed
Addressed
Addressed
Addressed
Addressed
12
API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Description
Sec
Normative references
Terms, Definitions, Acronyms,

Abbreviations, Symbols, and
Units
Terms and Definitions
3.1
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Addressed
3.2 Not addressed
Symbols and Units
Addressed
3.3 Not addressed
Valves types and configurations

Valve types
Valve configurations
Covers Ball, Gate, Check and Plug Valves. Example

4.1 Covers Ball Valves only (No valve Drawings)
of covered valve given (Valve Drawing)
Full-opening valves shall have an internal

minimum cylindrical opening for categorizing
bore size as specified in Table 1. Minimum valve
bore values given, (NPS 0.5 - NPS 60). Obturator
and seat dimensions shall meet Table 1.
For valve not covered in Table 1, the size and
bore shall be by agreement and the manufacture
shall stamp the size and bore on the nameplate.
For Reduced-opening valves:
- valves NPS 4 (DN 100) to NPS 12 (DN 300):
one size below nominal size of valve with bore
according to Table 1,
- valves NPS 14 (DN 350) to NPS 24 (DN 600):
two sizes below nominal size of valve with bore
according to Table 1.
13
4.2
Flow passageway in this standard categorized

as full bore; single reduced bore and
5.2
double reduced bore.
Minimum cylindrical diameter for categorizing
bore size given, (NPS 0.25 - NPS 20)

API 6D INDEX
Design
Design standards and
calculations
Wall Thickness
Description

Sec
Description
Sec
5
In accordance with an internationally recognized
design code: e.g. ASME BPVC, Section VIII,
Meet the requirements of Standard Class valves
5.1
5
Division 1 or Division 2; ASME B16.34; EN 12516per ASME B16.34
1 or EN 12516-2; and EN 13445-3.
Referenced from ASME B16.34 orASME Section
5.3.
5.1 In accordance to requirements of ASME B16.34
VIII.
1
In ASME rating class. Pressure-temperature

ratings for class-rated valves is based per ASME
B16.34 and Class 400 valves is based per ASME
B16.5. Covers up to Class 2500 maximum.
NOTE: It is not required that identical material or
material form be used for body and bonnet or
cover parts.
Valve rating shall be the lesser of the shell rating
Pressure-temperature ratings are based on
or seat rating. Valve shell rating shall be the rating
material group of valve's end connection. Where
for the shell material as listed for Standard Class
1.2,
Pressure and temperature rating the valve ends are made from material in two
5.2 in ASME B16.34. Covers up to Class 600 (Class
4
different groups, the material with the lower
150, 300, and 600) for flanged and butt-welding
pressuretemperature rating shall govern. Valves
ends, and up to Class 800 (Class 150, 300, 600
with flanged end(s) shall not be designed to an
and 800) for socket-welding and threaded ends.
intermediate rating due to the risk of the valve
being transferred to a different application, which
may utilize the full flange rating. Manufacturer shall
advise any limits on the design pressures and the
minimum and maximum design temperatures due
to nonmetallic parts.
Sizes
International Standard, NPS sizes are stated first

followed by the equivalent DN size between
5.3 Nominal Pipe Size covers NPS up to NPS 20"
brackets. Values given up to NPS 60" for class
150-600.
14
1.2
API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Description
Sizes
International Standard, NPS sizes are stated first

followed by the equivalent DN size between
5.3 Nominal Pipe Size covers NPS up to NPS 20"
brackets. Values given up to NPS 60" for class
150-600.
Ball-stem design and

construction
Not addressed
Packing glands and gland

bolting
Not addressed
Face-to-face and End-to-end

Dimensions
Values given, or per ASME B16.10 for valve sizes

not specified. Tolererances of +/- 1.5mm for NPS
10 and smaller. Tolerance of +/- 3.0mm for NPS
Face to face dimensions of flanged valves & end-to12 and larger.
end dimensions of butt-welding end valves per
In some cases the support legs on some valve
5.4 ASME B16.10 ball valveslong or short pattern.
designs may have to be extended beyond the endEnd to end dimensions for threaded and socket
to-end dimensions to assure that the valve can be
welding end valves - per manufacturers standard.
safely supported. These extensions shall be able
to be removed if required after installation.
Valve operation
Pigging
Contains Requirements for strength of ball to stem

connection and location of weakest part of stem
Requires adjustable packing glands
Criteria which determine which type of operator

should be used:
1. Max. pressure differential (MPD)
2. Flow coefficient
3. Breakaway thrust or torque and the
breakaway travel or angle
4. Valve run thrust or torque
5. Max. allowable stem thrust or torque on the
valve
6. Number of turns for manually operated
valves
Purchaser specify pigging requirements
15
Sec
1.2
5.5
5.7
5.3.
2,
5.3.
3
Requirements for manual operators - lever type

