GP 62-01

Document No.
GP 62-01
Applicability Group
Date 27 April 2006
Guidance on Practice for

Valves
GP 62-01
BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Guidance on Practice for Valves
Foreword
This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 62-01. This Guidance on
Practice (GP) is based on parts of heritage documents from the merged BP companies as follows:
British Petroleum
RP 62-1 Guide to Valve Selection.
RP 62-2 Isolation Valve Selection Philosophy for Oil and Gas Production and
Processing.
Amoco
A PN-VA-GS-E Piping—Valves—General Service—Selection Specification.
A PN-VA-GS-G Piping—Valves—General Service—Selection Guide.
ARCO
Std 206-98 Valve Procurement Specification.
Copyright  2006, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization
without the prior written permission of Director of Engineering, BP Group, unless the
terms of such agreement or contract expressly allow.
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The latest update of this document is located in the BP ETP and Projects Library
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Scope...................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Normative references.............................................................................................................. 8
3. Terms and definitions............................................................................................................ 10
4. General topics....................................................................................................................... 11
4.1. Connection to piping...................................................................................................11
4.2. Construction/commissioning conditions......................................................................12
4.3. Maintenance considerations.......................................................................................13
4.4. Isolation...................................................................................................................... 13
4.5. Testing - general........................................................................................................ 17
4.6. Specific additional tests..............................................................................................20
4.7. Design and stress/strain considerations.....................................................................22
4.8. Weight/cost minimisation............................................................................................23
4.9. Auxiliary connections in valve bodies.........................................................................24
4.10. Fugitive emissions......................................................................................................26
4.11. Actuation/operation....................................................................................................29
4.12. Fire safety.................................................................................................................. 32
4.13. Relief of cavity overpressure......................................................................................34
4.14. Valve leak detection in service...................................................................................34
4.15. Non destructive examination (NDE)...........................................................................35
4.16. Welding...................................................................................................................... 37
4.17. Weldment and casting repair......................................................................................37
4.18. Electrical isolation and continuity................................................................................38
4.19. European pressure equipment directive.....................................................................38
5. Valve type selection.............................................................................................................. 39
5.1. Introduction................................................................................................................39
5.2. Factors affecting selection..........................................................................................39
5.3. Selection charts.......................................................................................................... 41
6. Service description................................................................................................................ 43
6.1. General...................................................................................................................... 43
6.2. Clean service............................................................................................................. 43
6.3. Dirty service...............................................................................................................44
6.4. Fouling/scaling service...............................................................................................44
6.5. Slurry service............................................................................................................. 45
6.6. Solids......................................................................................................................... 45
6.7. Hazardous service......................................................................................................45
6.8. Searching service.......................................................................................................45
6.9. Solidifying service.......................................................................................................46
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
6.10. Corrosive service........................................................................................................46

6.11. Viscous service..........................................................................................................46
6.12. Vacuum service.......................................................................................................... 47
6.13. High temperature service...........................................................................................47
6.14. Low temperature service (0°C to –50°C (32°F to –58°F))...........................................47
6.15. Cryogenic service (below –50°C (–58°F))..................................................................49
6.16. Anhydrous ammonia service......................................................................................49
6.17. Chloride service......................................................................................................... 49
6.18. Sour (wet H2S) service...............................................................................................49
6.19. Hydrogen service.......................................................................................................50
6.20. Hydrofluoric acid (HFA) service..................................................................................50
6.21. Wet CO2 and chlorine service.....................................................................................50
6.22. Oxygen service..........................................................................................................50
7. Valve function and description...............................................................................................51
7.1. Isolation (block) valves...............................................................................................51
7.2. Valve types for prevention of flow reversal (check)....................................................94
8. Special valve applications...................................................................................................108
8.1. Shut-down valves.....................................................................................................108
8.2. Automatic blow down valves....................................................................................112
8.3. Flow diversion..........................................................................................................113
8.4. Bellows sealed valves (See Figure 52).....................................................................115
8.5. Valves for cryogenic service.....................................................................................116
8.6. Vacuum service valves.............................................................................................117
8.7. Deluge service valves..............................................................................................117
8.8. Excess flow and slam-shut valves (See Figure 54 & Figure 55)...............................117
8.9. Dosing valves........................................................................................................... 119
8.10. Valves associated with pig launchers/receivers........................................................119
8.11. Subsea applications.................................................................................................119
9. Seals, packings, and gaskets..............................................................................................124
9.1. Introduction..............................................................................................................124
9.2. Elastomer O-rings....................................................................................................125
9.3. Polymer lip seals......................................................................................................126
9.4. Proprietary seal designs...........................................................................................126
9.5. Gland packings........................................................................................................126
9.6. Chevron seals/packings...........................................................................................127
9.7. Diaphragm seals......................................................................................................127
9.8. Thrust seals..............................................................................................................128
9.9. Metal seals/gaskets..................................................................................................128
9.10. Pressure seal joint (See Figure 57)..........................................................................129
9.11. Metal bellows........................................................................................................... 129
10. Materials.............................................................................................................................. 129
10.1. Pressure boundary (shell) materials.........................................................................129
10.2. Material composition of welding end valves.............................................................132
10.3. Metallic valve trim materials (obturator/seat/stem)...................................................133
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
10.4. Bolting...................................................................................................................... 135

10.5. Plating...................................................................................................................... 136
10.6. Hard coating............................................................................................................. 136
10.7. Ceramics.................................................................................................................. 137
10.8. Elastomers (rubber) and polymers (plastic)..............................................................137
10.9. Graphite packing and seals......................................................................................139
10.10. Asbestos replacement materials..............................................................................140
10.11. Material temperature limitations...............................................................................140
10.12. Temporary coatings, lubricants, etc..........................................................................142
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................. 164
List of Tables
Table 1 – Recommended seat leak rates.......................................................................................18

Table 2(A) – Comparison of shell test times (seconds)..................................................................19
Table 2(B) – Comparison of seat test times for ball valves (seconds)............................................19
Table 3 – Recommended minimum bypass size (DN (NPS)).........................................................25
Table 4 – Size at which gear operator to be supplied (DN (NPS))..................................................29
Table 5 – NDE requirements.......................................................................................................... 36
Table 6 – NDE of weldments.......................................................................................................... 36
Table 7 – Method to achieve valve shut off....................................................................................52
Table 8 – Minimum bore diameter of reduced bore ball valves.......................................................52
Table 9 – Typical specifications (ASTM) and applications of valve shell materials.......................131
Table 10 – ISO 10434 seating surface trim selection...................................................................134
Table 11 – Typical application of metallic trim materials...............................................................135
Table 12 – General application data for non-metallic materials....................................................138
Table 13 – Temperature limits of valve shell materials.................................................................140
Table 14 – Temperature limits of metallic trim materials...............................................................141
Table 15 – Temperature limits of non-metallic materials..............................................................141
List of Figures
Figure 1 – Isolation arrangements..................................................................................................14

Figure 2 – Low pressure gas leak rate comparison........................................................................19
Figure 3 – Wedge gate valve (outside screw).................................................................................54
Figure 4 – Flexible wedge..............................................................................................................55
Figure 5 – Parallel expanding gate valve........................................................................................57
Figure 6 – Slab gate valve (outside screw).....................................................................................58
Figure 7 – Slab gate valve (internal screw).....................................................................................59
Figure 8 – Downstream sealing slab gate valve.............................................................................60
Figure 9 – Upstream and downstream sealing slab gate valve.......................................................60
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Figure 10 – Parallel slide gate valve...............................................................................................61

Figure 11 – Venturi pattern gate valve............................................................................................62
Figure 12 – Knife edge gate valve..................................................................................................63
Figure 13 – Rotary disk gate valve.................................................................................................64
Figure 14 – FCCU gate valve.........................................................................................................65
Figure 15 – Floating ball valve (single piece body).........................................................................67
Figure 16 – Floating ball valve (three piece body)..........................................................................67
Figure 17 – Top entry trunnion mounted ball valve.........................................................................68
Figure 18 – End entry trunnion mounted ball valve.........................................................................69
Figure 19 – Single piston seat - Pressure differential from pipe to body cavity...............................70
Figure 20a – Double piston seat - (Pressure differential from pipe to body cavity).........................70
Figure 20b – Double piston seat - (Pressure differential from body cavity to pipe).........................71
Figure 21 – Eccentric (Orbit) ball valve...........................................................................................73
Figure 22 – Butterfly valve (concentric disk, lined)..........................................................................75
Figure 23 – Double offset butterfly valve........................................................................................76
Figure 24 – Plug valve patterns (round opening; regular; venturi)..................................................80
Figure 25 – Lubricated taper plug valve.........................................................................................81
Figure 26 – Pressure balanced plug valve......................................................................................82
Figure 27 – Sleeved plug valve......................................................................................................83
Figure 28 – Expanding plug valve..................................................................................................84
Figure 29 – Wedge plug valve........................................................................................................85
Figure 30 – Weir type diaphragm valve..........................................................................................87
Figure 31 – Straight pattern diaphragm valve.................................................................................88
Figure 32 – Standard (straight) pattern globe valve........................................................................89
Figure 33 – Oblique pattern globe valve.........................................................................................90
Figure 34 – Angle pattern globe valve............................................................................................90
Figure 35 – Needle pattern globe valve..........................................................................................91
Figure 36 – Pinch valve..................................................................................................................92
Figure 37 – Flush bottom valve......................................................................................................93
Figure 38 – Lift check valve (ball type)...........................................................................................96
Figure 39 – Lift check valve (disk type)..........................................................................................96
Figure 40 – Lift check valve (piston type).......................................................................................97
Figure 41 – Screw-down stop and check valve..............................................................................98
Figure 42 – Swing check valve.......................................................................................................98
Figure 43 – Tilted disk swing check valve.....................................................................................100
Figure 44 – Duo disk wafer check valve.......................................................................................101
Figure 45 – Diaphragm check valve.............................................................................................103
Figure 46 – Axial flow (nozzle) check valve..................................................................................103
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Figure 47 – Plate check valve.......................................................................................................104

Figure 48 – Foot valve..................................................................................................................105
Figure 49 – Swing check with supplementary loading..................................................................106
Figure 50 – Diverter globe valve...................................................................................................113
Figure 51 – 4-way diverter expanding plug valve..........................................................................114
Figure 52 – Bellows seal gate valve.............................................................................................115
Figure 53 – Cryogenic globe valve...............................................................................................116
Figure 54 – Excess flow valve......................................................................................................117
Figure 55 – Slam shut valve.........................................................................................................118
Figure 56 – Seal types.................................................................................................................. 124
Figure 57 – Pressure seal joint.....................................................................................................129

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
1. Scope
This Guidance on Practice (GP) relates to common types of isolating (block), check, and diverter
valves for oil and gas production facilities, refineries, and petrochemical plants, both onshore and
offshore, including subsea applications. Pipeline valves are specifically addressed by GP 43-35 which
is supplementary to this document.
It excludes detailed consideration of valve actuators, modulating control valves, pressure relief valves,
choke valves, wellhead christmas tree valves, valves for marine, road, and rail tankers, and building
services.
2. Normative references
The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.
American Petroleum Institute (API)

API Spec 6A718 Specification of Nickel Base Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) for Oil and Gas
Drilling and Production Equipment.
API Spec 17D Specification for Subsea Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment.
API Std 598 Valve Inspection and Testing.
API Std 602 Steel Gate, Globe and Check Valves for Sizes DN 100 and Smaller for
the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries.
API Std 603 Corrosion-Resistant, Bolted Bonnet Gate Valves.
API Std 606 Compact Steel Gate Valves-Extended Body.
API Std 607 Fire Test for Soft-Seated Quarter-Turn Valves.
API Std 609 Butterfly Valves: Double Flanged, Lug- and Wafer-Type.
API RP 941 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in
Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME B16.34 Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End.
ASME B31.1 Power Piping.
ASME B31.3 Process Piping.
ASME BPVC, Sec IX Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX - Qualification Standard for
Welding and Brazing Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding and
Brazing Operators.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM A105/A105M Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping
Applications.
ASTM A126 Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves, Flanges, and
Pipe Fittings.

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
ASTM A182/A182M Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel
Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-
Temperature Service.
ASTM A216/A216M Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion
Welding, for High-Temperature Service.
ASTM A217/A217M Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Martensitic Stainless and
Alloy, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suitable for High-Temperature
Service.
ASTM A350/A350M Standard Specification for Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forgings,
Requiring Notch Toughness Testing for Piping Components.
ASTM A351A351M Standard Specification for Castings, Austenitic, for Pressure-Containing
Parts.
ASTM A352/A352M Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Ferritic and Martensitic, for
Pressure-Containing Parts, Suitable for Low-Temperature Service.
ASTM A395/A395M Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining
Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures.
ASTM A494/A494M Standard Specification for Castings, Nickel and Nickel Alloy.
ASTM A564/A564M Standard Specification for Hot-Rolled and Cold-Finished Age-Hardening
Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A744/A744M Standard Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion
Resistant, for Severe Service.
ASTM A890/A890M Standard Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel-
Molybdenum Corrosion-Resistant, Duplex (Austenitic/Ferritic) for
General Application.
ASTM B62 Standard Specification for Composition Bronze or Ounce Metal Castings.
ASTM B164 Standard Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy Rod, Bar, and Wire.
ASTM B348 Standard Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Bars and Billets.
ASTM E562 Standard Test Method for Determining Volume Fraction by Systematic
Manual Point Count.
BP
GN 62-003 Guidance Note for Valve Leak Detection Using Acoustic Emission .
GP 06-20 Guidance on Practice for Materials for Sour Service.
GP 12-70 Guidance on Practice for Electric Actuators for MOVs.
GP 42-10 Guidance on Practice for Design of Piping Systems (ASME B31.3).
GP 43-35 Guidance on Practice for Valves for Pipelines.
British Standards Institute (BSI)

BS 6755-2 Testing of valves,
Part 2: Specification for fire type-testing requirements.
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA)

EEMUA Publication 153 Process piping-supplement to ASME B31.3.
EEMUA Publication 182 Specification for integral block and bleed valve manifolds for direct.
EEMUA Publication 192 Guide for the procurement of valves for low temperature (non-cryogenic)
service.
EEMUA Publication 194 Guidelines for materials selection and corrosion control for subsea oil and
gas production equipment.

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Euro Norm (EN)

EN 12266-1 Industrial valves—Testing of valves, Part 1: Pressure tests, test
procedures and acceptance criteria Mandatory requirements.
EN 12570 Industrial valves—Method for sizing the operating element.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO 5208 Industrial valves—Pressure testing of valves.
ISO 10423 (API 6A) Petroleum and natural gas industries — Drilling and production
equipment — Wellhead and christmas tree equipment.
ISO 10432 (API 14A) Petroleum and natural gas industries—Downhole equipment—
Subsurface safety valve equipment.
ISO 10434 Bolted bonnet steel gate valves for the petroleum, petrochemical and
allied industries.
ISO 10497 Testing of valves—Fire type-testing requirements.
ISO 13628-4 Petroleum and natural gas industries - Design and operation of subsea
production systems – Part 4: subsea wellhead and tree equipment.
ISO 14313 (API 6D) Petroleum and natural gas industries—Pipeline transportation systems—
Pipeline valves.
ISO 14723 Petroleum and natural gas industries - Pipeline transportation systems -
Subsea pipeline valves.
ISO 15156 Petroleum and natural gas industries—Materials for use in H 2S-
containing environments in oil and gas production.
ISO 15761 Steel gate, globe and check valves for sizes DN 100 and smaller, for the
petroleum and natural gas industries.
ISO 15848 Industrial valves—Fugitive emissions—Measurement, test and
qualification procedures.
ISO 17292 Metal ball valves for petroleum, petrochemical and allied industries.
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry (MSS)

MSS SP-55 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges, Fittings and
Other Piping Components - Visual Method for Evaluation of Surface
Irregularities.
MSS SP-91 Guidelines for Manual Operation of Valves.
NACE International (NACE)

NACE MR0103 Materials Resistant to Sulfide Stress Cracking in Corrosive Petroleum
Refining Environments.
3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
Double block and bleed valve

A valve with two seating surfaces which, in the closed position, provides a seal against pressure from
both valve ends of the valve with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the seating surfaces.
Double isolation valve

A single valve with two seating surfaces, each of which provides a seal against pressure originating
from a single source. This feature may be provided in one direction or in both directions.
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Double isolation and bleed valve

A single valve with two seating surfaces, each of which provides a seal against pressure or flow from a
single source, with a means of venting the cavity between the seating surfaces.
Passive action
Valves that rely primarily on the presence of differential pressure to effect a seal.
Positive action
Valves in which the sealing force is applied mechanically as part of valve operation.
4. General topics
4.1. Connection to piping
4.1.1. Flanges
a. Flanged end valves shall be installed adjacent to equipment on which blinds are required or
if frequent valve maintenance or replacement is expected.
b. A valve with integrally forged/cast flanges should be selected in lieu of a valve with
welded-on flanges.
c. If a welded-on flange valve is provided, the joint should be a full penetration butt weld and
welding details, welding procedures, post-weld heat treatment, and examination should be
carefully considered and reviewed.
4.1.2. Welded ends

a. If post weld heat treatment is required on butt weld end valves incorporating soft seals,
they should be provided with pipe pups and heat-treated at the manufacturer’s works,
before assembly. Pups should have a minimum length of 150 mm (6 in) or the DN (NPS),
whichever is the greater and a maximum length of 500 mm (20 in). The manufacturer
should be required to confirm that the length is adequate to prevent damage to soft seals
when the valve is welded to the pipe.
b. Material requirements relating to the valve body should apply to the pups.
c. Valves with butt welding ends may be welded together if there is adequate clearance
between handwheels, levers, etc.
d. Butt welding end valves manufactured by machining the flanges off a flanged end valve
are not permitted.
4.1.3. Compact clamp connectors

Consideration should be given to the use of proprietary compact connectors for weight/cost
savings particularly if expensive materials are being used or if maximum ease of removal for
maintenance is required.
4.1.4. Other connections

a. Threaded connections and proprietary compression fittings sometimes used in small bore
valves shall be used in accordance with of GP 42-10.
b. Threaded connections should not be used on toxic service, flammable liquids above their
flashpoint, hydrocarbon gas service, hydrogen, sea water, produced water, methanol, or
steam service.
c. Compression fittings may be used on sizes up to DN 25 (NPS 1) and are subject to the
same limitations as threaded connectors except that steam service is allowed.

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d. Wafer style check and butterfly valves shall be of the through drilled lug type.
4.2. Construction/commissioning conditions

a. Measures should be taken to protect soft seated valves during construction, line flushing,
and plant start-up. These measures include:
1. Selection of valves suitable for dirty service.
2. If above is not possible, installing critical valves after flushing is completed.
3. In the case of soft seated ball valves of moderate to large size, protection by means of
silicone sealant application to the joints between seat/body and seat/ball.
b. Fabrication yard and stores procedures should warn against unnecessary removal of valve
end covers and should insist on their replacement should removal ever be necessary.
Valves should be stored in a clean dry environment.
4.3. Maintenance considerations
4.3.1. General
The maintenance strategy for valves on the facility shall be established early in the selection
process.
4.3.2. Valves maintained in situ

The ease with which internals can be withdrawn and the equipment/craneage/onsite skills
needed to do this should be carefully investigated, particularly for large valves.
4.3.3. Valves removed to a workshop for maintenance

Spares holdings should take account of the need to provide complete replacement valves.
4.4. Isolation
4.4.1. Terminology
4.4.1.1. Double block isolation

a. A double block and bleed valve shall be as defined above.
b. A double isolation valve shall be as defined above
c. A double isolation and bleed valve shall be as defined above

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Figure 1 – Isolation arrangements
4.4.1.2. Positive and passive action

See above for definitions.
4.4.2. Positive versus passive action
4.4.3. Double block isolation
4.4.3.1. Alternatives
If double block isolation is required by the isolation philosophy, this can be achieved in three
ways:
a. Two single valves in series with a vent connection from the connecting pipe. All block
valve types can be used in this arrangement.
b. An integral body (or manifold) incorporating two isolating valves and a vent valve. In all
cases such arrangements should meet EEMUA Publication 182.
c. A single ‘double isolation and bleed valve’ as defined above. There are three possibilities:
1. The most suitable valves are positive sealing types in which the seat load is applied
mechanically to both upstream and downstream seats simultaneously (e.g. expanding
gate, expanding plug). Split wedge gate valves may also be considered, but sealing
may not be as effective. Expanding plug valves incorporating a thick section
elastomer seal should not be used in gas service above Class 300 rating because of the
risk of explosive decompression damage.
2. Valves that rely on the fluid differential pressure to provide a seal on both seat faces
simultaneously are the second choice for this duty. One possibility is an “upstream
+ downstream sealing” slab type gate valves in which the second seat is loaded by the
differential pressure acting across the gate, but the cavity is sealed by the upstream

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seat. Automatic venting of body cavity overpressure is normally preserved and an

external relief valve is not necessary.
3. Trunnion mounted ball valves having “double piston effect” seats are the third choice.
The second (downstream) seat is only energized when the cavity has been pressurised
(unlike the slab type gate valve) although some spring loading of seat to ball is always
provided.
In all arrangements the vent (bleed) valve and pipework should be of sufficient size to
carry away anticipated leakage past the upstream valve or seat without incurring a pressure
rise in the body cavity (especially important in gas service). This connection should be
provided with a double block and bleed valve arrangement if access may be required in
service (e.g. for hot oil flushing of leaking valves).
Butterfly, globe, and conventional single plug valves are not suitable for double block or
double block and bleed duty if a single valve is required.
4.4.3.2. Application
The decision about when to specify double block valve isolation should be based on criticality
taking into account the type of hazard consequence of leakage and mitigation available, but
typically, double block isolation to isolate equipment or atmospheric connections should be
applied in the following services:
a. Toxic fluids.
b. Highly flammable and searching fluids such as hydrogen.
c. Fluids above flash point at operating temperature.
d. If fluid contamination must be prevented.
e. If it is necessary to prevent the formation of explosive mixtures.
f. Drains connected to closed drain systems.
g. If it is necessary to remove essential equipment from service for cleaning or repairs while
the process continues in operation.
4.4.4. Pig launcher/receiver valves

a. Pig launcher/receiver primary pipeline isolation valves shall be in accordance with
GP 43-35.
b. Pig trap kicker valves and vent valves should be capable of withstanding the high
velocities (e.g. on gas service) in throttling mode against a differential pressure when
partially open as well as providing acceptable shut-off.
1. Soft seated ball valves are not recommended for this duty.
2. Lubricated balanced plug valves are eminently suitable.
3. For low pressure applications (Class 600 or lower rating) triple offset, metal seated
butterfly valves can be considered if the service is known to be clean.
4. Globe valves may be appropriate for gas vent duty, but ideally require an on/off shut-
off valve (e.g. soft seated ball) in series.
c. Receiver drain valves should be quarter turn valves having a high degree of abrasion
resistance such as tungsten carbide coated balls, stellite/carbide coated balanced plugs, etc.
4.5. Testing - general
4.5.1. Recommended Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)

a. The following tests are recommended for all valve types:
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
1. Hydrostatic shell test at 1,5 x rated pressure.