5.5 handles and gear operators - fitted with hand 5.8
wheels are stated.
5.6 Not addressed
API 6D INDEX
Description
Valve ends
Valve Cavity
Pressure Relief
Sec
Description
Sec
Flanged ends
Specified dimensions, tolerances, and finishes, including drilling templates,
End flanges & bonnet flanges
flange facing, nut-bearing surfaces (i.e. spot facing and back facing),
- Dimensions and facing finish of end
outside diameters, and thickness (see Figure 1) shall be in accordance
flanges shall conform to ASME B16.5.
with:
- Shall be cast or forged integral with the
- ASME B16.5 for sizes up to and including NPS 24 (DN 600) except NPS
5.3.
5.7.1 body. Cast or forged flanges attached by
22 (DN 550)
8
full penetration butt-welding may be used
- MSS SP-44 for NPS 22 (DN 550)
if agreed to by the purchaser. Flanges
- ASME B16.47, Series A for NPS 26 (DN 650) and larger sizes
attached by welding -Paragraph 2.1.6
For valves with heavy wall sections, flanges with nut stops in accordance
ASME B16.34.
with Mandatory Appendix 2, Figure 2-4 (Sketch 12 or 12a) of ASME
BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1 may be required.
Welding ends
- Conforms to ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, or ASME B31.8
Butt-welding ends
- Conforms to ASME B16.25
Socket-welding ends
5.7.2
- Conforms to ASME B16.11, minimum
wall thicknesses shall conform to Table 4
of ASME B16.34
Alternate valve end connections

- specified by purchaser
Threaded ends shall have taper pipe

threads - ASME B1.20.1, minimum wall 5.3.
5.7.3
thicknesses shall conform to Table 4 of 7
ASME B16.34
Valve cavity relief pressure when added to the valve pressure rating shall
not exceed 133 % of the valve pressure rating at maximum specified
design temperature. To achieve a higher cavity relief pressure, the valve
shell shall be designed and tested to withstand a higher hydrostatic shell
test pressure. If a relief valve fitted to the cavity is required, purchaser may
specify provisions to facilitate in service testing. External cavity relief
valves shall be NPS 1/2 (DN 15) or larger. Cavity relief testing and
functionality may be demonstrated by tests in H.8.2 for trunnion mounted
ball valves and gate valves. Floating ball valve functionality may be
demonstrated by agreement.
16
5.8
5.3.
5,
5.3.
6
Each valve shall be tested in accordance

7.3
with AP1 598
API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Description
Sec
Drains
Drilled and threaded unless otherwise specified. Tapered

threads shall be capable of providing a seal and comply with
Drain, bypass or other types of auxiliary 5.3.
ASME B1.20.1; Parallel threads shall comply with ASME
5.9
connections - ASME B16.34
10
B1.20.1 or ISO 228-1. Minimum sizes shall be in
accordance with Table 2.
Injection points
For sealant, lubrication, or flushing may be provided for

seats and/or stem. When provided, the injection points shall
incorporate a check valve and a secondary means of
5.10 Not addressed
isolation for each injection point. Sealant fittings shall have a
design pressure not less than the greater of the pipeline or
piping valve rated pressure and the injection pressure.
Drain, vent and sealant lines
Drain and vent lines shall:

- Have design pressure not less thn the rated pressure of
the valve on which they are installed
- Be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic shell test
pressure of the valve
5.11 Not addressed
- Be designed in accordance with a recognized design code
- Be suitable for blow down operation
Sealant lines design pressure not less than the greater of
the pipeline valve rated pressure and the injection pressure
Drain and vent block valves shall have a rated pressure

not less than the valve on which they are installed and be
suitable for blow-down operation.
Drain, Vent, and Sealant Valves
5.12 Not addressed
Block and check valves fitted to sealant injection lines shall
be rated for the greater of the pipeline valve rated pressure
& the injection pressure defined in 5.10
17
API 6D INDEX
Description
Max force to apply the breakaway torque or thrust shall not

exceed 360N.
Wrenches shall not longer than twice the face to face/ end to
Handwheels and
end dimension.
Wrenches Levers Handwheel diameter shall not exceed 40in (1065 mm).
Spokes shall not extend beyond the perimeter of the
handwheel.
Direction of closing shall be clockwise.
Sec
5.13
Description
Length of lever handle or the gear ratio. Efficiency
and handwheel diameter of gear operators shall be
designed so that required input force to fully open
and close valve shall not exceed 360N when
operating at maximum published torque (5.5.3).
Handwheel on manual gear operators - marked to
indicate the direction of opening and/or closing.
Lever type handles parallel to ball bore (indicates ball
bore position). If round or oval directed mounted
handwheel , means of indicating ball bore position is
included in handwheel design. Direction of closing
shall be clockwise.
Valves furnished with a lockable device that accepts
a purchaser-supplied padlock - allows the valve to be
locked in both the fully open and fully closed
positions.
Lockable device designed such that a lock with a
5/16-in. (8-mm) diameter shank, not more than 4.0
in. (102 mm) long can be inserted directly through
hole(s) in lockable device and locked.
Sec
5.8.
3,
5.8.
7
Locking Provision
Purchaser specification.Locking devices for check valves shall