2. Hydrostatic seat leak test at 1,1 x rated pressure or, depending on valve type*.
3. Low pressure gas seat test (e.g. ISO 14313 (API 6D) C3.3). Gate and globe valves
having a back seat should also be subjected to a hydrostatic back seat test if
appropriate.
4. If valves are being used on gas service a representative sample (e.g. 10%) of each
unique type, size, and pressure rating should be subjected to a gas:
a) Shell test at rated pressure.
b) Seat leak test at rated pressure.
5. If valves having a sealed body cavity are on liquid service and not buried or located
subsea, a representative sample (e.g. 10%) of each unique type, size, and pressure
rating should be subjected to a cavity relief test (e.g. ISO 14313 (API 6D) C.7).
b. For valves with joints perpendicular to the pipe axis (e.g. split body (end entry) ball valves)
at least one such valve of each unique material/size/rating on the order should be tested
with blank flanges, welded end caps, etc. to demonstrate the adequacy of the specified bolt
torque.
4.5.2. Recommended FAT seat leak rates

The leak rates shown in Table 1 are recommended for inclusion in procurement specifications
as factory acceptance criteria.
Table 1 – Recommended seat leak rates
Valve Type Hydro Seat Test L.P. Gas Seat Test (API 6D H.P. Gas Seat Test
Max. Leak Rate (ISO 5208) App. C) 6 bar (90 psi) 1.1 x Rated Pressure (1)
Max. Leak Rate (ISO 5208)
Gate B Slab type: C Slab type: C
Exp. type: B Exp. type: 5 x B
Wedge type: B Wedge type: by agreement with
supplier
Soft seat: A Soft seat: B
Ball Soft seat: A Soft seat: A Soft seat: B
Metal seat: C Metal seat: C Metal seat: D
Check Soft seat: A Soft seat: A Soft seat: A
Metal seat: D Metal seat: 3 x D Metal seat: 9 x D
Globe B B 5xB
Butterfly Soft seat: A Soft seat: A Soft seat: B
Metal seat: B Metal seat: C Metal seat:
5 x C (preferred sealing direction)
D (non-preferred direction)
Lubricated, A A B
Balanced Plug
(1) Note that these acceptance standards are arbitrarily chosen and may require adjustment to suit particular circumstances. For
most applications, leak rates up to Rate D would be acceptable but might indicate quality problems in certain valve types.

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Figure 2 – Low pressure gas leak rate comparison
Gas Leak Rate Comparison
100
90
80 ISO 5208 Rate B
Leak Rate mm3/sec
70 ISO 5208 Rate C

60 ISO 5208 Rate D
50
Leak rate ISO 10434
40
30 Leak rate ISO 10434
20 Leak rate ISO 10434
10
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Valve Size DN
4.5.3. Test duration

With the exception of ISO 14313 (API 6D) the test hold times specified in valve reference
standards are mostly very short (see Table 2). The test durations of ISO 14313 (API 6D) are
recommended if practical (e.g. if valves are being manufactured to order).
Table 2(A) – Comparison of shell test times (seconds)
Size API 598 and ISO 10434 EN 12266-1 ISO 5208 ISO 14313

DN (NPS) Check Other (API 6D)
 50 (2) 60 15 15 15 2 min
65–150 (2 ½–6 60 60 60 60 5 min
200–300 (8–12) 60 120 180 180 5 min
 350 (14) 120 300 180 180 15 min
Table 2(B) – Comparison of seat test times for ball valves (seconds)
Size API 598 and EN 12266-1 ISO 5208 ISO 14313

DN (NPS) ISO 17292 (API 6D)
 50 (2) 15 15 15 2 min
65–150 (2 ½–6) 60 15 15 2 min
200–300 (8–12) 120 30 30 5 min
 350 (14) 120 60 60 5 min
4.6. Specific additional tests
4.6.1. Cavity relief test

Valves that are intended to self relieve cavity overpressure (e.g. in the event of a fire) should be
type tested on liquid during FAT (one per size/rating).
4.6.2. Electrical insulation test

Soft seated ball and plug valves should be type tested during FAT (one per size/rating) to
demonstrate that there is good conduction between the ball/plug/stem and the valve body.

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4.6.3. Low temperature test

a. If valves will definitely be subjected to significant low temperature that is not a transient
condition and are then required to seal, a type test such as that recommended by EEMUA
Publication 192 should be considered. Actual service temperatures should first be
accurately determined (i.e. not the impact test temperature of the body material!).
b. For temperatures below –50°C (–58°F) the valve should undergo a full cryogenic type test
in accordance with BS 6364 or a comparable standard.
4.6.4. High temperature test

A type test may be considered if sustained high temperatures will be experienced, particularly if
soft seals may be operating near their limit or if the valve’s ability to shut off may be in
question.
4.6.5. Gas seat leak testing

a. There are three common options:
1. Low pressure tests (e.g. 4 bar to 6 bar (60 psi to 90 psi)) applied as an alternative to
high pressure liquid tests.
2. Low pressure tests applied in addition to high pressure liquid tests e.g. as a quality
check.
3. High pressure tests (at rated pressure) applied in addition to high pressure liquid tests
(and, sometimes, in lieu of liquid tests if there is a desire to keep the valve dry).
b. In evaluating the appropriateness of any test, consideration should be given to the valve
type and the way in which the seating force is applied (e.g. by fluid pressure or external
force).
1. If closing force is applied by the working fluid pressure (e.g. all ball valves) the
alternative of a LP gas seat test is appropriate (particularly on smaller, lower pressure
valves). As an addition to a HP liquid seat test it also represents a useful additional
quality check – indicating that there are no major problems with assembly, seat
facings, etc.
2. If closing force is mechanically applied (e.g. wedge gate, expanding gate, globe,
butterfly valves) high pressure seat testing is more appropriate.
4.6.6. Practical considerations of high pressure gas testing
4.6.7. Application of high pressure gas tests

a. Valve destined for liquid service should not be subjected to high pressure gas testing.
b. Valves destined for high pressure gas service should be subjected to high pressure gas
testing. For reasons of time and cost the test should be carried out on a randomly chosen
sample and fully integrated with the manufacturer’s other testing.
4.6.8. Leak rates for high pressure gas test
4.6.9. High pressure gas shell leak test
4.6.10. Helium leak testing

Valves intended for service with searching fluids (e.g. hydrogen) may be subject to type or
sample testing using helium (or a mixture of nitrogen plus 1% helium used as a “tracer”) to
prove a high degree of leak tightness. Details of the test should be subject to agreement with the
valve manufacturer.

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4.6.11. Fire type testing

See clause 4.12.
4.7. Design and stress/strain considerations
4.7.1. Valve shell

a. In order for valves to function correctly (open, close, seal, etc.) deflections and
deformations should be restricted.
b. Valve stress design should be conservative.
c. The use of weld end valves with Special Class or Intermediate Ratings per ASME B16.34
should be approved by the Purchaser, but can sometimes be advantageous to reduce
weight/cost at higher pressures.
d. The use of fabricated valves should be similarly approved.
4.7.2. Bolted joints

If valves employ bolted joints, bolt pre-load should be sufficient to prevent leakage in service
and such bolts should always be pre-loaded to at least 50% of their yield stress.
4.7.3. Drive train

Valve train design should be such that:
a. The stresses under normal operating conditions (i.e. when the valve is being opened/closed
against design differential pressure) remain within design allowable limits, bearing in mind
that operating torque/force may increase after some years in service.
b. The actuator have sufficient margin to be able to operate the valve acceptably throughout
its life.
c. The valve stem and other drive train components be capable of withstanding the maximum
output of the actuator (e.g. when operating against a jammed valve) without sustaining
permanent deformation. In the case of electric actuators this means with the torque switch
setting applied throughout the stroke.
4.7.4. Fatigue
If valves are used in high cycle applications and particularly if wide thermal variations or
thermal shock occur, valve designs should be subjected to fatigue stress analysis or testing to
confirm their suitability.
4.8. Weight/cost minimisation

The following techniques should be considered as a way of minimising weight and hence cost,
particularly if valves are being procured in expensive alloys.
a. Use of compact flanges or clamp connectors in place of standard ASME etc. flanges.
b. Selective use of corrosion resistant overlays.
c. Butt welding of valves to pipework.
d. Use of welded construction trunnion mounted ball valves.
Note: This usually precludes refurbishment at other than the

manufacturer’s works.
e. Use of pressure seal joints at the body/bonnet interface of high pressure gate, globe, check
valves.

Page 18 of 125
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f. Use of threaded and seal-welded bonnet/cover for valves less than or equal to DN 50
(NPS 2) in non-corrosive service.
g. Use of reduced bore valves if pigging is not a requirement.
h. Use of lugged wafer butterfly valves and duo-disk lugged wafer check valves.
i. In the case of high pressures and large pipe sizes, use of ASME B16.34 intermediate rating
valves if design conditions fall between two standard ratings (e.g. between Cl 900 and
Cl 1500).
j. Use of stress analysis.
k. Use of plug valves.
l. Use of a single valve (e.g. expanding gate) to provide double block and bleed isolation
instead of two independent valves, as appropriate, considering operating conditions.
4.9. Auxiliary connections in valve bodies
4.9.1. General
a. Penetrations of the pressure retaining boundary such as auxiliary bleed/vent/drain points
should be minimised.
b. If valve body connections are necessary for operational/testing reasons on larger size
valves they should be terminated with a blank flange or a flange + block and bleed valve
arrangement. Alternatively, and on smaller sized valves, butt weld or socket weld
connections should be specified. Pipe nipples should be at least one schedule heavier than
required by the piping line class for reasons of robustness.
c. The location of such connections should comply with the general requirements of ASME
B16.34. If not necessary for operational reasons these connections should be eliminated.
d. The type of vent connection that comprises a needle seated in a threaded plug should be
avoided, particularly on gas service. A valve with a plugged or capped outlet should be
used instead.
e. Threaded connections required for factory acceptance testing and not needed thereafter
should be fitted with a plug seal welded in position in accordance with an approved
welding procedure. Minimum ligament length of the seal weld should be 1/3 x nominal
size of the plug and not less than 3 mm (1/8 in), but should, in no case, exceed 13 mm
(1/2 in). Exposed threads should first be ground off.
f. Socket welded connections should not be used on sea water, produced water, methanol,
HF, H2SO4, and steam service or if particulate or sludge could accumulate in the crevice
behind the pipe nipple.
g. Threaded connections should not be used on toxic service, flammable liquids above their
flashpoint, hydrocarbon gas service, hydrogen, sea water, produced water, methanol, or
steam service except by agreement with the purchaser.
h. PTFE tape should not be used to seal taper threads. Anaerobic sealing compounds may be
used.
i. If threaded connections are agreed and there is a risk of crevice corrosion, the threads
should be protected by appropriately housed O-rings.
j. If an external pressure relief valve is provided to relieve body cavity overpressure (e.g. on
a parallel expanding gate valve), this should always be a properly set and certified type and
should be separated from the valve body by a (normally locked open) ball valve to
facilitate in service testing. Set pressure should be between 1,1 x and 1,33 x rated pressure.

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4.9.2. Bypasses
a. Bypass piping provided to equalize differential pressure or warm up downstream piping
and equipment may be an integral part of the valve.
b. An isolating gate valve should be provided in the bypass line of gate valves having a
metallurgy and pressure rating at least equal to that of the main gate valve.
c. Bypasses should be sized in accordance with Table 3 unless process requirements dictate
otherwise and pipes should meet the applicable piping design code.
Table 3 – Recommended minimum bypass size (DN (NPS))
Valve Valve Pressure Rating

Size DN (NPS) Class 150 Class 300 Class 600 Class 900 Class 1500
< 250 (10) --- --- 20 (3/4) 20 (3/4) 20 (3/4)
250 & 300 (10 & 12) 25 (1) 25 (1) 25 (1) 25 (1) 25 (1)
350 to 500 (14 to 20) 40 (1 ½) 40 (1 ½) 40 (1 ½) 40 (1 ½) 40 (1 ½)
> 500 (20) 50 (2) 50 (2) 50 (2) 50 (2) 50 (2)
4.9.3. Vent/drain etc. valves

These should be sized and selected not only according to the quantity of fluid to be discharged
(which is usually small), but also with a view to their robustness. Generally they should not be
less than DN 20 (NPS 3/4).
4.9.4. Sealant injection

a. Seat sealant injection may be used to achieve isolation of a soft seated ball valve whose
seats are damaged. It should not normally be specified for hard metal seated ball valves
where it is ineffective.
b. Any operational advantage should be weighed against the number of additional potential
leak paths being introduced.
c. Lubricated, balanced plug valves should be periodically sealant injected, ideally
immediately before closure if valves are infrequently operated or, at least, at every plant
turnaround.
d. Seat sealant injection fittings should always be provided with two check valves and, on
high pressure service or if valves are connected directly to pipelines, consideration should
be given to the provision of a block valve (e.g. needle or ball type) between the fitting and
the valve to allow grease gun removal in emergencies or permit isolation of a leaking
fitting.
e. If it is intended to inject sealant/lubricant systematically in service, consideration should be
given to whether or not it would be an advantage to require the valve to be supplied
already injected.
4.10. Fugitive emissions
4.10.1. General
4.10.2. Purchasing/specification recommendations

a. When purchasing rising stem valves with packed glands, evidence should be sought that
the manufacturer has previously undertaken emission testing of the proposed packings and
range of valve sizes/ratings and can demonstrate acceptable results. If elevated or reduced
temperature service is contemplated, such tests should include a limited number of
temperature cycles.
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b. Mechanical aspects of rising stem valves (stem straightness, run-out and surface finish,
gland guidance, etc.) should also be controlled.
4.10.3. Guidance on ISO 15848

a. If undertaken, fugitive emission testing for gland packed valves should be performed with
helium in accordance with ISO 15848.
Recommended requirements are:
1. Class C for rising stem valves.
2. Class B for quarter turn valves.
b. Test results should be adjusted based on experience.
c. Existing testing, performed in accordance with standards other than ISO 15848 may be
acceptable in lieu.
d. ISO 15848 should not be specified for valves having PTFE lip seals or chevrons or for
valves sealed by elastomer O-rings.
e. If sample product testing is undertaken, it should be at the rated pressure of the valve, not
at low pressure as specified by ISO 15848 part 2.
4.10.4. Bellows seal valves

a. For toxic and other critical services bellows seal valves should be considered.
b. A secondary packed gland or other sealing system should be provided.
4.10.5. BP emissions testing
4.11. Actuation/operation
4.11.1. Position indication

The position of the valve obturator (ball, gate, etc.) and direction of closure should be clearly
indicated, regardless of the method of operation.
4.11.2. Hand operation

a. Hand operated valves should be closed by turning the handwheel or lever clockwise.
b. Slab gate valves with internal travel stops should be backed off a small amount from the
fully closed position.
c. The handwheel/lever force required to operate new valves should be restricted to the
values specified in BS EN 12570 or MSS SP-91 (applying a factor of 0,5 in the latter case
to take account of non-ideal handwheel locations). If the force would exceed these values,
a geared operator should be provided. The minimum sizes and ratings for which a gear
operator should normally be supplied are shown in Table 4 and are subject to the
manufacturer’s recommendations.

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Table 4 – Size at which gear operator to be supplied (DN (NPS))
Valve Type Cl 150 Cl 300 Cl 600 Cl 900 Cl 1500 Cl 2500

Wedge Gate 350 (14) 250 (10) 200 (8) 150 (6) 100 (4) 50 (2)
Globe 200 (8) 200 (8) 150 (6) 100 (4) 75 (3) 50 (2)
Ball 200 (8) 200 (8) 150 (6) 150 (3) 150 (3) 50 (2)
Butterfly 200 (8) 200 (8) 150 (6) - - -
Plug 150 (6) 150 (6) 150 (6) 100 (4) 100 (4) 50 (2)
d. If fast closing valves (e.g. ball valves) are located in systems in which rapid closure could
produce water hammer gear, operators should be considered.
e. Gear operators should be totally enclosed, made from steel or ductile iron, and be suitable
for the site conditions (e.g. onshore, offshore, and subsea). Any lubricants used should be
suitable for use at the site ambient temperatures.
f. It is not good practice to open gate and ball valves (particularly soft seated designs) against
a high pressure differential (e.g. a high proportion of the rated pressure) and if there is no
other way of equalizing pressure a pressure equalizing bypass should be provided around
the valve. Parallel slide gate valves for steam services are normally provided with integral
by-pass connections in size DN 200 (NPS 8) and above. The requirement for a by-pass is
subject to the operating pressure and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
g. If valves are operated by hand via a gearbox (or, subsea, by ROV), the number of turns
required for an open/close operation should always be ascertained since this can be a large
number in the case of large valves – particularly at higher operating pressures. If this is the
case the purchaser should consider fitting an electric motor gear operator or providing
portable pneumatic or hydraulic wrenches.
h. If portable pneumatic or hydraulic wrenches are used, the operating pressure should be
limited to a value which does not cause damage to the valve or gearbox. The final part of
the operation should be completed by hand.
i. Handwheel keys should only be used in emergencies or if handwheels are known to be
inadequately sized. If employed, they should be used with caution, particularly in the case
of valves having a sliding type closure.
j. Chainwheel operators should be avoided if possible and should not be used for valves in
threaded lines, valves with threaded bonnets, etc., or valves smaller than DN 50 (NPS 2).
Clamp-on type chainwheels should not be used. Protective cable should be provided and
arranged so the wheel does not drop significantly in the event it becomes loose.
4.11.3. Electric motor gear actuator

a. Refer to GP 12-70 for detailed requirements.
b. Electric motor gear actuators should not be used for shut-down valves.
4.11.4. Hydraulic actuator

a. Double acting piston cylinder arrangement. This arrangement should not be used for shut-
down valves.
b. Spring to close/open. Spring to close/open may be used for shut-down valves.
c. Gas over oil. Gas over oil may be used for shut-down valves.
d. Double acting rotary vane. This should not be used for shut-down valves.
e. Hydraulic piston with helical spline (and similar). This should not be used for gate valves.

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4.11.5. Pneumatic actuator

a. Double acting piston cylinder arrangement. Should not be used for shut-down valves.
b. Spring to close/open. May be used for shut-down valves.
4.11.6. Subsea applications
4.11.7. Conversion of linear to rotary motion
4.12. Fire safety
4.12.1. General
a. Soft seated valves (e.g. ball, plug and butterfly valves), or valves incorporating soft seals,
that are used in hazardous areas where they could be subjected to fire shall be of a fire type
tested design.
b. Metal seated valves containing elastomer or polymer seat to body seals, stem seals, etc.
that are used in hazardous areas in which they could be subjected to fire should be of a fire
type tested design and may be qualified by a test on a comparable soft seated valve where
other seals and materials are the same.
c. Valves required to be operated during a fire shall be capable of remote operation from
outside the fire risk area. The complete valve assembly including motor, actuator and
cabling shall be fire protected e.g. by the application of intumescent coatings or physical
shielding.
4.12.2. Fire type testing

a. Valve designs having soft (elastomer or polymer) seating components or that incorporate
soft body seals, stem seals, or seat to body seals should be subject to fire type testing in
accordance with ISO 10497 and provided with appropriate certification demonstrating
applicability of the tests to the valves being offered. If valve designs have been type tested
before 2005, testing in accordance with BS 6755 Part 2, ISO 10423 (API 6A), and
API Std 607 Issue 3 is acceptable.
b. A type test on a soft seated valve may be used to qualify a metal seated valve having the
same seat to body seals, stem seals and body seals.
c. If a valve incorporates no soft seals or other parts that could be affected by a fire it may be
considered to be “fire safe” and does not usually require a fire type test.
d. Fire type tests should be conducted by or witnessed by an independent agency.
4.12.3. Fire type test standards

New fire type tests should be conducted in accordance with ISO 10497.
4.12.4. Materials
a. If fire is a possibility, the following materials should not be used for valve components in
flammable or toxic service or if integrity must be maintained during a fire (e.g. fire water):
1. Cast, malleable, wrought, or nodular iron.
2. Brittle materials or low melting point materials such as aluminium, brass, or plastics
except that composite valves which have passed a fire type test may be used in
appropriate applications (e.g. water systems).
b. Low melting point alloy valves such as brass or bronze should not be used for services in
which failure of the valve in a fire would prevent flow to any process pump, steam header,
or emergency steam line.

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4.13. Relief of cavity overpressure

a. If liquids (or other fluids having a high thermal capacity) are trapped in a valve body
cavity and are subject to heating from a fire or from e.g. steam accessing a closed branch,
there is a potential for extremely high pressures to be generated and some means of
relieving such overpressure should be provided.
b. Relief valves should be set, certified, and connected to the body cavity via a (locked open)
block valve (to facilitate testing of the relief valve). Set pressure should be between 1,1 and
1,3 times the main valve pressure rating at operating temperature.
4.14. Valve leak detection in service
4.14.1. General
4.14.2. Physical measurement of valve leakage

This is recommended to establish leakage of critical valves on new plant and for periodic checks
in which the acoustic technique is used (see below). Leakage can be identified by isolating the
pipework and monitoring pressure decay from or pressure rise of a known closed volume over
time.
4.14.3. Leak detection using acoustic emission

This is recommended for use if an initial physical measurement of leakage has been made and
for monitoring leakage trends.
4.14.4. Comparison of techniques

It is recommended that, ideally, initial acoustic emission readings should be taken in
conjunction with a pressure decay type test under controlled conditions to provide a basis for
future comparison. See GN 62-003 clause 8.3.4 for more details.
4.14.5. Acceptable leak rates

For valves leaking to flare, environmental and economic considerations, based on the cost of
lost product and the cost of intervention, should be assessed to determine acceptable leak rates.
4.15. Non destructive examination (NDE)
4.15.1. General
a. The decision about whether or not to apply non-destructive testing to valve materials and
finished parts should be based on a criticality approach taking into account the:
1. Working pressure and temperature.
2. Size of the valve.
3. Nature of the hazard presented by the working fluid (toxic/gas/liquid/flammable etc.).
4. Method of manufacture (cast, forged, etc.).
5. Quality history of the manufacturer (if known).
6. Location (land, offshore, subsea).
7. Function of the valve.
8. Consequence of failure.
b. The choice of tests and acceptance standards should be aimed at ensuring integrity without
presenting the manufacturer with insuperable obstacles.

Page 24 of 125
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4.15.2. Test recommendations

a. The test recommendations in Table 5 and Table 6 relate to three Quality Levels (QL3
(basic), QL2 and QL1) of increasing severity and appropriate testing/acceptance standards
are included in the valve GIS documents. It is intended that the Quality Level be specified
by the purchaser.
Table 5 – NDE requirements
NDT of Materials/Components Forgings and Casting Plate

HIPings
QL1 QL2 QL3 QL1 QL2 QL3 All
Visual examination Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Radiography or U/T of critical areas of pressure containing Y (1)
parts
Radiography or U/T of entire pressure containing parts Y Y
Magnetic particle inspection of machined surfaces of pressure Y Y Y Y Y
containing parts (2)
Magnetic particle inspection of entire surface of pressure Y Y Y Y (1)
containing parts (2)
Radiography or U/T of weld ends (including 50 mm (2 in) from Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
the end)
Magnetic particle inspection of the surface of weld end (2) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Liquid penetrant inspection of weld deposited overlay Y Y Y Y Y
Magnetic particle inspection of the machined surfaces of wetted Y Y Y Y Y
parts, including seats and obturator
Magnetic particle inspection of drive train components (3) Y Y Y
(1) Critical sections as determined by 100% examination of a prototype*. Minimum as defined by ASME B16.34. If quantity of
any unique item exceeds 5, inspection may be of 20% selected at random. In the event of any failures, entire batch shall be
examined.
(2) Dye penetrant on non magnetic materials
(3) For the purposes of NDE valve stems shall be considered as part of the drive train, not the pressure containing boundary.
Table 6 – NDE of weldments
NDE of Weldments Quality Level

QL1 QL2 QL3
Visual Examination Y Y Y
Radiography or U/T of full penetration welds Y Y Y
Magnetic Particle Inspection of full penetration welds Y Y Y
Magnetic Particle Inspection of fillet and attachment welds Y Y
b. As a minimum, cast valves should be visually examined in accordance with MSS SP-55.
4.15.3. Test methods

a. If surface examination is being specified, magnetic particle examination in two mutually
perpendicular directions should be applied to ferro-magnetic materials in preference to
liquid penetrant techniques except if access makes this impossible. The dry powder method
should not be used.
b. If volumetric examination is specified, radiography should normally be applied to carbon
and alloy steel castings and also to austenitic and duplex castings and forgings whilst
ultrasonic testing is preferred for carbon and alloy steel forgings, bar, plate, and hot
isostatic pressings (HIPings).

Page 25 of 125
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c. Full penetration welds should always be subject to volumetric examination by ultrasonics

or radiography along with visual and surface examination. Fillet welds should be subject to
at least a visual examination and, preferably, surface examination also.
d. Some defects are not always easily detected by conventional NDE (e.g. micro porosity that
has been noted in superduplex castings) and consideration should be given to alternatives
(e.g. a low pressure air test under water).
e. The commercial aspects of any decision should be borne in mind e.g. if radiography of
“critical sections” is specified, foundry methods are sometimes adjusted to ensure that
these areas are sound to the detriment of other areas of the casting. Sample testing to 100%
coverage should be considered as potentially more productive.
4.16. Welding
a. Welding, cladding, or weld repair undertaken on pressure boundary parts (including seal
welding) should be performed by qualified welders and in accordance with a qualified
procedure. Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records
(PQR) should be furnished for review and approval.
b. If material specifications are not included in the ASME BPVC, Sec IX Table of “P”
numbers, qualification tests should be conducted for each unique material specification.
c. If sour service is specified, the PQR should also meet the additional requirements of
ISO 15156 (or NACE MR0103 as specified) and should include hardness checks. For fillet
welds that are qualified by butt welds, the hardness survey should be performed on a
sample of the actual fillet weld.
d. The PQR for hard facing should include a hardness survey and finished surface chemical
analysis check.
e. Structural welds in pressure boundary parts should be full penetration butt welds with pre
and post weld heat treatment performed as required by the material specification.
f. If duplex stainless steel materials are to be welded, the procedure qualification should
include a metallographic examination in accordance with ASTM E562 to demonstrate that
the ferrite content is between 35% and 65% and that the microstructure contains no grain
boundary carbides and is free of undesirable intermetallic phases.
4.17. Weldment and casting repair

a. Repair of structural welds should be in accordance with the requirements of the piping
design code (ASME B31.3, B31.1 etc.) including any limitations on imperfections in
repairs. Repair of castings for commodity valves should be in accordance with the
materials specification. Weld repairs should be mapped.
b. For more critical applications limits should be placed on the extent of repair and castings
containing through wall defects should normally be considered unacceptable for the most
critical applications. Appropriate requirements are included in the GIS. Minor defects that
do not impinge on the minimum required wall thickness may be ground out and blended
into the adjoining surface. Body castings shall not be repaired by peening or impregnation.
c. Repairs to carbon steel castings should be post weld heat treated except if excavations are
shallow. Repaired austenitic or duplex stainless steel castings should be solution annealed
and water quenched.
d. Castings that leak through the body of the casting during hydrostatic or gas testing should
normally be rejected and no repairs allowed.

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4.18. Electrical isolation and continuity
4.18.1. Isolation
The actuators of valves that are cathodically protected (e.g. buried valves) should usually be
isolated.
4.18.2. Continuity
Valves that are cathodically protected should have electrical continuity between metallic parts
4.19. European pressure equipment directive

a. The European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) applies to valves that are intended for
use in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and their territorial waters,
regardless of the country of origin. Such valves should be certified as meeting the relevant
essential requirements of the directive and be CE marked as appropriate. The PED does not
apply to valves procured within the EEA but intended for use elsewhere.
b. There are two important exclusions affecting valves, to which the PED does not apply:
1. Valves associated with well control equipment upstream of and including the
production manifold of an oil or gas production facility.
2. Valves that are part of a pipeline.
c. Valves associated with subsea processing facilities that may be interposed between the
Xmas tree and manifold or between the manifold and pipeline will have to be shown to
meet the essential requirements of the PED.
d. Purchase orders, etc. should require that the PED Category be marked on the nameplate
and the Declaration of Conformity.
5. Valve type selection
5.1. Introduction
a. This clause considers the factors involved in valve selection and also provides a means of
determining the most suitable type (or types) of block and check valves for a particular
application given basic information about the service conditions.
b. A selection chart is provided which, in its spreadsheet form, speedily identifies appropriate
valve types for a given set of selected operating conditions.
c. Valve manufacturers should always be asked to confirm suitability of a particular type for
the required service and specialist advice should be sought in the more complicated cases.
5.2. Factors affecting selection

Valve type selection should take account of:
a. Required function.
b. Service conditions.
c. Fluid type and condition.
d. Fluid characteristics.
e. Frequency of operation.
f. Isolation requirements.
g. Maintenance requirements.
h. Environmental considerations.
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i. Past experience in comparable conditions.

j. Weight and size.
k. Cost.
5.2.2. Required function
5.2.3. Service conditions

If the service is defined as hazardous, cast iron, copper alloy, or plastic valves should not be
used.
5.2.4. Fluid type and condition
5.2.5. Fluid characteristics
5.2.6. Frequency of operation

Selection of valves which are frequently operated should take into account the fact that shut off
capability is likely to deteriorate and the fitting of another valve (normally open) in series may
be necessary to ensure adequate isolation.
5.2.7. Isolation requirements

Very few valve types can maintain completely tight shut-off over a significant period of
operation and this number is reduced still further if the working fluid is gas or if it contains
abrasive particles. This should be taken into account in selection (e.g. some valve types offer a
double isolation in a single body) and in system design (multiple valves, provision of adequately
sized venting facilities, etc.
5.2.8. Maintenance requirements
5.2.9. Environmental considerations
5.2.10. Past experience

This should always be taken into account (good and bad) as it relates to comparable service
conditions. Sometimes, however, local expectations are conditioned by a lack of knowledge of
available alternatives.
5.2.11. Weight and size

These factors should not be allowed to determine valve type if they do not represent a constraint
e.g. in new, onshore construction. In some applications, though, it is necessary to try to
minimise one or both.
5.2.12. Cost
Whole life cost should be considered, not just the purchase price.
5.3. Selection charts

a. The tables at the end of this clause are intended to assist with the selection of block and
check valve types for the more common service requirements. They provide guidance only
and users should ascertain that the service conditions are within valve manufacturer’s
recommendations for any particular valve type.
C:\Data\
Documentum\Checkout\GP 62-01 Sect B Rev. 1 Valve Type Selection Spreadsheet Rev4.xls

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
b. If a variety of valve types appear to be suitable, the user should consider past experience
for the service and additional factors which affect valve choice such as speed of operation,
availability, and the factors listed in above which are not considered in the tables.
c. If any required box is blank the valve type should be discounted from consideration.
d. Further assistance can be obtained from more detailed information given elsewhere in this
GP. In the more difficult cases specialist advice should be sought.
ISOLATING (BLOCK) VALVES SELECTION TABLE Go to Check Valves selection
Please enter operating requirements by clicking drop-down boxes below: table
Pressure Temp Fluid Fluid Fluid Flow Long-term Leak Tightness
Condition Characteristics Resistance
Pressure Temp Fluid Fluid Fluid Flow Long-term

Condition Characteristics Resistance Leak Tightness
GAS-Moderate Leakage Acceptable

LIQUID-Low Leakage Acceptable
GAS-Low Leakage Acceptable

LIQUID-Moderate Leakage
(highest total indicates

Low to med. -50 to + 150C
preferred selection)
Possible Selections
Solid (powder etc.)
Med Cl 300/600
Fouling/Scaling
Dirty/Abrasive
High Cl 900 +
LIQUID-Tight
Cryo. < -50C
High > 150C

Low CI 150
GAS-Tight
Solidifying
Searching
Moderate
Viscous
Normal
Steam
Slurry
Liquid
Clean
High
Gas
Low
Valve Type
Wedge gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Soft seated wedge gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Slab gate (hard metal seated) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Slab gate (soft seated) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Parallel expanding gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(hard metal seated)
Parallel expanding gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(soft seated)
Parallel slide gate 1 A 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Knife gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B 2 1 1 1 1 0
Rotary disk gate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(metal seated)
Floating ball (metal seated) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
Trunnion mounted ball 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(metal seated)
Eccentric ball (“Orbit”) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(metal seated)
Floating ball (soft seated) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Trunnion Mounted ball 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(soft seated)
Eccentric ball (“Orbit”) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(soft seated)
Sleeved plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Lined plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Lubricated semi-balanced plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(Texsteam)
Lubricated balanced plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Lifting (wedge) plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 B 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Expanding plug 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Full bore diaphragm 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Weir diaphragm 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Pinch 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Iris 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Straight pattern globe 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Angle pattern globe 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Oblique pattern ('Y' type) globe 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Concentric rubber lined butterfly 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Concentric other lining butterfly 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Double offset butterfly (rubber seat) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Double offset butterfly 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(plastic or metal seat)
Triple offset butterfly 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
(metal seat)
Notes:
A May be available but seek specialist advice
B May be suitable – consult manufacturer
C Will usually require steam jacket/trace heating – consult manufacturer
D Valves should incorporate spring. May need heating – consult manufacturer
E All check valves likely to give poor performance

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CHECK VALVES SELECTION TABLE Go to Isolating (Block) Valves

Please enter operating requirements by clicking drop-down boxes below: selection table
Size Flow Pressure Temp Fluid Fluid Fluid Flow Pig
Size Flow Pressure Temp Fluid Fluid Fluid Flow Pig

(highest total indicates

Low to med. -50 to + 150C
preferred selection)
Possible Selections
> DN 50 to DN 200
Med. Cl 300/600
Fouling/Scaling
DN 50 or less
Dirty/Abrasive
Pulsating flow
High Cl 900 +
Unstable flow
Cryo. < -50C
High > 150C

Low Cl 150
Solidifying
Searching
> DN 200
Moderate
Piggable
Viscous
Normal
Normal
Steam
Slurry
Liquid
Clean
Solid
High
Gas
Low
Valve Type
Lift check - ball 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 C1 D E 1 1 0
Lift check - disk 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 0
Lift check - piston 2 1 A 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Swing check (std) 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 C E 1 1 1 1 1 0
Swing check (wafer) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 1 0
Tilting disk check 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 1 1 0
Duo- disk check 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 C1 D E 1 1 1 0
Duo-disk check (wafer) 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 D E 1 1 1 0
Axial flow nozzle check 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 D E 1 1 1 1 0
Diaphragm check 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 0
Screw-down stop & check 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 E 1 1 0
Foot 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Plate check 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
Notes:
A May be available but seek specialist advice
B May be suitable – consult manufacturer
C Will usually require steam jacket/trace heating – consult manufacturer
D Valves should incorporate spring. May need heating – consult manufacturer
E All check valves likely to give poor performance
6. Service description
6.1. General
a. The characteristics and condition of the process fluid shall be carefully defined.
b. A fluid’s characteristics may fit one or more categories of service.
6.2. Clean service

a. Clean service is a term used to identify fluids free from solids or contaminants.
b. Clean fluids include instrument air, nitrogen and other manufactured gases, potable and
demineralised water, steam, lube oil, diesel oil, methanol, and most dosing and injection
chemicals. Valves for fluids such as oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and sometimes treated
water or lube oil require special attention to cleanliness of the valve. Valves for potable
water must meet local regulations.
c. Process fluids may be defined as clean depending on which part of the process is being
considered e.g. dry hydrocarbon gas downstream of scrubbers and dryers.
d. If the fluid service is basically clean, attention should be given to protecting valves during
construction and during flushing operations which are unlikely to be clean. This may
require the temporary replacement of valves by spool pieces. Alternatively select a valve
type that is suitable for dirty service.
6.3. Dirty service
6.3.1. General
Dirty service is a general term used to identify fluids with suspended solids that may seriously
impair the performance of valves unless the correct type is selected.

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a. This type of service is often of major significance since many valves are very sensitive to
the presence of solids.
b. Dirty service may be further classified as generally abrasive or sandy.
6.3.2. Generally abrasive service

a. Generally abrasive service is a term used to identify the presence of abrasive particulate in
piping systems including pipe rust, scale, welding slag, sand, catalyst fines and grit.
b. If abrasive conditions are likely to persist during normal operation, a valve suitable for
dirty services should be selected.
6.3.3. Sandy service

a. Sandy service is a term identifying severe abrasive and erosive conditions occurring in oil
and gas production in which formation sand is carried through from the well. Sand particle
sizes are typically 50 micron to 450 micron and relatively low concentrations can result in
wear and jamming of inappropriately selected valves.
b. Severe erosion of valve trims and bodies may occur if pressure drop and velocity is high
(e.g. in chokes and separator level control valves). In the case of block valves, damage is
usually as a result of abrasion (wear of seat inserts, bearings, etc.) Soft seated ball valves
shall not be used in this service. Note that, in some cases, very fine sand can be carried
right through the process to oil export and that produced water systems almost always
contain sand.
c. Isolating valves intended for this service should ideally be type test qualified by a sand
slurry test such as those specified by ISO 10432 (API 14A) or NEL (ex-BP test).
6.4. Fouling/scaling service

Fouling or scaling services are general terms used to identify liquids or elements of liquids that
form a deposit on surfaces. Such deposits may vary widely in nature, with varying hardness,
strength of adhesion and rates of build up.
a. Components for valves in fouling or scaling service shall be selected to resist fouling or
scale build-up.
b. Chemical injection, heat tracing, steam jacketing, or steam purging should be considered to
mitigate scaling tendency in this service.
6.5. Slurry service

a. Slurry service is a general term used to define liquids with substantial solids in suspension.
Often the product is the solid and the fluid is primarily the means of transportation, e.g.
coal slurries and catalyst services.
b. Careful consideration should be given to valve designs for slurry services.
6.6. Solids
Solids may be present in the form of hard granules, crystals, soft fibres, or powders. The
transporting media may be liquid or gas. Air or fluidised bed systems may be used for some
particulates. Specialised valves are available for many of these services, but development work
may sometimes be necessary.
6.7. Hazardous service

The term ‘hazardous service’ can usually be assumed to include the following, any of which
may exist in combination with other services listed above.
a. Liquids above their auto-ignition temperature (AIT), or 210ºC if the AIT is not known.
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b. Flammable liquids flashing on leakage to form a substantial vapour cloud. This includes
LPG, LNG and NGL condensate.
c. Flammable fluids at Class 900 rating and above (e.g. hydrocarbon gas).
d. Fluids liable to cause a hazard by blockage due to hydrate formation, solids deposition, or
coking.
e. Toxic substances (e.g. chlorine, hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen sulphide, sodium hydroxide,
etc.).
f. Hydrogen service - defined as service in contact with hydrogen or gaseous mixtures
containing hydrogen in which the partial pressure of hydrogen is 5 bar (abs), (72,5 psia) or
more.
g. Highly corrosive fluids such as acids and caustic alkalis.
6.8. Searching service

a. Fluids with a high propensity for leakage that require special attention in valve design and
manufacture to prevent leakage through pressure containing components, seats, and seals.
b. Includes gasses of low molecular weight such as hydrogen and helium and liquids of low
viscosity such as Dowtherm.
6.9. Solidifying service

Solidifying service is a general term used to identify fluids that change from liquid to solid
unless maintained at the correct conditions of temperature, pressure, and flow. It is a term
generally associated with fluids such as liquid sulphur and phthalic anhydride in which valves
of steam jacketed design may be required or heavy fuel oil in which valves often require heat
tracing to maintain temperature and operability.
6.10. Corrosive service

a. Corrosive service is a term generally used to identify fluids containing corrosive
constituents that, depending on concentration, pressure, and temperature, may cause
corrosion of metallic components. Corrosive fluids include sulphuric acid, acetic acid,
hydrofluoric acid (HFA), wet acid gas (wet CO2), wet sour gas (wet H2S), and chlorides
(e.g. seawater). Many chemicals are highly corrosive including concentrations of some
corrosion inhibitors.
b. Corrosion resistant materials or overlays for valve pressure containing components and
trim should be chosen to prevent the integrity or performance of the valve from being
impaired.
c. The judicious use of overlays (e.g. in the seat pockets and seal surfaces of trunnion
mounted ball valves and slab gate valves) is recommended and can be extremely
economical and effective even if the service conditions are not normally corrosive.
d. The following types of corrosion should be considered when selecting valve materials and
designs:
1. Corrosion resulting in general wastage (typical with wet CO 2).
2. Crevice corrosion.
3. Galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials.
4. Pitting corrosion.
5. Sulphide tress corrosion cracking (e.g. of components in wet H 2S) and chloride stress
corrosion cracking (depending on concentration, pressure, and temperature).