be designed to lock valve in open position only. Locking devices
5.14
for other types of valve shall be designed to lock the valve in the
open and/or closed position.
Position of the
Obturator
Except for check valve, position of the obturator shall not be

altered by dynamic forces of the passing flow or in the case of
screw operated gate valves by forces generated from internal
pressure.
Position Indicators
Position indicator shall be in line with the pipeline when the

An indication of the position of ball bore of the valve
valve is open and transverse when the valve is closed. Valves
shall be integral with the valve stem. This indication 5.8.
5.16
without position stops shall have provision for the verification of
may be by permanent marking to the top of the stem, 8
open and closed alignment with the operator/actuator removed.
or by shape of exposed stem portion.
Travel Stops
Provided on valves which do not require mechanical force to

effect a seal and/or operator and they shall be located at the
position of the obturator in the open and closed position.
Guidance for travel stops by valve type provided in Annex
D.
18
5.8.
11
5.15 Not addressed
Position stops shall be provided for both fully open

5.8.
and fully closed positions of valve. Position stops
5,
5.17
integral with packing gland, gland flange or gland
5.8.
bolting shall not be used.
12
API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Actuator, Operators,
and Stem Extensions
Output of the actuator shall not exceed the stress limits of the valve
drive train permitted by 5.20.2. Actuator sizing and mounting kits
shall be in accordance with API 6DX. Operators, stem extensions
and their interfaces shall be sealed to prevent ingress of external
contaminants and moisture.
5.18 Not addressed
Lifting
The manufacturer shall determine the need for and verify suitability
of lifting points of the valve. The purchaser shall specify when lifting
points on the valve are not required.
5.19 Not addressed
Drive Trains
Design thrust or torque to be at least 2x breakaway thrust or torque.

Design stresses for tensile stress, shear stress (including torsional
shear stress) and bearing stress shall comply with ASME BPVC,
Section VIII.
Average primary shear stress across a section loaded under design
conditions in pure shear, e.g. keys, shear rings, screw threads, etc.,
shall be limited to 0.6 Sm.
The maximum primary shear under design conditions, exclusive of
stress concentration at the periphery of a solid circular section in
torsion, shall be limited to 0.8 Sm.
The drive train shall be designed such that the weakest component
is outside the pressure boundary.
Stem Retention
Valves shall be designed to ensure that the stem does not eject
under any internal pressure condition or if the packing gland
components and/or valve operator mounting components are
removed.
Fire Type-testing
If specified, shall be per one of the following: API 6FA, API 6FD,
API 607, or ISO 10497.
19
Description
Sec
The torsional strength of both the stem-toball connection and the portion of the stem
within the pressure boundary (below top of
packing) shall exceed the torsional strength
of the stem portion above the pressure
boundary (above the top of the packing) by
at least 10 %. The stem and the ball-to-stem
connection shall have no occurance of
permanent deformation and failure of any
5.5.
5.20
part when the torque applied is equal to the
2
greater of:
- 15 ft-lbs (20 N-m), or
- twice the manufacturers maximum
published torque.
The manufacturers maximum published
torque shall be based upon clean, dry air
service at the maximum differential pressure
rating of the valve.
The valve shall be designed to insure that if
a failure occurs at the stem-to-ball
5.5.
5.21 connection or of the stem itself within the
1
pressure boundary, no portion of the stem is
ejected by internal pressure.
5.22 Per API 607
10

API 6D INDEX
Description

Sec
Description
Sec
Antistatic Device
Valves shall incorporate an antistatic feature that insures

Soft-seated ball, plug, and gate valves shall have an
electrical continuity between the stem and body of valves
antistatic device.The electrical resistance between the
NPS 2 and between ball, stem and body of valves > NPS
obturator and the valve body and between the
2. The anti-static feature shall have electrical continuity
stem/shaft and the valve body shall be measured
5.23
across the discharge path with a resistance not exceeding
using a direct-current power source not exceeding 12
10 ohms from a power source not exceeding 12VDC when
V. The resistance shall be measured on dry valves
type tested on a new, dry, as-built valve after open-close
before pressure testing and shall not exceed 10 ohm.
position cycling of the valve at least 5 times.
5.4
End Flange Face