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
e. Materials for sour (H2S) service shall conform to ISO 15156 (NACE MR0175) or, if
specified for refinery service, NACE MR0103 and shall be generally in accordance with
GP 06-20.
6.11. Viscous service

a. Viscous service is a term that generally identifies a wide range of fluids with pronounced
thickness and adhesive properties. Fluids include high viscosity oils (lube and heavy fuel
oil) and non-Newtonian fluids such as waxy crude, gels and pastes. Valve operating
forces/torques may be increased.
b. Special attention should be given to check valves in which sluggish response may cause
operating difficulties and even hazardous conditions.
6.12. Vacuum service

Vacuum service is a term used to identify systems in which the pressure is permanently or
intermittently below atmospheric.
a. Valves in vacuum service should be capable of sealing in both directions with regard to
glands, body joints, etc.
b. Systems that have the potential to create an unwanted vacuum (e.g. condensing vapours,
tanks, etc.) should normally be fitted with a vacuum breaker valve that admits air
automatically whenever a vacuum occurs.
6.13. High temperature service

a. Temperatures between 120°C and 200°C (248°F and 392°F) (High temperature in
exploration and production applications). Care should be taken in the selection of polymer
and elastomer seals and seats particularly towards the high temperature end of the range in
which most grades are unusable and where valve pressure ratings may be reduced. 200°C
(392°F) is the effective limit of PTFE.
b. Temperatures above 200°C (392°F) and below 400°C (752°F). The only polymer or
elastomer materials that can be used are PEEK and Kalrez and then only at the lower end
of the range. Valve seat sealing should normally be hard faced metal to metal and graphite
stem etc. seals are the norm.
c. Temperatures above 400°C (752°F). For high temperature (generally above 400°C
(752°F)) e.g. power station steam services, creep resisting steels must be chosen e.g. 2 ¼
% Cr 1% Mo or ½% Cr, ½% Mo, ¼% V. Seats and disks require hard facing with alloys of
cobalt, chromium, and tungsten and a difference between the hardness of the disk and seat
is recommended to avoid galling. Stem seals are normally graphite except in situations in
which this is likely to oxydise (at temperatures above 450°C (842°F) if there is access to
air or oxygen.
6.14. Low temperature service (0°C to –50°C (32°F to –58°F))
6.14.1. Impact testing

a. At temperatures between 0°C and –29°C (32°F and –20°F) consideration should be given
to charpy impact testing ferritic, martensitic, and duplex alloys in order to demonstrate
adequate toughness at the minimum design temperature or below. At temperatures below
–29°C (–20°F) these materials should always be tested.
The following points should be considered when making a decision:
1. Will the plant be depressurized/shut-down or at operating pressure when the low
temperature occurs?

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2. Is the source of raw materials for pressure boundary parts one which has historically
been shown to be able to provide non-brittle materials without testing?
b. Impact testing should always form part of welding procedure qualifications if impact
testing of the material to be joined is required or, for ferritic and duplex materials, if the
minimum design temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
c. If valves will be put into service in the EEA the particular requirements of the European
Pressure Equipment Directive regarding demonstration of adequate toughness must be met.
d. The following is a guide to the minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy values that should
be expected from carbon and alloy steel material:
1. Average (Joules) = [min. specified yield (or 0,2% proof) strength (MN/m 2)/10].
2. Individual (Joules) = 0,75 x Average.
e. If materials are to be welded the average impact energy value should be increased by
10 Joules
f. Most non-ferrous materials such as copper, copper alloys, aluminium, and nickel alloys
may be used for low temperature service and need not be tested. 2 ½% nickel steels may be
used down to –57°C (–71°F), lower temperatures being obtained with increased nickel
content
g. Austenitic stainless steels retain acceptable properties even under cryogenic conditions and
need not be tested.
h. Duplex stainless steels generally exhibit relatively high toughness and the following
minimum impact energy values are recommended.
1. Average = 60 Joules (43 ft-lb).
2. Minimum = 50 Joules (36 ft-lb).
6.14.2. Cast Iron

Cast iron should not normally be used for low temperature service. If this is unavoidable (e.g.
gearbox cases at low ambient temperature) only nodular (SG) grades of iron should be used
which incorporate impact testing in the material specification.
6.14.3. Elastomers
a. The practice of specifying a minimum system design temperature equal to the impact test
temperature of the piping material, frequently adopted by process engineers, should be
avoided. The object should be to specify the highest minimum temperature consistent with
safe operation.
b. When a choice has to be made between explosive decompression resistance and low
temperature resistance in gas service it is usually safest to go for decompression resistance
except if low temperatures are persistent or permanent.
6.15. Cryogenic service (below –50°C (–58°F))

a. Valves for cryogenic applications should comply with and be type tested to BS 6364 or an
equivalent standard.
b. Carbon, low alloy, and duplex steels should not be used.
c. Non-metallic materials should be restricted to PTFE and graphite
d. Depending on the service fluid, valves should be degreased and assembled in clean
conditions.

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6.16. Anhydrous ammonia service

a. Copper and copper based materials should not be used in this service.
b. Steels should have a maximum yield strength of 350 N/mm2 (36 ksi) (i.e. low strength
steel) and welds in steel components should be stress relieved.
6.17. Chloride service

a. The chloride content of test water for stainless steel valves should be limited to 30 ppm -
lower if evaporation and concentration is likely – and pH should be controlled between 6
and 8,5. If it is known that the service temperature will not exceed 50°C (120°F) chloride
content may be increased to 200 ppm max.
b. Austenitic and martensitic stainless steel in seawater service should be cathodically
protected.
6.18. Sour (wet H2S) service

a. This service can cause sulphide stress corrosion cracking of metallic materials, particularly
if surface hardness is not strictly limited. Materials for sour service shall comply with
ISO 15156 (NACE MR0175) or, if specified for refining service, NACE MR0103 and
shall be generally in accordance with GP 06-20. This limits the hardness of all steels,
requires austenitic steels to be solution annealed, proscribes the use of certain materials for
pressure retaining boundary parts (including valve stems) and provides special
requirements for bolting, welding, etc.
b. ASTM A564/A564M, Grade 630 (17/4 PH) precipitation hardening stainless steel) should
not be specified or used for new valve stems or shafts. Valves with 17/4 PH SS stems
already in service or in stock may continue in use where experience has been good and
where it can be confirmed that the sourness of the service has not recently increased.
c. Valve body-bonnet bolting need not meet the requirements of ISO/NACE in cases where
the material could not be subjected to pressurized process fluid. If any leakage of sour
product is not able to drain away or evaporate (e.g. insulated valves) bolting should be in
accordance with the standard.
6.19. Hydrogen service

a. Carbon steel may be used for hydrogen service up to a maximum temperature of 230°C
(446°F). The material should be selected in accordance with API RP 941 (Nelson Curves).
b. Particular attention should be paid to gland etc. sealing.
6.20. Hydrofluoric acid (HFA) service

Valves should be restricted to those types which have been demonstrated in service or by test to
handle this service successfully. Generally, valve types which do not provide opportunities for
the accumulation of solid matter are preferred.
6.21. Wet CO2 and chlorine service

When choosing materials for wet CO2 or wet chlorine service, specialist advice should be
sought.
6.22. Oxygen service

a. For oxygen service, valves should be thoroughly degreased, cleaned, and assembled in
clean conditions.
b. Bronze or Monel body and trim materials are recommended to prevent sparking and
ignition as a result of high energy mechanical impact.

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7. Valve function and description
7.1. Isolation (block) valves
7.1.1. General
a. Valves intended for starting and stopping flow or for isolation of equipment should
generally be selected to provide:
1. Low resistance to flow (low pressure drop) e.g. by means of a straight through flow
configuration which may also facilitate line clearing.
2. Bi-directional sealing i.e. providing good shut off when the flow or pressure
differential is from either direction.
b. If flow is not necessary (e.g. isolation of instrument piping) valve types such as needle and
globe, having a high resistance to flow, may be used. These valve types may be used to
provide crude flow control. Such valves should not be used in fouling or solidifying
service.
7.1.2. Isolation efficiency

a. Soft seated valves should normally be selected only for clean service.
b. Hard metal seated valves should normally be selected if the service is other than clean.
c. For high temperature service (> 200°C (390°F)) only metal seated valves should be used.
d. For steam service, parallel slide valves are the preferred option in which high temperature
swings occur after valve closure, at battery limits, or as isolating valves in which
equipment or plant may be taken out of service. Wedge gate valves may be used as an
alternative for general isolation duty or if good, low pressure leak tightness is required.
Table 7 – Method to achieve valve shut off
Valve type Shut off by:

Torque/force Position
Gate (wedge, expanding) √
Gate (slab, parallel slide) √
Ball (floating and trunnion mounted) √
Ball (Orbit, Konosphera, Klyde) √
Butterfly √
Plug (sleeved, lubricated balanced) √
Plug (expanding and wedge (lift) type) √
Globe √
Diaphragm/Pinch √
7.1.3. Reduced bore valves

a. Reduced bore or venturi pattern valves should be selected when minimum weight, cost,
and operating time are required.
b. The seat (throat) diameter of reduced bore valves should not be less than shown in Table 8:
Table 8 – Minimum bore diameter of reduced bore ball valves
DN (NPS) < 80 (3) 80 to 300 (3 to 12) 350 to 600 (14 to24) > 600 (30)
Minimum bore By agreement One line size less Two line sizes less By agreement
than DN (NPS) than DN (NPS)

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
c. In addition, the seat (throat) diameter of reduced bore ball valves up to DN 400 (NPS 16)
should not be less than the value specified in ISO 17292 for single reduced bore valves.
Double reduced bore ball valves should not be used.
d. If reduced bore valves are used, the following additional criteria should be satisfied:
1. The increased pressure drop is considered in the design of the piping.
2. The reduced section modulus is considered in the piping flexibility design.
3. Not to be used in horizontal lines which are sloped for continuous draining.
4. Drains are installed at all additional low points caused by the installation of reduced
bore valves.
5. Not to be used in erosive applications such as sandy service, slurries, or fluidized
solids without an analysis of the effects of erosion.
6. Not to be used in severe fouling, solidifying, or coking services.
7. Not to be used in lines specified to be mechanically cleaned or “pigged”.
8. Not to be used as block valves associated with pressure relief devices and flare pipe
headers.
7.1.4. Gate valves
7.1.4.1. General
a. Extended bonnets are available (and should be specified) for cryogenic service.
b. Gate valves should not be used:
1. In horizontal lines transporting heavy or abrasive slurries in which sediment may
become trapped in the pocket below the valve seat, preventing closure.
2. For throttling duties as the valve is very inefficient at controlling flow.
7.1.4.2. Operating arrangements

a. An outside screw, rising stem valve should be the normal first choice as it is easier to
maintain, allowing access for lubrication of the thread. In marine environments the rising
stem and threads should be protected against corrosion.
b. If headroom is limited, an inside screw, non-rising stem type valve may be specified. The
stem thread is within the body and is exposed to the line fluid.
c. Internal screw designs should not be specified:
1. If frequent operation is likely;
2. For horizontal pipes in which the valve stem is also horizontal;
3. For service having significant solids content;
4. For corrosive or searching fluids;
5. For dry gas service.
d. For critical applications of internal screw designs, evidence of adequate cycle life in the
proposed operating conditions should be obtained.
e. Gear operated gate valves can take many handwheel turns to open/close and the vendor
should be asked to advise the number of turns required. If this would lead to unacceptably
long operating time, consideration should be given to the provision of a pneumatic turning
device or an electric motor actuator (see clause 4.11.

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
7.1.4.3. Wedge gate valve (See Figure 3)
Figure 3 – Wedge gate valve (outside screw)
Figure 4 – Flexible wedge

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
a. Standard steel wedge gate valves should normally be specified with outside screw and
yoke, rising stem, non-rising handwheel, and bolted bonnet.
b. Valves less than DN 50 (NPS 2) should normally have solid wedges and larger valves for
general service should normally have flexible wedges. Split wedges should be reserved for
steam applications in which good low differential pressure sealing is required and
comparable applications in which a parallel slide valve cannot be used.
c. Split wedge gate valves in liquid or condensing service which are used in situations in
which heat (process, fire, etc.) may be applied to a closed valve should be provided with a
means of relieving pressure built up in the body cavity. If this involves making the valve
uni-directional, the flow direction shall be clearly marked.
d. Services with abrasive particles or applications in which wire drawing is possible require
hard faced wedges and seats.
e. Slab or expanding gate valves are preferred for high pressure gas service.
f. If large wedge gate valves are mounted with stems horizontal in a horizontal pipe, gate
guides should have a minimum length of 50% of the valve DN (NPS). If flexible or solid
wedge gate valves are installed below the horizontal, the valve bonnet should be provided
with a drain. Split-wedge and double-disc gate valves should only ever be installed with
the valve stem vertical.
g. Cast iron valves should not be used except for underground water services where freezing
is not a possibility.
h. Class 150 stainless steel wedge gate valves are sometimes specified in accordance with
API Std 603 which allows reduced wall thickness on the grounds that the material does not
corrode. If this is done, the general requirements of GIS 62-011 should be met. API 603
valves should not be used if the specified corrosion allowance of the connecting pipe
exceeds 0,7 mm (0,03 in) or for pressure ratings greater than Class 150.

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7.1.4.4. Parallel expanding gate valve (See Figure 5)
Figure 5 – Parallel expanding gate valve
a. When ordering, it is essential to be clear about the functionality required – gates which seal
against the seats in the closed position only or gates which seal against the seats in the
open and closed positions; unidirectional or bi-directional sealing.
b. Expanding gate valves are not recommended for frequent operation in sandy/abrasive
service. Designs with electroless nickel plated (ENP) gates are suitable for clean service
only.
c. Internal screw designs should not be specified where frequent operation is likely.
d. Expanding gate valves should not be used on steam service.
e. In liquid or condensing service, an external thermal relief valve (isolated by a locked open
block valve) and set between 1,1 x and 1,33 x valve rated pressure should be provided to
prevent body cavity overpressure.

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7.1.4.5. Slab gate valve (See Figure 6)
Figure 6 – Slab gate valve (outside screw)
Figure 7 – Slab gate valve (internal screw)

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a. When ordering, it is important to be clear about the sealing functionality required or being
offered - “downstream sealing” or “upstream + downstream sealing”. (See Figure 8 & See
Figure 9.)
Figure 8 – Downstream sealing slab gate valve
Figure 9 – Upstream and downstream sealing slab gate valve
b. Valves having tungsten carbide coated gates and seats should be specified for dirty or
abrasive service. Designs with electroless nickel plated (ENP) gates or incorporating
polymer seat ring inserts are suitable for clean service only.
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c. Flat sided, fabricated designs are economical in terms of space and cost, but it is
recommended that their use should normally be restricted to the lower pressure ratings
( Class 600) unless the design is justified by finite element analysis.
7.1.4.6. Parallel slide valves (See Figure 10)
Figure 10 – Parallel slide gate valve
a. Recommended for steam isolation, feed water isolation, and blowdown applications (they
should be used in tandem with a sacrificial globe valve).
b. Parallel slide gate valves (like split wedge and expanding gate valves) in liquid or
condensing service and which are used in situations in which heat (process, fire, etc.) may
be applied to a closed valve should be provided with a means of relieving pressure built up
in the body cavity. If this involves making the valve uni-directional, the flow direction
shall be clearly marked.
c. If small (< DN 50 (NPS 2)) parallel slide valves are used on liquid systems, similar
measures should be taken to relieve cavity overpressure regardless of heat considerations.
d. Drilling of discs to obtain cavity relief is not acceptable.

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7.1.4.7. Venturi design gate valve (See Figure 11)
Figure 11 – Venturi pattern gate valve

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7.1.4.8. Knife-edge gate valve (See Figure 12)
Figure 12 – Knife edge gate valve
Knife gate valves should not be used on hazardous service or at other than low pressure.

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7.1.4.9. Rotary disk gate valve (See Figure 13)
Figure 13 – Rotary disk gate valve
Gate seat faces are usually carbide coated and all designs are recommended for dirty service.
The single disk type in particular is excellent with abrasive slurries or scaling service.

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7.1.4.10. FCCU gate valve (slide valve) (See Figure 14)
Figure 14 – FCCU gate valve
If valves are provided with split packing arrangements, these should meet the general
requirements specified elsewhere in this GP.
7.1.5. Ball valves
7.1.5.1. General
a. The majority of valves have soft seat inserts and elastomer or polymer seals. Such valves
are recommended for clean service only and are unsuitable for dirty/abrasive service or
high temperatures.
b. Hard metal seated designs are suitable for abrasive and scaling service and versions having
graphite stem, etc. seals can be used at elevated temperature. In small particle slurry
service specific measures should be taken to exclude solid material from seat pockets,
trunnion bearings, etc.
c. Reduced opening valves should normally be specified for lines which do not have to pass
pigs and if the increased velocity and pressure drop can be accommodated. They are not
recommended for fluids containing solids in which the resulting high velocity could cause

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erosion. Minimum bore size determines size, weight, and cost, so competitive offers of
reduced bore valves should always be compared on this attribute.
d. Levers should be mounted such that in the open position, the lever is parallel to the pipe
axis. Because smaller valves are lever operated (fast open/close), the possibility of
accidental operation should be considered.
e. If “water hammer” would be unacceptable on liquid systems, valves should be gear
operated.
7.1.5.2. Body design
Figure 15 – Floating ball valve (single piece body)

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Figure 16 – Floating ball valve (three piece body)
a. The removal of the central section of three piece valves is only recommended in small
sizes/low pressures.
b. If larger size (e.g. > DN 150 (NPS 6)) end entry valves are manufactured to order, at least
one valve of each unique size and rating should be hydro-tested with blank flanges or
welded end caps so as to load the body joints. Bolting torque for other valves should then
be confirmed to be identical.
Figure 17 – Top entry trunnion mounted ball valve

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c. Hard metal seated designs having all welded bodies should normally be avoided because of
the risk of experiencing seat sealing problems during FAT which may necessitate cutting
open the welds.
7.1.5.3. Ball support

a. Seat supported (floating ball) type (See Figure 15 & Figure 16 above)
1. Seat supported valves are recommended for use in clean service in the following
maximum sizes and ratings:
a) Class 150, full bore: DN 200 (NPS 8).
b) Class 300, full bore: DN 150 (NPS 6).
c) Class 600 and higher ratings: DN 50 (NPS 2).
d) Reduced bore floating ball valves may be used up to one line size larger.
2. Hard metal seated floating ball valves are available and recommended for use in high
temperature service only (i.e. if the operating temperature precludes the use of
elastomer or polymer sealing materials in trunnion mounted valves).
3. Valves having pre-compressed seats should have features to allow relief of the body
cavity pressure.
b. Trunnion supported (trunnion mounted) type (See Figure 17 above & Figure 18)
Figure 18 – End entry trunnion mounted ball valve

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7.1.5.4. Double piston seat trunnion ball valves (See Figures 19, 20a, and 20b)
Figure 19 – Single piston seat - Pressure differential from pipe to body cavity
Do
Ds
Pressure
Sealing Force = 0.785 P (Do2-Ds2)
Figure 20a – Double piston seat - (Pressure differential from pipe to body cavity)
Do
Ds
Pressure Di
Sealing Force = 0.785 P (Do2-Ds2)

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Figure 20b – Double piston seat - (Pressure differential from body cavity to pipe)
Pressure P
Do
Ds
Di
Sealing Force = 0.785 P (Ds2-Di2)
a. A double piston seat is recommended to be fitted to one side only (“downstream” seat) in
liquid or condensing service and high pressure gas service. In this case the valve should be
marked as required by ISO 14313 to indicate the directionality.
b. Designs which rely on a single, large section, O-ring to provide the differential annular
areas should be avoided in gas service where the large size O-ring is vulnerable to
explosive decompression damage. Arrangements involving two back-to-back lip seals with
the open ends facing each other should also be avoided as they can trap high pressure fluid
between the seals.
c. Double piston seats present a difficult design/manufacturing problem at high pressure and
are not recommended above Class 1500 rating.
7.1.5.5. Valve trim materials

a. Unplated valve balls should be stainless steel (normally 316 grade). Chrome plated carbon
steel balls and stems should not be used because of the danger of pitting corrosion caused
by test water, etc. Electroless nickel (ENP) plated carbon steel balls (and stems, if integral
with the ball) may be used for non-corrosive service or if water may be present for only a
limited period (e.g. line test water). If valves are being refurbished, a proprietary ENP
containing chrome carbide particles may be used to increase wear resistance (Hychrome).
b. The manufacturer should normally be allowed to choose the soft seat insert material.
c. Virgin PTFE should never be used at high pressure and PEEK should never be used at low
pressure. Nylon should not be used if there is water present in the working fluid or if
prolonged exposure to test water is likely followed by service at a temperature above 70°C
(158°F).
d. Valves incorporating soft seals should be fully rated up to their maximum temperature
limit.
e. Metal seated ball valves require the use of hard coatings. If operating temperatures are
below 150°C (302°F) the coating should normally be tungsten carbide although other
carbides (e.g. chrome carbide) are sometimes used for specific applications.
f. At elevated temperatures (e.g. in refinery applications) alloys from the Stellite or
Colmonoy range should be chosen (with a suitable differential hardness between ball and
seat to prevent galling or seizing).
g. Metal seated ball valves should always be chosen for dirty or abrasive service.