Interruptions
Defines the allowable disruptions on the flange gasket

face:
- Ring shaped radial gaps in the faces of end flanges of
flanged ball valves, located in the sealing surface of a
centered ASME B16.20 spiral-wound gasket, shall not
exceed 0.030 in. (0.75 mm); see dimension b on Figure 1.
An example of this condition is the radial gap that exists
between the outer diameter of a body insert and the inner
bore of the body end flange of a valve as shown in Figure
B.1
- For ball valves designed with a body insert as shown in
Figure B.1, with a gasket seating face outer diameter
located within the sealing area of a centered ASME B16.20
spiral-wound gasket, the body insert flange face shall not
protrude beyond the valve body end flange face. The body
insert flange face shall not be recessed below the body
end flange face by more than 0.010 in. (0.25 mm). See
dimension a on Figure 1.
5.9
Not addressed
20
API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER

2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Materials
Description
Material Specification
Issued by the manufacturer and address the following: material

grade; chemical analysis; heat treatment; mechanical properties
(tensile); certification to report all items listed in 6.1.
Other requirements of the material specifications shall be as
follows, if applicable: carbon equivalent (CE); Charpy impacts;
hardness; testing. Pressure containing parts shall be per 5.2.
Guidance on selection of material suppliers is given in Annex E.
Shell per ASME B16.34. Trim, stem

seals, body seals, and gaskets shall
have properties at least equal or
better than shell material. Threaded
6.1
plugs shall have same nominal
composition as shell material. Higher
material grades may be specified by
purchaser.
Tensile Test Requirements
Tensile test specimens shall be removed from a test coupon

(TC) after final heat-treatment cycle, and shall be performed per
ASTM A370 or ISO 6892-1. Minimum of one tensile test shall be
performed. All yield strengths shall be determined using 0.2 %
offset method. Results of tensile test(s) shall satisfy the
applicable material specification requirements. Otherwise, two
additional tests on two additional test specimens (removed from
same TC with no additional heat treatment) may be performed.
The result of each of these tests shall satisfy the applicable
requirements.
6.2 Not addressed
Service Compatibility
All process-wetted parts, metallic and non-metallic, and

lubricants shall be suitable for commissioning fluids and service
specified by purchaser. Metallic materials to avoid corrosion and
galling.
6.3 Not addressed
Elastomeric materials for valves intended for rapid gas
decompression gas service Class 600 and above to consider
explosive decompression.
Forged Parts
All forged material(s) shall be formed using a hot-working

practice and heat treatment that produces a forged structure
throughout the material.
21
Sec
6.4 Not addressed

2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Materials
Description
Sec
Composition Limits
The chemical composition of carbon steel welding ends shall

meet the following requirements.
- The carbon content shall not exceed 0.23 % by mass.
- The sulfur content shall not exceed 0.020 % by mass.
- The phosphorus content shall not exceed 0.025 % by mass.
- The carbon equivalent (CE) shall not exceed 0.43 %.
Toughness Test
Requirements
All carbon, alloy steels and non-austenitic stainless steel for

pressure-containing parts with design temperature below -20 F (29 C) shall be impact-tested using the Charpy V-notch technique
per ASTM A370/ISO 148-1. Striker of 8mm shall be used when
using ISO 148-1. Bolting material tests will meet requirement of
ASTM A320. Impact values for full-size specimens of duplex or
super duplex stainless steels are as follows:
a)average of three specimens: 33 ft lb (45 J) minimum;
6.6 Not addressed
b)no single specimen less than 26 ft lb (35 J);
c)Impact test temperature shall be 50 F (46 C).
Requirements for impact test results for full size specimens given
in Table 3.
If a test fails, then a retest of three additional specimens removed
from the same TC, with no additional heat treatment, may be
made, each of which shall exhibit an impact value equal to or
exceeding the required average value.
Bolting
Carbon/low-alloy steel bolting material with hardness exceeding

HRC 35 (HBW 321) not valid for valve applications with possible
hydrogen embrittlement.
Bolting shall be intermediate strength

as per ASME B16.5 as a minimum;
6.7
6.3
pruchaser may specify higher grades
of bolting materials
Sour Service
Shall meet NACE MR0175 or ISO 15156 (all parts) or NACE

MR0103, purchaser to specify the standard to be used.
6.8 Not addressed
22
6.5 Not addressed
API 608, 4TH

EDITION,
DECEMBER 2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Materials
Drain Connections
Sec
Description
Sec
6
6.9 Not addressed
Threaded plugs shall be compatible with the valve body material or made from a corrosion-resistant material.
All heat treating of parts and TCs shall be performed with production-type equipment. "Production-type" heat-treating equipment shall be
considered equipment that is routinely used to process production parts. All heat treatment for mechanical properties shall be performed
Heat-treating Equipment
using furnaces calibrated in accordance with Annex F. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) shall be performed with heat-treat equipment
Qualification
meeting the requirements specified by the manufacturer. Furnaces shall be calibrated and surveyed at least annually, records shall be
maintained for a minimum of five years.
Welding
6.10 Not addressed
Shall conform to the American Welding Society's or manufacturer's specifications. The manufacturer shall have a written procedure for
Welding Consumables storage and control of welding consumables. Materials of low-hydrogen type (including electrodes, wires and fluxes) shall be stored and
used as recommended by manufacturer of welding consumables to retain their original low-hydrogen properties.
7.1 Not addressed
Welding shall be as per ASME BPVC, Section IX, or ISO 15607, ISO 15609, and ISO 15614-1. Welders and welding operators shall be
qualified per ASME BPVC, Section IX or ISO 9606-1, or EN 287-1. All qualifications documented in PQR. PWHT performed in accordance
with applicable material specification or design code.
Welding Procedure and Weld overlay shall be as per ASME BPVC, Section IX, Articles II and III or ISO 15614-7. Chemical analysis of the weld metal shall be as
Welder/Welding
per ASME BPVC, Section IX at the minimum overlay thickness as specified by manufacturer for the finished component. Weld overlay or
7.2 Not addressed
Operator Qualifications clad welding with nickel-based alloy UNS N06625, the thickness chemical composition shall meet one of the classes listed below:
Class Fe 10: iron mass fraction 10.0 % maximum; or
Class Fe 5: iron mass fraction 5.0 % maximum, when specified by the purchaser.
For all other composition, the chemical analysis of the weld overlay or clad welding shall conform to the manufacturers written specification.
Impact Testing
Hardness Testing
Repair
Repair of welds
Quality Control
NDE Requirements
Measuring and Test
Equipment
Qualification of
Personnel
NDE of Repairs
Weld End NDE
Visual Inspection of
Castings
Quality Specification
Levels (QSLs)
On valves with design temperature below -29 C (-20 F). HAZ testing per ASME BPVC, Section IX or ISO 9606-1, ISO 15607, ISO 15609,
ISO 15614-1, and ISO 15608. Also per ASTM A370 or ISO 148-1 using the Charpy V-notch technique.
Hardness testing shall be as per NACE MR0175, ISO 15156 (all parts), or NACE MR0103. Hardness surveys shall be performed on BM,
WM and HAZ per NACE MR0175, ISO 15156 (all parts), or NACE MR0103,
Weld repair of forgings and plates shall not be performed to correct material defects, unless otherwise agreed. However, weld repair can be
used to correct machining errors. The weld repair shall be in accordance with the applicable material standard, including any PWHT, if
applicable.
Shall be performed as per applicable design code or standard listed in 5.1.
7.3 Not addressed

7.4 Not addressed
7.5 Not addressed

7.6 Not addressed
8
Final surface (MT and PT) and ultrasonic (UT) shall be conducted after final heat treatment or postweld heat treatment. Final radiography
(RT) shall be conducted after final heat treatment, unless otherwise agreed.
Shall be selected from the list in accordance with Annex G if specified by the purchaser.
8.1 Not addressed
Dimension, pressure, and temperature measuring equiptment specifications are given
8.2 Not addressed
NDE personnel and welding inspector qualifications are given
8.3 Not addressed
Excavated area examined by MT or PT methods in accordance with Annex G. Repair welds examined using the same NDE method that
was used to detect the defect with a minimum of MT or PT. The final NDE activities conducted after post weld heat treatment
Acceptance criteria per clauses G.24, G.26, or G.27,
Per MSS SP-55 as a minimum, with the following acceptance criteria:
Type 1: none acceptable;
Type 2 to 12: A and B only.
Annex J describes the QSLs including specific requirements for NDE, pressure testing, and documentation of the manufacturing process if
specified by the purchaser.
23
8.4 Not addressed

8.5 Not addressed
8.6 Not addressed

8.7 Not addressed
API 608, 4TH EDITION,

DECEMBER 2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Pressure Testing
Sec
Description
Sec
7.3
General
Tested with seating/sealing surfaces free from sealant except where sealant is
primary means of sealing. The water temperature shall not be greater than
100 F (38 C) during the testing period. Supply pressure shall be isolated
Tested according to API
from the valve being tested and shall be stabilized prior to the start of pressure 9.1
7.3
598
testing duration. The pressure measuring device shall be installed in the test
apparatus in such a manner that the device continuously monitors/records the
test pressure of the valve assembly.
Stem backseat test
1.1 times pressure rating for material at 100 F (38 C), no visually detectable
leakage permitted.
Hydrostatic shell test
1.5 times pressure rating for material at 100 F (38 C), no visually detectable
leakage permitted.
When the valve has been designed to withstand a higher hydrostatic shell test
pressure per 5.8, the shell test pressure shall be 1.5 or more times the higher
design pressure at 100 F (38 C).
When performing a higher hydrostatic shell test and the valve is flanged, the
hydrostatic shell test shall be performed with bore sealing plugs to ensure the
9.3 Not addressed
flanges are not subjected to test pressures greater than 1.5 times the valve
flange rating.
If pipe pups are to be welded to the valve as part of the final assembly, the
pressure rating of the pipe pups may be insufficient for the hydrostatic-shell
test pressure, then the pups shall be welded to the valve following the valveshell test and the valve and pup(s) tested at a pressure lower than the
hydrostatic shell test not to exceed the test pressure of the pipe pups.
Hydrostatic seat test
1.1 times pressure rating for material at 100 F (38 C).