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h. For high temperature service (> 200°C (392°F), metal to metal seats and graphite
stem/body seals should be specified. Trunnion mounted designs are normally not suitable.
i. Brass or bronze materials for bushings or other wetted parts are not acceptable.
7.1.5.6. Other ball valve designs
Figure 21 – Eccentric (Orbit) ball valve
7.1.5.7. Welding ends

Soft seated socket or butt weld end valves for sizes less than DN 50 (NPS 2) should be provided
with pipe nipples (pups) welded in place (and, if necessary, heat treated) by the manufacturer
before valve assembly. The pups should have a minimum length of 150 mm (6 in). Larger weld
end valves should be provided with pipe pups having a minimum length equal to the DN or
150 mm (6 in), whichever is shorter, and a maximum length of 500 mm (20 in).
7.1.5.8. Short pattern valves

If Class 150 short pattern ball valves in sizes DN 300 (NPS 12) and DN 400 (NPS 16) are
specified, the ball may protrude beyond the body end flange faces when the valve is closed.
Such valves cannot be used where spading is envisaged, cannot be easily removed when in the
closed position, and should be avoided.

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7.1.5.9. Fire hazard

Ball valves for use in fire hazard areas, including those used on fire water service, should be a
fire type tested design and fitted with an anti-static device. Note that, during and after a fire,
valves may leak to some extent. The fire type test requirement should not apply to buried and
subsea valves where there is advantage in avoiding the graphite “fire seals” which, in
combination with water (e.g. from hydrotesting), can cause corrosion of adjacent carbon steel
components.
7.1.5.10. Rapid/large temperature changes

If metal seated ball valves (particularly of large size) are subject to large and rapid temperature
changes after closing, the manufacturer should be asked to make proposals (thermal analysis
plus strain analysis, testing, etc) for demonstrating continued sealing capability. This is likely to
be a difficult and time-consuming exercise.
7.1.5.11. Lined ball valves

a. Lined valves cannot pass a fire type test and should not be used in hazardous service.
b. Lined ball valves shall not be used in abrasive services such as aluminium chloride.
7.1.6. Butterfly valves
7.1.6.1. General
a. Valve and actuator position stops should be set with care.
b. Butterfly valves should not be specified in small sizes or for high pressures (> Cl 600).
c. Application requirements should be made clear when ordering since, although butterfly
valves are generally suitable for bi-directional sealing, they always have a preferred sealing
direction.
7.1.6.2. Butterfly valve types

a. Concentric disk, lined type
Figure 22 – Butterfly valve (concentric disk, lined)
1. Suitable for isolation or control service.

2. Not recommended above Class 150 Rating and approx. 120C (248C) (dependent on
resilient lining material).
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3. Should not be used on hydrocarbon service or in hazardous areas.

4. Should normally be restricted to undemanding water service.
5. Lined valves should not be used in corrosion resistant alloy piping systems.
6. Rubber linings should always be specified as vulcanised to the body.
7. Iron valves should not be used for process duties, hazardous service, or if freezing is a
possibility.
8. Lined wafer type butterfly valves in which the resilient seat is extended to serve as a
flange gasket should only be installed between weld neck or socket weld pipe flanges.
9. Lined valves should not be specified for sticky fluid services, but may be specified on
sandy or abrasive services in proven designs.
10. Larger size valves should be equipped with self-locking gearing.
b. Double offset (API 609 Type B) (Figure 23).
Figure 23 – Double offset butterfly valve
1. Recommended for use in Class 150, to Class 600 Rating.

2. Recommended for isolation or control in clean service.
c. Triple offset
1. Recommended for isolation or control in clean service.
2. Recommended for elevated or low temperature application.
3. Recommended for use in Class 150 to Class 600 Rating.
7.1.6.3. Specification
a. Successful butterfly valve application requires close attention to the operating conditions
and the following should always be specified:
1. Process fluid specific gravity, viscosity, any solids content, composition (gas service).
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2. Flow rate.
3. Max/min temperature.
4. Pressure - upstream, downstream, and maximum differential in each direction
(Consider the possibility of either partial reduction or total loss of differential
pressure due to any abnormal conditions.).
5. Maximum permissible pressure drop or required Cv.
6. Piping moments (flanged valves).
b. Butterfly valve shafts should be “blow out proof” without relying on the means of
attachment to the disk. Shaft retention should also not rely on the presence of the valve
operator (hand lever, gear operator, or actuator).
c. If wafer butterfly valves are specified for double isolation service, the installation should
consist of two valves with a spool piece and bleed valve between.
d. Valves in which the gasket contact area is reduced by counterbored or countersunk holes
for retaining rings or screws, used to secure seat ring assemblies in the valve body, are not
recommended. If specified, they should be used only with the gasket manufacturer’s
recommended gasket, contact area, and surface finish. Spiral wound gaskets should not be
used.
e. If valves are intended to be used with flat sheet gaskets, retaining rings which encroach on
the gasket sealing area should not be allowed to protrude beyond the surrounding body
gasket contact surface.
f. On liquid service, manually operated valves located such that rapid closure could produce
“water hammer” should be gear operated.
g. The seat energising rings of rubber lined valves should be confirmed to be compatible with
the process fluid
7.1.6.4. “Dead end” service

a. In dead end service (where it is required to dismantle pipe and leave the valve at the end of
a pressurised line), bi-directional butterfly valves should be mounted so that the preferred
sealing direction is isolating the “dead end”.
b. Valves having seat retainers, etc. which impinge on the flange sealing gasket face should
not be installed with the seat retainer on the low pressure side.
c. Wafer-type valves should not be used in dead-end service since they do not permit
installation of a blind adjacent to the valve.
d. Lug type valves with tapped holes could be used, but should not be (see note below re.
effect of corrosion).
7.1.6.5. Wafer type butterfly valves

a. Wafer style valves are not recommended for line sizes DN 50 (NPS 2) and below.
b. If future replacement by other valve types may be a requirement, flanged butterfly valves
should be selected having an overall length equivalent to that of a gate or ball valve (long
pattern).
c. The user/purchaser should ensure the disk, when fully or partly open, will not foul adjacent
valves, fittings, or connected pipework.
d. Short pattern valves should not be specified for lined pipe applications.
e. If used in process or fire water systems where there is a fire risk, valves should be through
drilled lug style in order to protect flange bolting during a fire.

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f. If butterfly valves with exposed bolts are used on such services a light gauge sheet
stainless steel shroud shall be wrapped around the valve and exposed bolts.
g. Bolting should be thermally compatible with the valve body material and connected
flanges.
h. Lugged wafer valves with tapped holes in the lugs and with bolts inserted through from
each adjacent pipe flange are not recommended.
i. Wafer butterfly valves should not be used in the following services:
1. Service containing 25 percent or greater volume of free hydrogen.
2. Liquids above their auto-ignition temperature.
3. Steam service.
4. Temperatures above 260°C (500°F).
5. As the first block valve against storage tanks or vessels containing hazardous
material.
6. Reciprocating compressor or pump service.
7.1.7. Plug valves
7.1.7.1. General
a. Valves with parallel solid plugs are available, but should not normally be specified.
b. If used on liquid service, manually operated valves should be gear operated if rapid closure
could produce water hammer.
c. Plug valves should be shipped in the open position.
7.1.7.2. Body patterns (Figure 24)
Figure 24 – Plug valve patterns (round opening; regular; venturi)
Plug valves are made in five body patterns, with port shapes and areas as follows:
a. Round opening pattern
b. Regular pattern
c. Venturi pattern
Flow resistance of venturi pattern valves should be checked, particularly on liquid and
multi-phase systems, and velocity should be checked if erosion is a possibility.
d. Short pattern

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Not recommended in larger sizes on flow applications because the short length results in
abrupt change of throat shape between the flanges and plug.
e. Double plug pattern
1. Flow resistance should be checked, particularly on liquid systems.
2. Because of the variety of types and overall lengths it is important to check the
selected supplier’s catalogue for face-to-face/end-to-end dimensions and port areas
(which vary between manufacturers for a given type).
7.1.7.3. Pressure balanced, lubricated plug valves (Figure 25 & Figure 26)
Figure 25 – Lubricated taper plug valve

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Figure 26 – Pressure balanced plug valve
The following points should be noted:

a. Most manufacturers use a low friction treatment on the plug surface to reduce friction.
b. They require occasional injection of sealant. Ideally, inject before operation or, as a
minimum, during plant turnaround. If it is intended not to lubricate valves, the supplier
should be advised so he can take account of the increased operating torque.
c. The sealant should be compatible with but resistant to the process fluid.
d. The operating temperature range should be determined by the sealant.
e. Each lubricated plug valve order should fully specify the service fluid(s) and operating
pressure/temperature.

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7.1.7.4. Sleeved and lined plug valves (Figure 27)
Figure 27 – Sleeved plug valve
a. Regular operation (or exercising) is recommended.

b. Recommended for use in caustic, chlorine, and similar services.
c. Valves for chlorine service should incorporate a drilling to vent the plug and any body
cavity to the upstream port.
d. Sleeved plug valves should always have a positive method of locking the sleeve into the
body such as raised locking ribs.
e. Sleeved or lined plug valves should be fitted with an anti-static device.
7.1.7.5. Semi-balanced, lubricated type (Texsteam, etc.)

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7.1.7.6. Expanding plug valve (Figure 28)
Figure 28 – Expanding plug valve
a. These valves should be avoided in gas service at pressures above 70 bar (1 000 psi)
because seal section sizes are large and elastomer seals are at high risk of suffering
explosive decompression, regardless of formulation.
b. Expanding plug valves provide double block isolation in a single body.

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7.1.7.7. Wedge (or lift) plug valves (Figure 29)
Figure 29 – Wedge plug valve
7.1.7.8. Eccentric plug valves
7.1.7.9. Other designs
7.1.8. Diaphragm valves
7.1.8.1. General
a. A “travel stop” should be specified as an accessory, particularly if temperatures exceed
80°C (175°F).
b. For flammable, corrosive, or toxic service a special bonnet should be specified having a
secondary stem seal to prevent leakage in the event of diaphragm failure. A bonnet vent
port should be specified to provide a safe method of checking diaphragm integrity,
including when the valve is under pressure.
7.1.8.2. Specification
a. If ordering diaphragm valves the purchaser should list:
1. The process fluid.
2. Its concentration (if applicable) and special characteristics to which attention must be
directed.
3. Operating pressure and temperature.
4. Whether a secondary stem seal is required.
b. If used in an atmospherically corrosive environment or subjected to corrosive spillage, a
protective external coating should be specified.
c. Diaphragm valves should not normally be used on hydrocarbon service.

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7.1.8.3. Body configurations

The standard body configurations are:
a. Weir type valve (Figure 30)
Figure 30 – Weir type diaphragm valve
Not suitable for slurries or viscous liquids.

b. Straight-through type valve (Figure 31)

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Figure 31 – Straight pattern diaphragm valve
Suitable for viscous fluids, thick slurries, and fluids containing deposits.
7.1.9. Globe valves
7.1.9.1. General
a. For severe throttling service or if close control is required, conventional control valves
with a hand operator should be used.
b. The configuration of the flow path is normally only suitable for uni-directional flow and
globe valves should be mounted in the line such that flow is in a direction from beneath the
disk.
c. High un-balanced forces may prevent opening against reverse pressure differential so, if
this is important, the requirement should be specified.
7.1.9.2. Body designs

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Figure 32 – Standard (straight) pattern globe valve
Figure 33 – Oblique pattern globe valve

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Figure 34 – Angle pattern globe valve
7.1.9.3. Disk variations

Disk types available are:
a. Types having a flat seat/disk interface (metal-to-metal seat or with a soft seal ring
incorporated).
This type is not suitable for flow control applications.
b. Types in which the disk has a tapered or spherical seating surface and provides narrow line
contact against a conical seat.
This type is recommended if crude flow control may be required.
c. Needle type having a long tapered plug type disk (See Figure 35).

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Figure 35 – Needle pattern globe valve
This type is recommended for fine flow control.
7.1.9.4. Stem variations

a. Only outside screw and yoke versions should be considered.
b. The backseat of valves of the rotating and rising stem type should be mechanically locked
or welded in place to prevent rotation.
7.1.10. Pinch valves (Figure 36)
Figure 36 – Pinch valve

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a. Pinch valves may be used for flow control and can have good control characteristics, but,
when used in this way, tight shut-off cannot be guaranteed. Pinch valves may also be used
for vacuum service subject to the manufacturer’s approval.
b. Full service details should be provided to enable the manufacturer to select an appropriate
sleeve material.
7.1.11. Flush bottom & sampling valves (Figure 37)
Figure 37 – Flush bottom valve
a. They should be used for drain and sampling in slurry or liquid + solids services, i.e. where
a conventional valving arrangement is not suitable because of the risk of plugging.
b. Piston type may be selected for either flush bottom or penetrating operation.
If heavy sediment may be deposited in the vessel, the piston penetrates the deposit,
allowing the vessel to drain when the valve is next opened. The piston travels through a
seal (usually PTFE) that may allow leakage or extrude inwards unless the gland is adjusted
correctly.
c. Operation may be manual or remotely controlled.
7.1.12. Iris valve
7.1.13. Float operated valves

a. Valves may be to BS 1212 Parts 1, 2, 3 or to manufacturer’s standards.
b. Valves to manufacturer’s standard may be either in-line or angle type and range from small
threaded connection valves to flanged types up to DN 450 (NPS 18).
c. Surface turbulence should be prevented by installing a separate float tank, or baffle plate.

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d. Float operated valves should always be backed up by level alarms and a secondary means
of preventing overfilling because of low reliability.
7.2. Valve types for prevention of flow reversal (check)
Note The obturator (closure member) of swing check valves is

variously described as a “clapper”, “plate” or “disk”. For the
sake of consistency and the avoidance of confusion, it is
referred to here as a “disk”
7.2.1. General
a. Shafts which penetrate the pressure containment should normally be avoided.
b. Check valves other than diaphragm type should not be used in slurry service.
7.2.2. Check valve types

Characteristics vary considerably and should be considered when selecting valves for particular
applications.
7.2.3. Lift check (See Figure 38, Figure 39, & Figure 40)
Figure 38 – Lift check valve (ball type)

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Figure 39 – Lift check valve (disk type)
Figure 40 – Lift check valve (piston type)
a. Lift check valves should be selected for applications which could result in surge problems
for other types of valves.
b. The use of lift check valves with union bonnets should be limited to portions of piping
systems in which pipe unions are allowed.
c. Piston and disk types should be avoided on dirty or viscous service and reserved for clean
liquids and non-condensing gases.
d. Ball checks with metal ball should not be used on gas or vapour service because of the
potential for ball/seat damage as a result of irregular flow.
e. Ball checks should not be used in sizes above DN 50 (NPS 2). Piston type can be used in
larger sizes where pulsing flow is present (e.g. at the outlet of reciprocating pumps).
f. Ball check valves should not be used with widely varying pressures, pulsing flow, and
frequent flow reversals.
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7.2.4. Screw-down stop and check (See Figure 41)
Figure 41 – Screw-down stop and check valve
7.2.5. Swing check - Conventional type (See Figure 42)
Figure 42 – Swing check valve
a. Swing check valves should be used in sizes above DN 50 (NPS 2).

b. The two-piece stem design valve in which the shaft penetrates the body has the potential to
blow the shaft out and should be designed so as to be blowout proof.

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c. Swing check valves may be specified for horizontal or vertical upward flow (but see
“Application Guidance” below) on low velocity or highly viscous fluids.
d. Swing check valves are unsuitable for frequent flow reversal, applications with wide
velocity variations, and applications with pulsating flow. If installed in a system liable to
sudden flow reversal, a counterbalance weight or dashpot should be specified to prevent
slamming.
e. Balance weights, spring loaded cylinders, and oil-filled dashpots should not normally be
specified and should only be fitted after careful analysis and discussion with the
manufacturer.
f. Whenever possible the angle between the seat and the fully open position of the disk
should be restricted to 65/70 degrees.
g. If pigging is a requirement, special variants of the conventional valve, incorporating
shaped disks, should be used.
h. Although widely used, swing check valves are generally best suited to gravity flow and
pumped (liquid) systems where flow velocities are relatively low.
7.2.6. Swing check - Tilting disk type (See Figure 43)
Figure 43 – Tilted disk swing check valve
Tilting disk check valves should not be used if pigging is a requirement.

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7.2.7. Swing check - Duo-disk type (See Figure 44)
Figure 44 – Duo disk wafer check valve
a. Duo-disk check valves are recommended in preference to conventional swing checks in

which high flow velocities occur e.g. in gas service.
b. Duo-disk check valves depend on internal spring loading for closure and are therefore the
most suitable type of check valve for location in vertical pipes with upward flow.
c. If retainerless design is supplied, a check should be made to ensure there are no
unacceptable interruptions of the gasket sealing face.
7.2.8. Swing check – Wafer style (See Figure 44)

a. Both single plate and dual plate swing check valves are available in wafer style for
mounting between flanges using the flange bolting and they make extremely economical
use of expensive material.
b. These valves are not recommended for line sizes DN 50 (NPS 2) and below.
c. Valve installation design should ensure that the plates do not foul adjacent valves or
connected pipework.
d. Single disk wafer check valves are not recommended because disk opening is usually
severely restricted resulting in high pressure drop. Single disk wafer checks should never
be used on low flow or low pressure gas services in which the disk position may oscillate.
e. If used in process or fire water systems in which there is a fire risk, wafer checks should be
through drilled lug style in order to protect flange bolting during a fire.
f. Bolting should be thermally compatible with the valve body material and connected
flanges. If wafer check valves with exposed bolts are used on such services a light gauge
stainless steel shroud should be wrapped around the valve and exposed bolts to provide fire
protection.
g. Wafer valves with tapped holes in the lugs and with machine bolts inserted through from
each adjacent pipe flange are not recommended.
h. Wafer checks should not be used in the following services:
1. Service containing 25 percent or greater volume of free hydrogen.
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2. Liquids above their auto-ignition temperature.