Acceptance criteria:
- Soft-seated valves and lubricated plug valves: Per ISO 5208, Rate A (no
visible detectable leakage)
- Metal-seated valves (except check valves): Per ISO 5208, Rate D
- Metal-seated check valves: Per ISO 5208, Rate G
24
9.2 Not addressed
9.4 Not addressed

2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Sec
Description
Subject to hydrostatic test in accordance with 9.3. Lines may be tested

Testing of Drain, Vent, and
seperately at test pressure in 9.3. The final assembly connection is
9.6 Not addressed
Sealant Injection Lines
subjected to hydrostatic test in 9.3.
Prior to packaging or shipping, each
valve shall be drained of test fluid,
Draining
Valves drained/dried/lubricated before shipment where applicable.
9.7 including draining of the body cavity
area between seats and around ball,
and cavities of cored balls if used.
Sec
9.1
Coating/Painting
For non-corrosion resistant valves only. Preventative measures shall

be taken to assure no foreign material enters internal cavity of valve.
Valves manufactured with shell
Corrosion-resistant valves, flange face and actuator mounting flange
materials shown in ASME B16.34
sealing surfaces, weld bevel ends, and exposed stems shall not be
10 Group 1 shall have lead-free rust
coated (refer to Annex L). Corrosion protection shall be provided using
preventative coatings on all
the manufacturers documented requirements for flange faces, weld
unmachined exterior body surfaces
bevel ends, exposed stems, and internal surfaces of valve.
Marking
Valves shall be marked in accordance with the requirements of Table

7. Certain criteria may be ommitted if size/shape limits. The nameplate
shall be attached to the valve body; however, based on valve design
The identification plate(s) shall be
the nameplate may be attached to the bonnet/cover or end connector
attached to the valve body by welding
at the option of the manufacturer. For valves smaller than NPS 2 (DN
or by pins made from same materials
50), nameplate may be attached to valve with stainless steel wire, but
11 allowed for identification plate. Per
8
may be ommitted only by agreeement. Marking on the body
ASME B16.34. Special markings
closure/end connector and bonnet/cover shall be not less than 0.25 in.
required for unidirectional valves.
(6 mm). The nameplate minimum letter size shall be 0.125 in. (3 mm)
Shall be marked as "API 608".
on valves sizes NPS 2 (DN 50) and larger. For all valves NPS 1.5 in
(DN 38) and smaller, the nameplate letter size shall be per the
manufacturer's standard.
25
9.2
API 608, 4TH EDITION,

DECEMBER 2008

API 6D INDEX
Description
Preparation for Shipment
Documentation
Sec
Description
Sec
Drained of test fluid including

Plug, ball, and reverse-acting through-conduit gate valves shall be
body cavity area between seats
shipped in the fully open position, unless fitted with a fail-to-close
and around ball. If export
actuator. Other gate valve types shall be shipped with the gate in the
packaging is not specified,
fully closed position. Check valves NPS 4 (DN 100) and larger shall be 12 package to prevent damage
9
shipped with disc secured or supported. Valves shipped with stem
during shipment. If specified,
extensions and without an operating mechanism shall have the annular
shipped in wooden boxes or
space closed and the stem extension secured to the outer housing.
crates and packed to prevent
individual valves from moving
Required documents and conditions specified. A certificate of

conformance to this specification shall be supplied together with the
valves by manufacturer.
Facility Requirements
13 Not addressed
14
Minimum Facility Requirements The assembler (see 3.1.1) shall have on-site equipment and personnel
for the Assembler Category of to perform the required processes needed to produce the products
14.1 Not addressed
Manufacturing
under the scope of this specification as identified in Table 8.
Activities Applicable to an
Assembler Facility
The activities for an assembler and applicable locations are given in

Table 8.
26
14.2 Not addressed
Comparison of Valve Standards API 6D vs API 598

NOTE
TEST
Per 6.4.3 of API 598: When closure testing gate, plug, and ball valves, a method of testing seat leakage shall be used that fills and
fully pressurizes the body cavity to the test pressure between the seats and the bonnet area, as applicable, with the test fluid.
Trunnion mounted ball valves cannot be seat tested to API 598 as the cavity is required to be pressurized.
CRITERIA
API 598 (9th EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2009)

Gate, Globe, Butterfly, Ball, Check, Gate & Plug Valves
( Class 4500)
Requirement
Required for Gate, Globe, Butterfly, Ball, Check, Gate & Plug
Valves
Test Medium
Temperature Range
API 6D (24th EDITION, AUGUST 2014)

Ball, Check, Gate & Plug Valves
( Class 2500)
Required for Ball, Check, Gate & Plug Valves
Air, inert gas, kerosene, water or non-corrosive liquid (viscosity Fresh water (may contain corrosion inhibitor water)
antifreeze)
41F - 122F (5C - 50C)
100F (38C) (Max)
For ductile iron and cast iron (Refer to Table 1)

Test Pressure
HYDROSTATIC
SHELL TEST
For Steel:
x 1.5 testing pressure as per ASMEB16.34
Test Duration
See attached Table 2
Acceptance Criteria
No visible leakage through pressure boundary walls & fixed

body joint.
27
x 1.5 testing pressure as per ASME B16.34
No visible leakage permitted.

TEST
CRITERIA

( Class 4500)
Requirement
Applicable for gate and globe valves only.
Applicable for valves with backseat features.
Test Medium
Air, inert gas, kerosene, water or non-corrosive liquid

(viscosity water)
Fresh water (may contain corossion inhibitor antifreeze)
Temperature Range
41F - 122F (5C - 50C)
100F (38C) (Max)
Test Pressure
High Pressure: x 1.1 max allowable pressure

Low Pressure: 60 - 100 psig
Test Duration

Notes 'e' and 'f' per tables 1 & 2 are in error as a floating ball or
a butterfly valve cannot be double block bleed.
Acceptance Criteria
BACKSEAT
TEST
28

( Class 2500)
API 6D (24th EDITION, AUGUST

2014)

TEST
CRITERIA

( Class 4500)
Test
Low Pressure Closure Test
Ball
Valve
(Floatin
g or
Trunion)
LOW
PRESSURE
CLOSURE
TEST
Requirement
NPS 4 & ASME Class 1500; or

NPS > 4 & ASME Class 600

( Class 2500)
Low-pressure Gas Seat Testing
NPS 4 & ASME Class >

1500; or
NPS > 4 & ASME Class >
600
Floating
Trunnion
Floating
Trunnion
Required
Required
Required
Optional
NPS 4 & ASME Class 1500 or

Gate,
Plug,
Globe,
Check
Valve Required: Gate, Plug
Optional: Globe, Check, Lubricated Plug
29
Optional

1500 or
600
Optional

TEST
LOW
PRESSURE
CLOSURE
TEST
CRITERIA

( Class 4500)
Test Medium
Air / Inert gas
Air / Nitrogen
Temperature Range
41F - 122F (5C - 50C)
100F (38C) (Max)
Test Pressure
60 - 100 psig
Test Duration
Acceptance Criteria

( Class 2500)
Type 1 / Type 2 (Pneumatic Test)

Type 1: 5 - 14.5 psig
Type 2: 80 - 100 psig
The acceptable leakage rate for low-pressure

gas seat testing shall be:
Visible leakage through disk, behind seat rings or past shaft
- Soft-seated: No visible leakage.
seals is not permitted. (See attached Table 3)
- Metal-seated: ISO 5208, Rate D (See attached
Table 4)
30
API 6D (24th EDITION, AUGUST

2014)
TEST
CRITERIA

( Class 4500)
Test
High Pressure Closure Test
NPS 4 & ASME Class 1500; or

HIGH
PRESSURE
CLOSURE Requirement
TEST
Ball
Valve
(Floating
or
Trunion)
Floating

( Class 2500)
Hydrostatic Seat Test / High-pressure
Gas Seat Testing

1500; or
600
Trunnion
Floating
Trunnion
Optional
Optional
(Required: if
(Required: if
Optional (Required: if valves
valves
valves specified
specified to be double block and specified to be
Required
to be double
bleed valves.)
double block
block and bleed
and bleed
valves.)
valves.)
NPS 4 & ASME Class 1500 or
1500 or
600
Gate,
Plug,
Globe,
Check
Valve Required: Globe, Check, Lubricated Plug
Optional: Gate, Plug
Required: Hydrostatic
Optional: Pneumatic (Gas)
Required
Test Medium
Air, inert gas, kerosene, water or non-corrosive liquid (viscosity water)
Hydrostatic: Fresh water (may contain

corrosion inhibitor - antifreeze)
Pneumatic: Inert gas
Temperature Range
41F - 122F (5C - 50C)
100F (38C) (Max)
Test Pressure
x 1.1 max allowable pressure at 100F