3. Steam service.
4. Temperatures above 260°C (500°F).
5. As the first block valve against storage tanks or vessels containing hazardous
material.
6. Reciprocating compressor or pump service.
7.2.9. Swing check valve stability

Generally, swing check valves should be avoided if unstable conditions are likely, e.g. wide
velocity variations, pulsing flow, and frequent flow reversals. Under certain conditions fretting
of hinge pins and even mechanical failure may occur.
7.2.10. Diaphragm check (See Figure 45)
Figure 45 – Diaphragm check valve
7.2.11. Axial flow (nozzle) check (See Figure 46)
Figure 46 – Axial flow (nozzle) check valve

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a. Recommended for preventing excessive pressure surge and providing stability if wide
pressure variations, pulsing flow, and frequent flow reversals are likely.
b. Axial flow nozzle checks are recommended for use in compressor discharge lines subject
to pulsating or low flow conditions in which a tilting disk type valve may ‘chatter’, but are
not recommended for reciprocating pump applications.
7.2.12. Plate check valves (See Figure 47)
Figure 47 – Plate check valve
Generally limited to applications in which there is a low differential pressure across the valve.
Suitable for mounting either horizontally or vertically.
7.2.13. Foot valves (See Figure 48)
Figure 48 – Foot valve

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7.2.14. Application guidance
7.2.14.1. Pigging
a. Only special designs of swing type check valves with contoured disks and (normally) seat
faces at right angles to the flow should be selected for services which are required to pass
pigs.
b. These designs should be avoided if pigging is not a requirement.
c. If intelligent pigging is expected some means of mechanically lifting the disk should be
necessary.
7.2.14.2. Dynamic response

a. Swing check valves which facilitate pigging are also most susceptible to inducing pressure
surge. If pigging is not a requirement and high pressure drop cannot be tolerated, the
following alternatives, listed in the order of their “anti-slam” performance, should be
considered:
1. Axial flow, nozzle check.
2. Dual plate check.
3. Tilting disk check.
4. Swing check with seat inclined to vertical and a maximum angle between disk and
seat of 65/70 degrees.
b. If low pressure drop is not required piston type check valves may be used.
c. Pressure surge effects should be considered when normal fluid velocities exceed 4,5 m/s
(15 ft/sec) for liquids or 27,5 m/s (90 ft/sec) for gases and whenever operating pressures
are close to the design pressure of the piping system. Note that:
1. Longer closing times may be acceptable under certain conditions, e.g. on single pump
systems for long pipelines in which the terminal back pressure and maximum
elevation are low.
2. Shorter closing times may be necessary on parallel pumping systems to prevent back
flow into a failed pump.

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Figure 49 – Swing check with supplementary loading
7.2.14.3. Unstable and pulsating flow

a. Standard swing checks should be avoided if wide velocity variations, pulsating flow, and
frequent flow reversal are likely.
b. Tilting disk and duo-disk valves are better at coping with unstable flows.
c. Axial flow nozzle check designs are better still and should always be used at compressor
outlets unless there are pressing reasons for doing otherwise. However, they are not
normally suitable for fitting downstream of reciprocating pumps. For this and other
applications involving pulsating flow piston type lift checks are particularly suitable and
can be obtained with adjustable damping.
d. In all cases the characteristics of check valves in compressor piping systems should be
compatible with the compressor manufacturer’s requirements.
7.2.14.4. Frequent flow reversal

Numerous flow reversals may have an adverse affect on wear and reliability of valve
components and manufacturers should be advised if this is likely to be the case.
7.2.14.5. Installation
a. Check valves should be mounted at least three pipe diameters downstream of such pipe
fittings.
b. A vertical location adversely affects the response of most types of check valves and should
be avoided if possible.
c. Lift type and swing type check valves should ideally never be fitted in vertical pipes. If
swing check or tilting disk designs are so installed the design should prevent the disk
reaching a “stalled” position when fully open. It should be recognised that in the fully open
vertical position the disk/hinge arm has a very small closing moment, further reducing
response unless supplementary loading is used with the possible complication of damping.
Any lift check valves mounted in vertical pipes should be provided with springs.

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d. No check valve should be mounted in a pipe with flow vertically downward except axial
flow nozzle type and duo disk type and then only with the full knowledge and agreement
of the manufacturer.
e. In cases where a vertical location is contemplated, the supplier should be fully appraised
and asked to confirm that the obturator will not remain open to permit reverse flow.
f. Lift check valves in horizontal pipes should always be mounted with their bonnet axis in
the vertical plane.
7.2.14.6. Sizing
a. Check valves should ideally be selected such that under normal flow conditions they are
fully open against the stop and the user should advise the manufacturer of the minimum
flow velocity at which the valve is required to be fully open. If swing check valves are
used in pigged pipelines this is not usually possible. In such cases design should ensure
that hinge pin and bearing design is adequate for the constant movement which may result.
For critical applications the manufacturer should be asked to advise the flow velocity
necessary to keep the valve fully open and to predict the position of the valve disk under
normal and minimum flow conditions.
b. Applications in gas or steam lines or in liquid lines with low or unsteady flow should be
fully described in the purchase specification so that the manufacturer can evaluate the
suitability of the valve design.
7.2.14.7. Flow resistance (pressure drop)
7.2.14.8. Shut-off
If differential pressure in the shut-off direction is very low, it may be necessary to consider
supplementary loading. This can be achieved in some designs by additional weighting (e.g.
external in the case of swing checks) or stronger spring loading.
8. Special valve applications
8.1. Shut-down valves
8.1.1. Emergency shut-down (ESD) valves

a. Trunnion mounted ball or slab type gate valves should be the first choices for dirty service
(if the height of the latter can be accommodated and if operating temperatures allow the
use of elastomer and polymer seals).
b. Floating (seat supported) ball valves should not be used for ESD service except if metal
seated versions are necessary in high temperature (> 200°C (392°F), low pressure service.
In such cases a metal seated, graphite sealed butterfly valve may provide an alternative
choice.
c. Soft seated ball valves may be used in clean service, but if sand, pipescale, or corrosion
product is likely or the valves have to pass pigs, hard coated metal seated valves should be
selected.
d. If soft seated valves can be justified, it is advisable to provide protection during line
flushing, etc. operations (see 4.2).
e. ESD ball valves should not normally be fitted with seat sealant injection facilities since
this feature is ineffective (and usually unnecessary) in the case of metal seated valves and
can never be used post ESD in the case of soft seated valves. Such facilities may be useful
for solvent flushing of soft seated valves in service where experience has shown this to be
beneficial.

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f. Ball valves having double sealing piston type seats may be used to provide two seals in
series. If ESD valves have a preferred isolation direction it is recommended that only the
“downstream” seat should have this feature. Double piston seats are not recommended at
pressure ratings above Class 1500.
g. Balanced, lubricated plug valves may be used if periodic relubrication can be guaranteed
and are particularly suited to gas service applications where maximum compactness is
required.
h. Sleeved plug valves should not be used for ESD applications because of the tendency for
operating torque to increase.
i. Double or triple offset butterfly valves may also be used in clean gas or liquid service up to
Class 600 (PN 100) rating. In high temperature service metal seated, graphite sealed
versions may be the best choice.
j. Expanding type gate valves and wedge type gate valves should not be used in shut-down
service.
8.1.2. Emergency shut-down valve actuators

a. ESD valve actuators should normally be fail-safe hydraulic type or, for smaller size, low
pressure applications in which their greatly increased size can be accommodated, fail-safe
pneumatic type.
b. ESD valve actuators in hazardous areas shall be protected against fire and blast to ensure
that during a limited fire they can function as required.
1. Protection may be provided by screens, casings, or the application of intumescent
coatings.
2. Access requirements (for maintenance, testing, etc.) should be considered during
selection.
c. In high temperature service applications it may be necessary to mount actuators on
extended spools or yokes or to provide extended valve bonnets to ensure an acceptable
operating temperature.
8.1.3. Actuator safely factor

Actuators of slab type gate valves and butterfly valves should be capable of applying a
torque/force of at least 1,5 times the maximum requirement advised by the manufacturer (and
recorded during factory acceptance tests) throughout the open/close cycle. For ball and plug
valves this actuator margin should be increased to a factor of 2.
8.1.4. High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) valves

a. In general, closure times should be maximised or, if times have to be short, tests should be
undertaken (see below).
b. HIPPS applications have the following characteristics:
1. High pressure always available at time of emergency closure (Note: may not be true
of test closures);
2. Low differential pressure during closure;
3. High differential pressure after closure;
4. Requirement for periodic closure (or partial closure) and seat leakage testing;
5. (Occasionally) fast closure.
The first two make for particularly benign operating conditions and the temptation to
specify an unnecessarily high differential pressure during closure should be resisted.
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c. Hard metal seated, slab type gate valves should be the first choice for this application if
pipe size is less than DN 400 (NPS 15).
d. Hard metal seated slab type gate valves and trunnion mounted ball valves should be
selected if pigging is required.
e. If pigging is not a requirement (the usual case) consideration should be given to
specifying:
1. Reduced bore gate or ball valves.
2. Axial flow block valves (e.g. Mokveld type).
8.1.5. Speed of operation

a. Fast operation is not required by most shut down applications and should be avoided if
possible. As a general rule of thumb the operating time of ball and slab gate valves should
equal or exceed DN/25 (NPS) in seconds; i.e. a DN 250 (NPS 10) valve should not close
faster than 10 seconds.
b. Instantaneous velocities occurring at particular points in the closing stroke may be higher
than this, depending on the actuator type.
c. If faster closure than specified in (above) is required and a manufacturer does not have
directly comparable and thoroughly tested experience of the material/load/speed/operating
environment combination proposed then pin and disk abrasion testing should be
commissioned from an appropriate laboratory.
d. Fast closure times also mean that some form of hydraulic damping is necessary at the end
of travel. This should ideally be arranged as an integral part of the piston/cylinder design.
e. Contact load/operating speed combinations arising during factory acceptance testing of a
valve should not exceed those which will occur in service.
8.1.6. Testing
a. Shutdown valves should be periodically closure tested.
1. The frequency of testing, to some extent, determines the level of reliability that can be
claimed, but it is necessary to balance the desire for high reliability against the
detrimental effects (wear, etc.) of too high a closure test frequency.
2. A test frequency of 2 times per year is usually defendable and frequencies greater
than 4 times per year should be avoided.
b. System design should make provision for periodic seat leak tests of HIPPS valves and
import/export pipeline isolation valves to support a safety case or meet regulatory
requirements. There are only two possible methods:
1. Monitoring pressure decay from or pressure rise in a known closed volume over time.
2. Acoustic leak detection.
Ideally, initial readings should be performed in conjunction with a pressure decay
type test. (See clause 4 for more details).
8.2. Automatic blow down valves
8.2.1. Requirements
Gas blow-down duty requires that the valve:
a. Be quick opening type.
b. Be normally closed and fail open.

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c. Open against a differential pressure equal to the normal system operating pressure.
d. Withstand sonic velocity across the seat during opening.
e. Be mechanically robust and insensitive to vibration.
8.2.2. Valve types

a. At relatively low pressures (e.g. up to Class 600), standard ball valves (soft or metal seat
according to fluid conditions) and metal seated butterfly valves may be specified, but in
high pressure service a single seated valve design such as an axial flow (e.g. Mokveld,
FCT) type or a balanced, lubricated plug valve should be specified. If a trunnion mounted
ball valve is selected the downstream seat ring should be omitted.
b. If there is no controlling orifice in the downstream pipe or high pressure drops could exist
across the valve for long periods, a control valve having a low noise trim should be
specified. In this case, the degree of seat tightness that can be obtained and maintained
should be ascertained as it may be necessary to fit a fail open actuated block valve in series
to achieve the required shut-off.
8.3. Flow diversion
8.3.1. Multi-port valves

a. Special, multi-port designs of globe, plug, and ball valves are available which allow the
diversion of a common source to two different outlets or crossover switching of flow
streams (See Figure 50 & Figure 51). The multiple port arrangement may be such that one
channel closes before another begins to open, preventing mixture of fluids or loss of
pressure. Alternatively, some valves have greater port width so that in turning the plug, a
new channel begins to open before the former channel is completely closed. This
alternative may be used where it is necessary to carry out switching operation without
stopping the flow at any time.
Figure 50 – Diverter globe valve

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Figure 51 – 4-way diverter expanding plug valve
b. In some cases these designs can provide good isolation as well but this should not normally
be relied upon except where the manufacturer includes good isolation as a principal design
feature.
c. Common applications include:
1. Spared pressure relief valve isolation
2. Meter loop switching
3. Coker plant switching
d. Requirements will vary widely depending on the nature of the service and normal selection
procedures should be used for materials, seals, hard coatings, etc.
8.3.2. Single valves

a. In theory, any appropriate block valve can be used where individual valves are used to
achieve flow direction switching. In practice the operation may have to be carried out
according to a careful sequence to avoid process problems or valve problems (such as may
result from repeated opening against high differential pressure).
b. If fast operating times are necessary, quarter turn designs (ball and plug) should be chosen
with trim appropriate to the service. If operating times need not be fast, gate valves may
also be selected.
c. Frequent operation is often a characteristic of diverter service so diverter valves should not
be relied upon as the sole means of isolation if intervention is envisaged. In the case of oil
and gas production/test manifolds, a switching valve in the flowline to each separator
should be supplemented with a separate high integrity block valve located in the common
flowline from the well to be operated only when intervention is required.

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8.4. Bellows sealed valves (See Figure 52)
Figure 52 – Bellows seal gate valve
a. Bellows sealed valves should be used if escape of any fluid to the atmosphere is
undesirable for health, safety, or economic reasons.
1. A bellows provides the primary sealing of the stem during opening and closing, but a
packed gland or other appropriate stem seal should always be provided for secondary
sealing in case of bellows failure.
2. The bellows is housed in an extended bonnet that may be welded or bolted to the
valve body.
3. The bellows should be welded to the valve stem at its lower end and sealed to the
valve bonnet at its upper end.
b. Bellows should be used in linear action valves of the gate and globe design DN 150
(NPS 6) and smaller, but may also be applied to special ball valve designs.
c. Bellows seal gate and globe valves should be procured in accordance with ISO 15761
which includes minimum requirements for bellows life and a type qualification test.
8.5. Valves for cryogenic service

a. Valves for cryogenic applications (below –50°C (–58°F)) should be type qualification
tested in accordance with BS 6364 or an acceptable alternative and should normally be
provided with extended bonnets (See Figure 53).

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Figure 53 – Cryogenic globe valve
b. Soft seated floating ball valves or other valves having a closed body cavity should be
required to demonstrate automatic relief of cavity overpressure caused by thermal
expansion of fluids or should be fitted with external relief valves.
c. Valves should normally be installed with stems at not more than π/4 radians (45 degrees)
to the vertical to maintain a low thermal conductivity vapour lock in the bonnet.
d. Valves for cryogenic service should be cleaned to a high standard (free of moisture and
grease) and assembled in clean conditions.
e. Bronze stem bushing, polymer or hard faced seats, special coatings, and solid film
lubricants should be specified to prevent galling.
f. Guidance on valves that are subject to sub-zero, but not cryogenic, conditions (i.e. down to
–50°C (–58°F) is provided in EEMUA Publication 192.
8.6. Vacuum service valves

a. If valves may be subject to vacuum this should be made clear to the supplier at time of
procurement.
b. Stem seals or packing should be capable of sealing atmospheric pressure in the reverse
direction and bellows stem seals may be specified if the cycle life is compatible with the
application. Secondary stem packing should be specified in such cases.

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8.7. Deluge service valves

These valves are used on firewater deluge service. Proprietary deluge valves using rubber
diaphragms, sleeves, etc. are preferred to process control valves for this service because:
a. They operate virtually instantaneously. A process control valve can require several seconds
to operate.
b. They fail safe (open) despite damage to the pneumatic detection or actuation system. This
may not be true in the case of process control valves.
c. Process control valves are liable to seize when they stand inactive for extended periods of
time as in deluge service. Proprietary deluge valves are designed to avoid this problem.
d. For any given line size, the deluge valve saves space and weight when compared with
actuated process valves.
8.8. Excess flow and slam-shut valves (See Figure 54 & Figure 55)
Figure 54 – Excess flow valve

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Figure 55 – Slam shut valve
a. Excess flow valves or slam-shut valves should be installed where fluid dumping from a
ruptured line would be unacceptable.
b. The effect of piping, fittings, and valves downstream of the valve should be taken into
account when evaluating flow.
c. The valve should be installed as near as possible to the protected vessels/tanks to avoid
water hammer/surge on closure.
d. Valves should be selected with a closing flow rate of at least 10% to 15% greater than the
anticipated normal flow otherwise they may chatter or slug closed when surges occur in
the line.
e. The closure speed of larger sized valves may be reduced by the addition of a dashpot that
utilises the working fluid. This is recommended only on large liquid lines, to avoid
hydraulic shock.
f. Slam-shut valves do not respond automatically to changes in flow and require an external
control system to provide a closing signal.
8.9. Dosing valves
8.10. Valves associated with pig launchers/receivers

a. Valves associated with pig launchers/receivers shall be in accordance with the general
requirements of this GP.
b. Pig launcher/receiver primary pipeline isolation valves shall be in accordance with
GP 43-35.
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c. Pig launcher auxiliary valves shall be in accordance with GP 43-50.
8.11. Subsea applications
8.11.1. Valve selection

The general principles of this GP should apply to subsea valve selection.
a. Avoidance of maintenance and unscheduled intervention is paramount and for this reason
only the most robust, reliable, and wear resistant valve types should be considered. Soft
seated valves should be avoided except in very specific applications (see below). Seals
should be long life, maintenance free and not subject to degradation by the process.
b. In the light of experience to date, hard coated, metal seated slab gate, or trunnion mounted
ball valves should normally be chosen.
c. With ball valves there is also a choice of body pattern.
1. Top entry and all welded designs should be chosen if it is intended to lay valves with
the pipe or if externally applied forces and moments during operation will be high.
2. End entry bolted body designs should normally be reserved for applications in which
externally applied loads are low or if the consequences of environmental leakage are
not severe.
d. Valve selection should always take into account the particular process conditions and
mode of operation and there are instances in which the use of soft seated ball valves may
be justified.
Valves provided to facilitate tie-ins are often required to seal only until after the tie-in is
made after which they function as a piece of pipe. Welded body, soft seated valves
supplied (and left) in the closed position may be most suitable for this service.
e. In the case of check valves, axial flow nozzle type, duo-disk type, conventional or tilting
disk swing type, and piston lift type are all possible.
1. Only axial flow type and duo disk type should be mounted in vertical pipe sections
(and only with upwards flow).
2. If conventional swing checks are to be vertically mounted, valve opening should be
restricted and tests or CFD analysis used to confirm that closure occurs before
backflow commences.
3. If pigging is a requirement, full opening swing checks are the only possibility and
these should not be mounted in vertical pipe sections.
f. If ROV opening or position indication is required, check valves should be provided with a
shaft extending out through the pressure boundary and this has to be sealed. Such
arrangements should therefore be avoided if possible.
g. Subsea applications of small auxiliary valves such as ball, needle globe, rotating disk, etc.
types should always use designs specifically intended and type qualification tested for
subsea use. Integral block and bleed arrangements should be specified in accordance with
GIS 62-021 which addresses subsea application.
h. If standard type valves (e.g. floating ball valves) are used for temporary subsea duty (e.g.
during the deployment of subsea structures), the proposed design should be reviewed to
confirm that:
1. Environmental seals have the necessary reverse sealing capability.
2. Material selection is appropriate for the operating conditions (e.g. untreated seawater)
and that cathodic protection arrangements are fully understood.

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3. Graphite seals in contact with seawater and carbon steel or 13% chrome stainless steel
are avoided.
8.11.2. Design
a. Valves equal to or greater than DN 50 (NPS 2) of Class 150 to Class 2500 rating should
meet EN ISO 14723 QL1 taking into consideration pipe loads (during operation and
installation, e.g. pipelay), operating forces, etc. and, if design is in accordance with a vessel
code, an increased design pressure to permit safe application of the hydrostatic shell test
pressure.
b. In addition, in the interests of conservatism, valve bodies having nominal sizes less than or
equal to DN 300 (NPS 12) and a rating less than or equal to Class 2500 should also meet
the minimum wall thickness requirements of ASME B16.34 for the specified rating,
nominal size, and material.
c. If the method of analysis used (e.g. finite element) is sufficiently detailed to give
confidence that deflections are acceptably restricted this requirement may be waived.
d. Weld end. compact connector and compact flange valves greater than Class 900 rating and
greater than DN 250 (NPS 10) size may be designed to an intermediate ASME rating if
this is advantageous. It is essential that such limitations of pressure or temperature be
marked on the valve nameplate.
e. Valves of higher rating than ASME Class 2500 should normally meet API Spec 17D and
API 6A except that, in the case of austenitic, superaustenitic, duplex, and superduplex steel
shells, the design allowable stress intensity should be the lower of 2/3 Sy at design
temperature or 1/3 Su at design temperature.
f. Integral block and bleed manifolds should meet GIS 62-021.
g. Body joints and stem sealing arrangements should incorporate seals designed to exclude
seawater at the applicable hydrostatic pressure. The use of gland packings that may require
periodic adjustment should be prohibited.
h. In high cycle applications fatigue should be considered.
i. Graphite “fire” seals should be avoided.
j. Valves that do not automatically relieve body cavity overpressure should not be fitted with
pressure relief arrangements.
8.11.3. Operation
a. Lever and handwheel operating forces of hand operated valves should be restricted to less
than the values permitted for topsides valves to allow for diver operation. The design of
levers and handwheels should take into account the restrictions associated with diver
operation.
b. ROV interfaces should be in accordance with one of the standard arrangements specified in
ISO 13628-4 and valve suppliers should be asked to advise:
1. The normal maximum operating torque/force required.
2. The ROV input torque/force that would result in permanent deformation or other
damage to the drive train.
8.11.4. Materials
a. Material selection should be in accordance with EEMUA Publication 194.
b. Materials, including bolting and other fasteners, in contact with seawater and potentially
exposed to a cathodic protection (CP) system should be subject to a hardness limitation of
34 HRC.
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c. Large surface area austenitic stainless steel components and all duplex stainless steels
should be painted to prevent drain on the CP system and hydrogen embrittlement
respectively.
d. If the product is corrosive, overlaid alloy steel valves are preferred to duplex or
superduplex stainless steel. If duplex or superduplex valves are unavoidable, hot isostatic
pressings are preferred to castings and forgings.
e. Gate and ball valves having piston type seats should have their seat pockets, seal housings,
and flange face seal areas overlaid with corrosion resistant alloy regardless of service.
f. Carbon, low alloy and duplex stainless steels for pressure containing parts in valves with a
specified design temperature below 0°C (32°F) should be impact tested at or below the
minimum design temperature to demonstrate acceptable ductility.
g. Gearbox and actuator housing materials should preferably be steel. If ductile iron is
permitted it should be subject to impact testing.
h. Threads of fasteners should not be coated and the underside of nuts should not be sealed
with O-rings etc.
8.11.5. Testing
a. All parts of the valve and actuator/gearbox assembly, including fasteners, brackets, etc.
should be shown to preserve electrical continuity. Resistance between any two points/
components should not exceed 10 ohms when measured using a 12 volt maximum d.c.
power source.
b. Hand and ROV operated valves should be shown to be capable of operation against the
design differential pressure whilst meeting the specified operating force restrictions.
c. In critical applications, provision should be made for primary seals to be individually
tested during FAT e.g. by monitoring leakage via a temporary port that is then plugged and
sealed (preferably by welding). In all cases individual seal tests should be conducted on at
least a type test basis.
8.11.6. Qualification type testing

a. One sample of each unique type, size, and rating of subsea valve and actuator and one
sample of each unique type, size, and material of seal intended for subsea service should be
shown to have been subjected to appropriate qualification type testing. As a minimum this
should include:
1. Sealing and functionality;
2. Hyperbaric testing;
3. Endurance testing;
4. In the case of gear operators and actuators testing in accordance with API Spec 17D.
b. In addition, testing in accordance with API Spec 17D and ISO 10423 (API 6A)
Appendix F PR2 may be appropriate.
c. If these tests do not provide adequate confidence of acceptable field life performance,
additional requirements should be considered (e.g. additional endurance cycles, thermal
cycles, etc.).
d. Previously conducted tests may be considered in lieu.
e. A sample of each unique type, size, and rating should be subjected to a hyperbaric test in
accordance with an agreed procedure or should be shown to have previously passed such a
test. Test pressure should be at least 1,1 times the hydrostatic pressure at design depth.