31
x 1.1 testing pressure as per ASME

B16.34

TEST
CRITERIA
Test Medium

( Class 4500)

( Class 2500)
Hydrostatic: Fresh water (may contain corrosion

Air, inert gas, kerosene, water or non-corrosive liquid (viscosity
inhibitor - antifreeze)
water)
Pneumatic: Inert gas
Temperature Range
41F - 122F (5C - 50C)
100F (38C) (Max)
Test Pressure
x 1.1 max allowable pressure at 100F
HIGH
PRESSURE
CLOSURE
TEST
Hydrostatic Seat Test:
Test Duration
High-pressure Gas Seat Testing:
32

TEST
CRITERIA
HIGH
PRESSURE
Acceptance Criteria
CLOSURE
TEST
Additional Seat
Testing

( Class 4500)
Visible leakage through disk, behind seat rings or past shaft seals
is not permitted. (See attached Table 3)
Not addressed
33

( Class 2500)
Hydrostatic Seat Test:

Soft-seated: No visible leakage
Metal-seated (except check valves): ISO
5208, Rate D (See attached Table 4)
Metal-seated check valves: ISO 5208, Rate
G (See attached Table 4)
High-pressure Gas Seat Testing:
Soft-seated: No visible leakage
Metal-seated (except check valves): 2x
ISO 5208, Rate D (See attached Table 4)
Metal-seated check valves: ISO 5208, Rate
EE (See attached Table 4)
1) If the purchaser specifies the

functionality for the valve to be that of
double block and bleed (DBB) valves, the
test described in H.9 shall be performed.
functionality for the valve to be that of
double isolation and bleed (DIB-1), both
seats bidirectional, the test described in
H.10 shall be performed.
functionality for the valve to be that of DIB2, one seat unidirectional and one seat
bidirectional, the test described in H.11
shall be performed.
API 598 Test Tables

Table 1
Table2
34
API 598 Test Tables
Table 3
35
ISO 5208
Table 4
36
Valve Selection SummaryAPI 608 for floating ball valves only

API 608 mandates testing to API 598 and section 6.4.3 does
not allow for testing of a trunnion ball valve.
API 6D for floating & trunnion ball valves, slab & expanding gates,
plug and check valves
37

Piping Codes, Valve Standards and Ball Valve Selection: Ron Manson, March 2015

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Piping codes, valve standards

Valve Requirements for Piping Codes ASME B31.1

Power Piping, 2014

Process Piping, 2012

Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries, 2012

Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, 2012

All the above codes list valves as a piping component.

ENGINEERED & PROCESS VALVES

Power Piping, 2014

- High Pressure Butterfly Valves with Offset Design

Note: the list excludes cast iron and bronze valves

Process Piping, 2012

- Ball Valves with Flanged or Butt-Welding Ends

- Metal Ball Valves-Flanged, Threaded and Welding Ends

Note: the list excludes cast iron and bronze valves

Pipeline Transportation Systems

- High Pressure Butterfly Valves with Offset Design

- Ball Valves with Flanged or Butt-Welding Ends

- Steel Gate Valves - Flanged and Butt-welding Ends,

- Corrosion-resistant, Bolted Bonnet Gate Valves-Flanged

- Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves, 24th Ed

- Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment

Note: the list excludes cast iron and bronze valves

Pipeline Transportation Systems

Gas Transmission and Distribution

Listed valves (table 423.1.1) ASME B16.33

- Manually Operated Metallic Gas Valves for Use in Gas Piping

- Valves Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End

- Large Metallic Valves for Gas Distribution: Manually

- Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves, 24th Ed

- Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment

Note: the list excludes cast iron and bronze valves

Gas Transmission and Distribution

831.1 Valves and Pressure-Reducing Devices

Federal Codes for Transportation of

Federal Codes for Transportation of

Federal Codes for Transportation

Comparison of Valve Standards API 6D vs API 608

API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER 2008

This standard specifies the requirements for

ENGINEERED & PROCESS VALVES

API 6D 24TH EDITION, AUGUST 2014

API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER 2008

Terms, Definitions, Acronyms,

Terms and Definitions

Acronyms and Abbreviations

3.2 Not addressed

Symbols and Units

3.3 Not addressed

Valves types and configurations

Covers Ball, Gate, Check and Plug Valves. Example

Full-opening valves shall have an internal

Flow passageway in this standard categorized

ENGINEERED & PROCESS VALVES

API 6D 24TH EDITION, AUGUST 2014

API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER 2008

In ASME rating class. Pressure-temperature

International Standard, NPS sizes are stated first

ENGINEERED & PROCESS VALVES

API 6D 24TH EDITION, AUGUST 2014

API 608, 4TH EDITION, DECEMBER 2008

International Standard, NPS sizes are stated first

Ball-stem design and