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f. If valve stems or bonnets are sealed with a multiple (redundant) seal arrangement or
incorporate a seawater exclusion seal, qualification tests should be conducted on each seal
whilst mounted in a valve or suitable test fixture to demonstrate acceptable function of
each separate sealing component.
g. If a seal could be subjected to reverse pressurisation in a non-preferred direction (e.g. if a
relief/check valve etc. is fitted to relieve production fluid to sea) this should be simulated
at a pressure equal to or greater than 1,5 times the design hydrostatic pressure. If the seal
passes fluid when tested in the reverse direction this is permissible provided:
1. It seals again when re-tested in the normal direction and
2. There is no permanent, visible damage.
h. Gearboxes and actuators should be endurance type tested through an appropriate number
of cycles.
8.11.7. Maintenance
Subsea valve applications should normally aim to avoid any maintenance through the life of
field. However, if valves are likely to experience particularly severe operating conditions or
their function is critical to continued operation, consideration should be given to making them
retrievable or locating them in assemblies that are themselves retrievable.
8.11.8. Deep water applications

The actual differential pressure conditions experienced by individual seals should always be
established and, if possible, tested before deployment.
9. Seals, packings, and gaskets
9.1. Introduction
Specification and selection of seal type and material is extremely important, fundamentally
affects valve performance, and requires attention to detail.
a. Seals should generally be one of the following types:
1. Elastomer O-ring.
2. Polymer lip seal (spring energised for low pressure sealing).
3. Proprietary seal designs.
4. Packed gland.
5. Chevron arrangement.
6. Diaphragm.
7. Thrust seal.
8. Metal gasket.
9. Pressure seal.
10. Metal bellows.
11. Combinations of the above.
b. Figure 56 shows O-ring, lip seal, chevron packing, and woven packing rings.

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Figure 56 – Seal types
9.2. Elastomer O-rings
9.2.1. General
a. Diametral clearances should be minimised if extrusion is to be avoided and, at pressure
ratings above Class 600, rigid plastic backing rings (filled PTFE or PEEK) having scarf cut
joints should be specified.
b. The required elastomer formulation depends on the process, etc. conditions, but NBR
(nitrile) or FKM (viton) materials should be selected for most conditions in hydrocarbon
service.
c. The unnecessarily conservative practice of specifying the minimum design temperature of
a gas application as being equal to the pipe or valve material impact test temperature (e.g.
–46°C (–51°F) or the lowest transient temperature expected to occur across a closing ESD
valve causes problems for seal material selection and should be avoided. A more accurate
assessment of minimum temperature (and its duration) is necessary.
9.2.2. Explosive decompression

a. Special formulations are available for use at pressures above 70 bar (1 000 psi). These
have a relatively high hardness (90 + durometer) and include a filler to reduce gas
permeability. They should normally be used with high strength polymer back-up rings as
noted above.
b. O-ring or other elastomer seal section diameters should not exceed approx. 6 mm (1/4 in)
in gas service.
c. If such seals are contemplated, specialist advice should be sought; alternatively, polymer
lip seals, etc should be used.
d. Excessive conservatism should be avoided when determining minimum design
temperatures on gas service (see above).
9.3. Polymer lip seals

If there is a possibility that a lip seal may be subjected to a differential pressure in the reverse
direction it should be provided with a PEEK or metal support ring to prevent crushing.
9.4. Proprietary seal designs
9.5. Gland packings

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a. Excessively long packing chambers should be avoided. If they cannot be avoided (e.g.
existing valves), replacement of superfluous packing by a rigid spacer should be
considered.
b. If sealing integrity is of prime importance (e.g. toxic service) the use of packing sets
comprising specially shaped packing rings employing an element of pressure energisation,
sets containing variable density rings, or techniques such as live (spring) loading may be
necessary.
c. Valve stem finish, straightness, and run-out along with packing chamber finish, gland and
stem clearances all affect sealing efficiency and should be carefully controlled.
Appropriate requirements are included in GISs for valves.
d. Split packings incorporating a lantern ring should be avoided.
e. If an intermediate lantern ring is provided, the primary packing set should be the lower of
the two and the upper packing set should be of minimum length (no more than a single
graphite ring with anti-extrusion rings).
f. Gland packings should not be replaced with the stem on the back seat and the valve under
pressure.
9.6. Chevron seals/packings
9.7. Diaphragm seals

If diaphragm valves are used on any service where it is important to retain the process fluid they
should be provided with a secondary stem seal.
9.8. Thrust seals

Thrust seals should only be used with ball valves of small size and should be avoided in high
pressure gas service (> Class 600).
9.9. Metal seals/gaskets

a. Metal seals may be used to seal static joints in the form of ring type gaskets, pressure
energised gaskets (e.g. Techlok, Graylok type), filled, spiral wound gaskets, or proprietary
corrugated gaskets. In addition, flat, graphite sheet gaskets should always incorporate a
stainless steel sheet to provide strength.
b. Ring type joints should be used for gate, globe and check valves at Class 1500 and higher
ratings and may be used down to Class 600 rating. Generally, the groove surface of ring
type joints should be harder than the gasket.
c. Spiral wound, graphite filled gaskets should be used for valves up to Class 900 rating in
which temperatures above 200°C (392°F) have to be accommodated.
d. For Class 150 rating, flat sheet graphite/metal gaskets may be used. These may also be
suitable for Class 300 rating.

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9.10. Pressure seal joint (See Figure 57)
Figure 57 – Pressure seal joint
Valves containing pressure seal joints should be subjected to a low pressure (6 bar (90 psi)) test
after assembly and hydrotest.
9.11. Metal bellows

a. Bellows sealed valves should be required to undergo fatigue type qualification testing and
GIS 62-015 includes requirements for this.
b. Bellows sealed valves should always be specified with a secondary stem seal that can be
used in the event of bellows rupture.
10. Materials
10.1. Pressure boundary (shell) materials
10.1.1. General
a. For non-corrosive duties from –50°C (–58°F) to 400°C (752°F) carbon steel should
normally be specified for the pressure retaining boundary.
b. For high temperature applications (> 400°C (752°F)) creep resisting grades of alloy steel
should be specified.
c. For low temperature application (down to –50°C (–58°F)) impact tested grades of carbon
steel should preferably be specified (test temperature equal to or less than the minimum
design temperature).
d. For cryogenic applications (< –50°C (–58°F)) austenitic stainless steels, nickel alloys, or
aluminium alloys (all of which retain ductility at very low temperature) are necessary.
e. For corrosive service, overlaid carbon or alloy steel, stainless steel (martensitic, duplex, or
austenitic), nickel alloys, plastics, or other special materials are required. Alternatively,
lined valves may be used in certain corrosive applications.
f. Cast iron should only be used for valves in underground water or sewerage service.

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g. In reaching a decision about whether or not to require impact testing the following factors
should be considered:
1. History and performance of proposed materials supplier.
2. Operating conditions (pressurised/not pressurised at low temperature).
3. Wall thickness (thicker sections are more susceptible to brittle behaviour at a given
temperature – see EEMUA Publication 153).
4. Local legislation (e.g. PED in European applications).
h. Valve body materials should be compatible with the pipe material. If a particular material
or grade is required this should be specified.
i. If sour service is specified, valve parts in contact with the process fluid and bolting
materials of insulated valves, etc. (see clause 6.18.1.1.c) should meet ISO 15156
(NACE MR0175) or NACE MR0103, if specified for refinery service, and shall be
generally in accordance with GP 06-20.
j. Austenitic stainless steel, including Alloy 20, should be supplied in the solution annealed
condition.
k. “Free cutting” (e.g. resulpherised) steels should not be used for pressure boundary parts,
parts in contact with the process fluid, or parts that are welded.
l. Parts forged from rectangular block billet should attain a minimum 20% size reduction.
m. Duplex and superduplex forged materials should not be used if section thickness is greater
than 80 mm (3 in).
n. The minimum nitrogen content of 22% Chromium duplex stainless steel should be 0,12%.
Duplex forgings and bar in particular should be subject to a metallographic examination in
accordance with ASTM E562 to demonstrate that the ferrite content of two samples per
heat treatment batch is between 40% and 60% and that the microstructure does not contain
grain boundary carbides or undesirable intermetallic phases.
o. Table 9 provides a list if commonly used valve shell materials with typical applications.
10.1.2. Alternative product forms, etc.

a. If steel castings are specified, forgings can usually be substituted.
b. If forgings are specified, substitution of castings or plates is not normally permitted.
c. If forgings or castings are specified, substitution of welded construction valves should be
subject to purchaser approval.
d. Hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) provides better integrity than castings and a better
microstructure than either castings or forgings. It is recommended as the best option for
duplex or superaustenitic stainless steels if constraints of size and complexity do not
prevent its use.
e. Type 316 stainless steel valves are usually acceptable in place of Type 304 stainless steel,
but any substitutions should be subject to purchaser approval.
Table 9 – Typical specifications (ASTM) and applications of valve shell materials
Material Typical Specifications Typical Application

Forgings Castings
Carbon Steel ASTM A105/ ASTM A216/ Non corrosive process hydrocarbons, produced water,
A105M A216M Gr. WCB slurries, de-aerated sea water, air, steam.

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Material Typical Specifications Typical Application

Forgings Castings
Low Temperature ASTM A350/ ASTM A352/ As above but for service between 0 C (32 F) and
Carbon Steel A350M Gr. LF2 A352M Gr. LCB, –50 C (–58 F) if toughness must be demonstrated.
(Impact Tested) LCC
Chrome-Moly ASTM A182/ ASTM A217 High temperature steam and process. Good resistance to
Alloy Steel A182M sulphur and hydrogen, good mechanical properties at
1 ¼ Cr. - ½ Mo. Gr. F11 Gr. WC6 elevated temperatures (creep resistant).
2 ¼ Cr. - 1 Mo. Gr. F22 Gr. WC9
5 Cr - ½ Mo Gr. F5 Gr. C5
Austenitic ASTM A182/ ASTM A351/ Corrosive service, low temperature service, services
Stainless Steel A182M Gr. F304, A351M Gr. CF8, requiring cleanliness. Unsuitable for sea water service.
Type 304 F304L CF3 Not to be used if chlorides exceed 30 ppm.
Stainless Steel ASTM A182 ASTM A351/ Highly corrosive service. Not recommended for sea water.
Type 316 Gr. F316, F316L A351M Not to be used where chlorides exceed 30 ppm.
Gr. CF8M, CF3M
13% Chrome ASTM A182/ ASTM A217 Corrosive hydrocarbon service (e.g. wet gas + C02).
Stainless Steel A182M Gr. F6 CA15 Not recommended for sea water. Pressure-temperature
ratings not included in ASME B16.34
Duplex Stainless ASTM Corrosive hydrocarbon service.
Steel (22% Cr.) A182/A182M
Gr. F51
Super Duplex ASTM A182/ ASTM A890/ Sea water service, very corrosive hydrocarbon service.
Stainless Steel A182M Gr. F55 A890M Gr. 5A Extreme sour service.
(25% Cr.)
Bronze - ASTM B62 Black sewage, brine, fire water, air, steam, water. Leaded
bronze has poor resistance to sea water.
Nickel Aluminium - Sea water, black sewage, brine, fire water. Good for high
Bronze velocities. Unsuitable for sulfide polluted water.
Titanium ASTM B348 Gr. 2 Sodium hypochlorite and ferritic chloride solutions.
Seawater.
Grey Cast Iron ASTM A126 May be used for underground water service, but should
Class B otherwise be avoided. Should not be used if freezing may
occur. Do not use for hydrocarbons or hazardous service.
Spheroidal ASTM A395/ As grey cast iron but with increased ductility. May be used
Graphite (ductile) A395M at higher pressures and temperatures. Useful for gearbox
Cast Iron housings, etc.
Monel 400 (nickel- ASTM B164 ASTM A494/ Sea water, brackish water, brine. Good resistance to all
copper alloy) Class A A494M or acids except oxidising types.
A744-M-35-1
Hastelloy Alloy C ASTM A494/ Hypochlorites, acetic acid chlorine, hydrogen.
(Cr-Mo alloy) A494M or A744-
CW-12M
Thermoplastics Land locations or inside modules only if no fire hazard.
UPBV Low pressure water and utility services only.
PVDF
PP
ABS
Glass Filled As above plus fire water, etc. if valves have been fire type
Epoxy tested.
10.2. Material composition of welding end valves
10.2.1. General
The chemical composition (by ladle analysis) of valve bodies with butt weld or socket weld
ends should be restricted as follows:

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10.2.2. Carbon and carbon-manganese steels

a. Carbon content: 0,25% max. (by weight).
b. Sulphur content: 0,035% max. (by weight).
c. Phosphorous content: 0,035% max. (by weight).
d. Carbon equivalent (CE): 0,43% max. (by weight).
Where CE = C + (Mn/6) + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15.
10.2.3. Chromium-molybdenum steels

a. Steels with 2% Cr and less:
Carbon content: 0,20% max. by weight (forgings and castings).
b. Steels with more than 2% Cr:
Carbon content: 0,15% max. by weight.
c. Residual elements:
1. Copper 0,30% max.
2. Nickel 0,40% max.
3. Tungsten 0,10% max.
4. Tin 0,03% max.
10.2.4. Austenitic stainless steel

a. Grades 304 and 316 should be restricted to a carbon content of 0,03% max. by weight.
Ideally, mechanical properties of the “normal” carbon grade should also be met.
b. Alternatively, a stabilised grade (e.g. 321) may be used.
10.2.5. Monel
Monel should be of a weldable composition. Weld bend tests should be carried out and the
results included in test qualification records.
10.3. Metallic valve trim materials (obturator/seat/stem)

a. Materials used for valve trim should be suitable for exposure to the process fluid, any
treatment chemicals, and to the proposed test conditions.
b. Materials should be selected to avoid galvanic action between dissimilar materials.
c. Seating components of metal seated valves should be faced with (or manufactured from) a
hard material (e.g. tungsten carbide, satellite, etc.), to withstand wear, abrasion and
erosion.
d. Materials for valve stems should be chosen with a view to avoiding galling when in contact
with glands, trunnion bearings, etc.
e. If duplex and superduplex stainless steel is used for trim components, the requirements of
above apply.
f. If alloy 718 (UNS N07718) is used for trim components, it should be procured in
accordance with API Spec 6A718.
g. Trim material combinations for wedge gate etc. valves should be selected from the
alternatives listed in the Reference Standard having regard to service conditions and
required operating characteristics. If trim materials are not listed in the standard or if
unusual service conditions exist, selection should take into account previous experience
and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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h. In the case of wedge gate, globe, and check valves, the seating surface trim selections of
Table 10are usually acceptable. Typical applications of valve trim are listed in Table 11.
Table 10 – ISO 10434 seating surface trim selection
Service Trim Trim Description

Combination
Number
Dirty/abrasive. 5 Hard faced with Stellite
Steam (above 3 bar (40 psig)). etc.
Hydrogen.
Gas service, in which high integrity is required.
Duties in which there is risk of wire drawing,
seizure, galling, or high rates of wear.
Class 1500 rating and above.
Isolation of hazardous fluids.
Wet H2S. 10 316 austenitic stainless
Cyanides. steel
HFA. 9 (or 6) Monel (or Monel & 13%
HCl. Cr.)
Amine 10 (7) 316 Austenitic stainless
steel (or 13% Cr.)
Water. 1 (7) 13% Cr.
Instrument air. (5 and 8 also
Inert gas. acceptable)
Caustic.
Clean hydrocarbon liquid and non-critical
hydrocarbon gas service.
i. Hardness differential between seating surfaces should be 50 HB minimum except if both
seating surfaces are satellite pr carbide coated. The seat shall have the harder surface.
j. 17Cr-4Ni precipitation hardening stainless steel (e.g. ASTM A564/A564M, Grade 630)
should not be used for new valve stems in sour service which are required to comply with
ISO 15156 (NACE MR0175). If used for other parts in sour service the material should
comply with ISO 15156 or, where appropriate for refinery service, NACE MR0103
including hardness limitations and shall be generally in accordance with GP 06-20.

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Table 11 – Typical application of metallic trim materials
Material Notes
13% Chrome Steel* General service, gases, oil, steam. Note: Stems may be subject
to graphitic attack if graphite packing not efficiently inhibited.
13% Chrome with Nickel Alloy Facing* General service, steam, water, air, gas, fuel oil non-lubricating,
non-corrosive low viscosity oils.
13% Chrome Steel, Hard Faced with General services, steam wire drawing applications, gas, oil and oil
Stellite, Colmonoy, etc. vapour.
Abrasion Resistant Trim (e.g. Tungsten Dirty/abrasive service etc. (including ”front end” oil and gas
Carbide, Carbide + stellite,) production) or critical valves where commissioning/ line clearing
conditions are onerous.
Austenitic Stainless Steel 18-10-2* Corrosive service, cryogenic service.
17/4 PH Stainless Steel* Corrosive service where high strength required. Not to be used
for stems in sour service.
Bronze Cold,/hot water, marine applications and low temp. service.
Nickel Aluminium bronze Sea water, brine, firewater unsuitable for sulfide polluted water.
Duplex Stainless Steel* Corrosive service.
Super Duplex Stainless Steel* Sea water, very corrosive service.
Hastelloy Alloy C Hypochlorites, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide, sea water, brine.
Nickel alloy (Monel and Inconel) Corrosive Services.
Titanium Sodium Hypochlorite, sea water.
Electroless Nickel Plating Used for ball valves on clean service.
* If used for obturator or seats, needs hard facing for dirty/abrasive service.
10.4. Bolting
a. Material for bolts, studs, screws, nuts and other fasteners should be selected to be
compatible with the flange materials and conditions of service.
b. Bolt materials for attachment of valves to piping flanges are normally determined by the
piping specification sheet. If wafer style valves are proposed, studs, etc. may be long and
should be selected to ensure that the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the bolt
material is not greater than that of the valve body and pipe flanges.
c. For sour service, ‘M’ grade restricted hardness bolting should be selected if contact with
the working fluid under pressure is expected (e.g. insulated joints in the event of leakage).
Bolts and nuts should meet the hardness requirements of ISO 15156 (or NACE MR0103 if
specified) and shall be generally in accordance with GP 06-20.
d. Restricted hardness (< 34 HRC) should be specified for buried or subsea valves to avoid
hydrogen embrittlement from the cathodic protection.
e. For low temperature applications, impact tested alloy steel material (“L” grade) should be
specified if impact testing of the valve shell materials is required. Bolting for valves to be
used within EEA countries must meet the relevant Essential Requirements of the European
Pressure Directive (PED).
f. Bolts for use on offshore applications should be hot dip galvanised. PTFE coating is not
recommended since it has limited effectiveness. Rupture of the PTFE coating results in
accelerated corrosion of the bolting unless it is applied on top of plating.
g. Bolting for subsea applications should not be coated or plated.
10.5. Plating
a. Plating such as electroless nickel (ENP) may be used if necessary to provide limited
wear/erosion resistance and to prevent galling of parts in sliding contact.

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b. Plating should not be used as primary means of providing corrosion resistance.

c. If pitting corrosion is to be avoided (in corrosive service), the base material should be
corrosion resistant (e.g. stainless steel) or a non-porous foundation layer should be applied
first. If service is non-corrosive ENP is recommended to protect carbon steel trim from
corrosion during hydrotesting.
d. Only established sources having a good history of supply should be used for ENP.
e. There should be a written procedure specifying the following:
1. Surface preparation;
2. Plating thickness (between 25 µm and 75 µm (0,001 in to 0,003 in));
3. Crack/porosity detection;
4. Adhesion strength;
5. Phosphorous content (8% to 11%);
6. A limit on elements other than nickel or phosphorous;
7. Organic bath stabilization (i.e. as opposed to stabilisation using lead, sulphur, or
cadmium);
8. Heat treatment;
10.6. Hard coating

Application of fusion welded coatings of the “Stellite” (cobalt based) or “Colmonoy” (nickel
based) type should be covered by qualified welding procedures that should include hardness
checks and surface iron content analysis to determine the degree of dilution at the finished
machined thickness.
10.7. Ceramics
Ceramics should be avoided (or protected) if significant solid objects may be present in the flow
(e.g. as a result of mechanical failure upstream) as they are usually brittle and therefore
vulnerable to damage by impact.
10.8. Elastomers (rubber) and polymers (plastic)

a. Materials should be confirmed to be compatible with all anticipated operating, test, and
dosing fluids.
b. If the chemical resistance of a non-metallic material is in doubt, specialist advice should be
sought.
c. Soft seated valves should be provided with a polymer or elastomer seat insert. Acceptable
polymers are PTFE (typically Class 150 and Class 300 only), filled PTFE, Nylon, and
PEEK. The most usual elastomers are NBR and FKM in the form of a trapped O-ring. If a
seat insert is elastomer this should be a specially shaped section to prevent “rolling” during
valve operation.
d. Most valve manufacturers publish pressure/temperature rating curves for their valves and
these should be consulted. It is recommended that valves having reduced pressure ratings
below the upper temperature limit be avoided.
e. Valves having pressure boundaries made from thermoplastic material should only be used
in building services and similar applications. Valves having pressure boundaries made
from reinforced thermosetting material and having standard pressure temperature ratings
may be used on chemicals, utility and fire water applications, including offshore.
f. If a fire hazard exists, appropriate fire type test certification should be insisted upon.

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g. In the case of novel applications, specialist advice should be sought.
Table 12 – General application data for non-metallic materials
Material Application
Chlorinated Polyethylene Good resistance to acids and solvents. If softening can be tolerated can be used to 90°C
(Penton) (194°F).
Chloroprene Rubber Suitable for some process services, good oil resistance with some grades. Good
(Neoprene) resistant to sunlight and weather. Suffers from compression set when hot. Not the most
useful elastomer for hydrocarbon service.
Chlorosulphonated Similar to neoprene but with higher temperature capability. Good resistance to chemical
Polyethylene (Hypalon) attack (e.g. acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, mineral and vegetable oils), poor resistance
to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Ebonite Good chemical resistance. Most grades soften above 70°C (158°F). Becomes brittle at
low temperatures.
Epichlorohydrin (ECO) Good oil and methanol resistance. Poor resistance to acids and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Ethylene Propylene Good mechanical properties, good resistance to phosphate ester based hydraulic fluids
(EPDM) and minerals. Good hot water and weather resistance. Not suitable for hydrocarbon
service. Good temperature range.
Fluoroelastomer FKM Water and hydrocarbon process service. Suitable for sour service. Good resistance to
(Viton) some acids, petrol and solvents. Should not be used with esters and keytones. Poor
flexibility at low temperatures. Viton A has poor methanol resistance, Viton B & GF are
unaffected by methanol diluted by at least 2% water and are the most useful grades for
hydrocarbon service. GLT Grade will go down to –40°C (–40°F). Filled, e.d. resistant
grades available.
Fluoroelastomer FEPM Not suitable for use at low or room temperature. Good resistance to amine based
(Aflas) corrosion inhibitors at high temperature.
Fluorosilicone Good H2S and methanol resistance. Reasonable resistance to acids and aromatic
compounds.
Hydrogenated Nitrile Usable at lower temperatures than Viton. Suitable for sour service applications. e.d.
Rubber (HNBR) resistant grades available.
Natural Rubber Suitable for cold water and some chemical and abrasive service. Has low resistance to
solvents, oils and sunlight
Nitrile Rubber (NBR) Good general service material, good resistant to oil, solvents (but not aromatics) and
chemicals, L.P. hydrocarbon gas. Subject to swelling when used with de-ionised water.
Not to be used for sour service. Poor resistance to sunlight and weather. Not to be used
on gas service above Class 600 rating.
Nylon (Polyamide) Insoluble in hydrocarbons, good resistance to alkalis but attacked by mineral acid;
absorbs water and swells (hydrolysis). Should not be used above 70°C (158°F) if there
is/has been exposure to water or methanol.
Low coefficient of friction. Most commonly used grade for valves is Nylon 6. Grades 11
and 12 slightly less prone to hydrolysis.
Perfluoroelastomer Excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals with an extended upper temperature limit.
(Kalrez, etc.) Attacked by refrigerants. Not normally available in e.d. resistant grades. Expensive.
Polyethylene Good resistance to mineral acids, alkalis and solvents. Suffers embrittlement when
subject to polar solvents, esters, alcohols and keytones.
Polypropylene Good resistant to chemical attack, similar to polyethylene but not so subject to stress
cracking.
Polyurethane Excellent resistance to oils, solvents, fats, grease, petrol, ozone sunlight and weather.
Good properties at low temperatures. Some reduction in properties at high temperatures,
susceptible to hydrolysis should not be used with hot water, acid or methanol. Swells on
contact with keytones, esters, aromatics.
Polyetheretherketone Rigid, hard polymer with high degree of chemical inertia. Good wear resistance for a
PEEK polymer. Can be used in steam and hot water service. Higher coefficient of friction than
PTFE but not prone to cold flow.
Polytetrafluoroethylene Excellent for most process services. Virtually inert. Max temperature limit 200°C (392°F).
PTFE Strength may be increased by adding fillers such as glass and carbon. Max. allowable
temperature depends on seal/valve design. Very low coefficient of friction, subject to
creep and cold flow under moderate loads.

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Polytrifluorochloroethylene Similar chemical resistance to PTFE but harder and stronger. Lower operating
(PTCFE) temperature range
Silicone Rubber Poor physical properties, lack of resistance to chemical attack. Not resistant to acids or
alkalis. Aromatic and chlorinated solvents and petrol cause swelling. Best low
temperature resistance of any elastomer.
Note that:
1. Most elastomers are subject to swelling when used with de-ionised water (particularly nitrile rubber).
2. Viton and neoprene elastomers should not be considered for hot water applications because they are susceptible to blistering,
but may be used for hot oil application.
3. EPDM (peroxide cured) may be considered for hot water applications up to 130°C (267°F).
4. Hydrocarbon gas service above 70 bar (1 000 psig) requires elastomer compounds that have been demonstrated to be resistant
to explosive decompression.
10.9. Graphite packing and seals

a. The packing material for general service block valves should be low to medium density,
high purity graphite incorporating a non-metallic, inorganic, phosphorous based,
passivating, corrosion inhibitor to prevent graphitic attack of 13% Cr. steel valve stems in
the presence of water.
b. The corrosion inhibitor should be impregnated before die forming.
c. Density of compressed rings before assembly should not normally exceed 1,6 gm/cc
(100 lb/ft3).
d. Braided anti-extrusion rings should be provided at the top and bottom of the set.
e. Graphite should not be used with chemical oxidizers or if the packing is exposed to air at
temperatures above 450°C (842°F).
f. Other graphite seals (e.g. fire seals in ball valves) should be passivated as required above.
10.10. Asbestos replacement materials

a. Asbestos packing should not be used.
b. The use of so called ‘asbestos replacement’ materials, e.g. in the limited number of cases
in which graphite is not appropriate, should be restricted to those applications in which
tests have shown that the required performance is attained.
10.11. Material temperature limitations

The maximum and minimum operating temperatures given in Table 13, Table 14, and Table 15
below are a general guide only for non-corrosive conditions. The corrosive nature or condition
of the fluid may restrict the allowable operating temperature range and service life of the
material. In case of doubt a materials specialist should be consulted.

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Table 13 – Temperature limits of valve shell materials
Materials Temperature
Minimum Maximum
°C °F °C °F
Carbon Steel (non-impact tested) –293 –203 425 797
Carbon Steel (impact tested e.g. LLC/LF2 –50 –58 343 650
Chromium Moly (1 ¼ Cr, ½ Mo) –293 –203 5931,2 1 1001,2
Chromium Moly (5 Cr, ½ Mo) –293 –203 5931 1 1001
Stainless Steel Type 304 –196 –321 538 1 000
Stainless Steel Type 316 –196 –321 538 1 000
Bronze –196 –321 260 500
Aluminium Bronze –196 –321 260 500
Titanium –304 –224 315 600
Grey Cast Iron 5 41 204 400
Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron 55 415 343 650
Monel 400 –196 –321 425 797
Hastelloy C –196 –321 425 797
13% Chrome Steel (impact tested) –50 –58 600 1 112
Duplex Stainless Steel (impact tested) –50 –58 315 600
Notes:
1. Class 150 flanged valves 540°C (1 000°F) max.
2. Scaling may occur above 565°C (1 050°F).
3. ASME materials only, used in conjunction with ASME B31.3 Piping Code.
4. Particular grades can go lower.
5. Or lower, with impact tests.
All temperature limits may have to be modified to suit trim and sealing materials.
Table 14 – Temperature limits of metallic trim materials
Materials – Metallic Temperature

Minimum Maximum
°C °F °C °F
Aluminium Bronze –196 –321 260 500
Austenitic Stainless Steel (with or without hard facing) –196 –321 450 842
Bronze –196 –321 288 550
13% Chromium Steel –50 –58 600 1 112
13% Chromium with Hard Facing (depending on facing –50 –58 450 to 842 to
material) 600 1 112
Duplex Stainless Steel –50 –58 315 600
Hastelloy Alloy C –196 –321 425 797
Inconel 625 & 718 –196 –321 650 1 202
Monel –196 –321 425 797
Stellite Hard Facing –196 –321 650 1 202
Tungsten Carbide –50 –58 150 * 302*
* If resin filled. If unfilled, 650°C (1 200°F).

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Table 15 – Temperature limits of non-metallic materials
Material Temperature1
Minimum Maximum
C F C F
Chlorinated Polyethylene (Penton) –10 14 90 194
Chlorosuphonated Polyethylene (Hypalon) (depends on grade) –15 5 200 392
Ebonite (depends on grade) 0 32 57 to 135 to
149 300
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM) –30 –22 150 302
Epichlorohydrin –30 –22 150 302
Fluoroelastomer FKM (Viton) (depends on grade) –40 to –40 to 2002 3922
–5 23
Fluoroelastomer FEPM (Aflas) 30 86 220 428
Fluorosilicone –45 –49 175 347
Hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) (depends on grade) –40 to –40 to 150 302
–20 –4
Natural Rubber –50 –58 70 158
Nitrile rubber (NBR) –20 –4 120 248
Nylon (Devlon V) –196 –321 1203 2483
Perfluoroelastomer (Kalrez/Chemraz etc.) (depends on grade) 0 32 230 to 446 to
260 500
Polychloroprene (neoprene) –20 –4 100 212
Polyethylene –40 –40 60 140
Polyproplene 0 32 100 212
Polyurethane –30 –22 90 194
PEEK –196 –321 250 482
PTFE (virgin) –196 –321 2604 5004
Silicone Rubber –60 –76 170 338
1. For continuous exposure. Most materials can withstand brief excursions to 5 C (9 F) lower and 10/20 C (18/36 F)
higher. For marginal applications specialist advice should be sought.
2. Unless special arrangements are made to prevent extrusion an upper limit of 180 C (356 F) is recommended.
3. 75 C (167 F) if material has had significant exposure to water.
4. If fully contained. This material tends to extrude and a safer upper limit is 200 C (392 F).
5. All materials can withstand temperatures 25 C (45 F) above the specified upper limit for short periods.
6. At temperatures below the lower limit elastomers tend to lose resilience, leading to leakage. If the temperature is
increased the material recovers.
10.12. Temporary coatings, lubricants, etc.

Depending on local regulatory or site requirements, information may have to be supplied
relating to any temporary coatings, insulating oils, corrosion inhibitors, anti-freeze solutions,
desiccants, or other chemical or hydrocarbon substances e.g. provision of a Materials Safety
Data Sheet.
a. In such cases valves and actuators should be prominently tagged at openings to indicate the
nature of contents, and precautions for shipping, storage, and handling should be provided.
b. Any such requirements should be indicated on the purchase order.

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Annex A
(Informative)
Glossary of valve terminology
This Annex lists many common terms used in vale specification and description.
Abrasion
Wear of valve trim caused by rubbing of one surface over another exacerbated by hard particulate in
the process fluid.
Actuator
A powdered valve operator energised by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic power sources.
Air/Vacuum Relief Valve

See pressure/vacuum safety valve.
Angle Valve
A globe valve design having valve ends at right angles to each other. Normally the inlet in the vertical
plane and outlet in the horizontal plan but well chokes use the opposite configuration.
Anti-Blowout Stem
A valve stem with a shoulder, positively retained by the body or bonnet which prevents ejection of the
stem by pressure.
Anti-Static Device
A device providing electrical continuity between the valve body and internal components to prevent
ignition of flammable fluids by static discharge.
Automatic Control Valve

An actuated valve automatically regulating the flow, pressure, or temperature of a fluid in response to
a process signal.
Axial Flow Valve

A valve of the globe type whose seat and plug axis are on the pipe axis. Available in check, on-off and
control valve versions (also known as a nozzle valve, inline globe or (in check version) anti-slam
valve).
Back Pressure
The pressure at the outlet, downstream of the valve. For safety valves back pressure can affect
operation and is often expressed as a percentage of the set pressure.
Back Pressure Controller

An automatic control valve with an internal sensing element which maintains a constant pressure in
the upstream pipe-work.
Back Seat
In globe or gate valves a face on the valve stem, seating on the underside of the gland stuffing box,
providing a metal to metal seat in the full open position. Intended to reduce gland leakage should this
occur.

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Balanced Safety Valve

A safety valve in which the back pressure is balanced so that it does not affect the set point (generally
by means of a bellows).
Ball
See Closure.
Ball Check Valve

A lift check valve having a free or spring loaded ball closing on a spherical seat (see also check valve).
Ball Valve
A quarter turn, rotary action valve with spherical obturator and seats. (Sometimes called a ball plug
valve).
Bellows
A convoluted, cylindrical component, usually metal, providing axial flexibility combined with
pressure containment. Used as a hermetic gland seal (in bellows sealed valves) or for equalising back
pressure in balanced safety valves. Occasionally used for loading seats in some designs of ball and
gate valves for high temperature.
Bellows Sealed Valve

A valve having a bellows sealed gland.
Bi-Directional Valve
A valve designed to seal against flow or pressure from either direction.
Block Valve
A general term for valves used to shut-off flow and pressure. Other terms used are isolation valve,
shut-off valve and stop valve.
Blow Down
(1) When applied to safety valves means the difference between set pressure and reseating
pressure, usually expressed as a percentage of set pressure.
(2) When applied to gas or steam service the depressurisation of a piping system etc.
Blow Down Valve

A valve, often specially designed for rapid depressurising of a high pressure system. Automated
versions are linked to the emergency shut-down system
Body (Valve)
The main pressure containing component of a valve shell. The body may be of a single piece
construction or comprise of several sections.
Bolted Bonnet
A term specifying that the bonnet is bolted to the body (not screwed or welded).
Bolted Gland
A term specifying that the gland is bolted to the bonnet (not screwed or a union type).
Bonnet
The pressure containing top cover containing the gland. The term cover is used for check valves.

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Bonnet Assembly
The bonnet and valve operator.
Bonnet Packing
See gland packing.
Bonnetless Valve
A term for a valve having all internal parts inserted into a one piece body.
Bottom Flange
A term used when a pressure containing plate covers an opening on the bottom of a valve.
Breakout Torque of Force

The torque or force required at the valve stem to initially move the obturator from the fully closed
position.
Bronze Trim or Bronze Mounted

Specifies that trim (internal components), e.g. closure, stem, seat ring are of bronze.
Bubble Tight
No visible leakage (bubbles of air) during a gas seat test.
Built-Up Back Pressure

A pressure occurring at a safety valve outlet during discharge as a result of discharge line flow
resistance. Normally expressed as a percentage of the set pressure.
Butterfly Valve
A quarter turn valve having a circular, disk like obturator mounted on a shaft transverse to the axis of
the pipe. When rotated the disk shuts off the pipe at right angles to the flow.
By-Pass Valve
A valve intended to divert flow around part of a system through which it normally passes.
Cage Trim
A cylindrical component having multiple holes intended to improve regulation of flow and minimise
wear and noise in control and choke valves.
Cavitation
A phenomena which can occur in partially closed valves in liquid service if pressure at the vena
contractor is reduced below vapour pressure. Subsequent increases in static pressure cause vapour
bubbles to suddenly collapse or implode causing erosion damage.
Cavity Relief
Relief to prevent pressure rise in valve body cavities due to temperature changes affecting trapped
fluids. Internal relief may be provided by the seat design but external relief may be necessary in some
designs requiring a body mounted relief valve with its inlet connected to the cavity.
Chatter
Rapid reciprocating motion of safety valve disks contacting the seat. Typically a result of oversizing
where high pressure occurs but there is insufficient volume to fully lift the valve.

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Check Valve
A self acting valve type allowing forward flow and preventing reverse flow. Other terms used include
non-return valve, reflux and retention valve.
Choke Valve
A control valve for flow and pressure reduction, specifically located immediately downstream of an
oil or gas well or upstream of a water or gas injection well. The design is similar to a globe valve, the
closure being conical or plug shape seating in a circular orifice.
Clamp Gate Valve

A gate valve having body and bonnet held together by a ‘U’ bolt clamp which facilitates stripdown for
overhaul.
Class Rating
A meaningless number denoting a range of temperature and pressure combinations at which a valve
may be used.
Clean Service
A classification used to denote that the process fluid and piping system are essentially clean and free
of solids or debris.
Closing Torque or Force

Torque or force required at the valve stem to close the obturator on to the seat.
Closure Member
The final component of the valve drive train regulating the flow or pressure and closing against the
seat e.g. ball, disk, gate, piston, or plug. Synonymous with obturator.
Cock
A small quarter turn, rotary action valve with a taper plug closure, generally used for low pressure
instrumentation, drains and vents.
Combined Stop and Check Valve

See globe stop and check valve.
Compact Gate Valve

A gate valve of small nominal size having compact dimensions. Normally complying with ISO 15761
or API Std 602. May be supplied with one extended end for threaded or welded attachment to pipe
(Formerly addressed by API Std 606).
Conduit Gate Valve

A parallel gate valve having a continuous uninterrupted port through the valve when fully open. Also
known as a through conduit gate valve. See also slab gate and split gate valves.
Control Valve
A valve that regulates flow, pressure, or temperature. See also automatic control valve and manual
control valve. Other terms include regulating valve and throttling valve.
Corrosion Allowance
An addition to the design wall thickness of pressure containing components which may be subject to
corrosion in service.

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Crawl
Graduated adjustment of the set pressure of a spring loaded safety valve from below normal to normal
after the spring temperature has been raised by discharged fluid.
Cryogenic Valve
A valve designed to operate within the temperature range –50°C to –196°C (–58°F to –320°F).
Typical valve types used include ball, butterfly globe, wedge gate and check valves.
Dashpot
A device for dampening the movement of the closure member, particularly of check valves.
Diaphragm
A flexible disk of metal, polymer, or elastomer that provides limited movement for valve operation or
is used to sense pressure. Applications include diaphragm check valves, diaphragm block valves,
pressure regulators and control valve actuators.
Diaphragm Actuator
A control valve actuator consisting of a diaphragm in a pressurised housing. Usually pneumatic
operation with spring return.
Diaphragm Check Valve

A valve in which the closure element is a specially shaped diaphragm allowing forward flow but
preventing reverse flow.
Diaphragm Valve
A block/control valve utilizing a resilient diaphragm as the closure element. Can be either weir or
straight through type.
Differential Pressure
The difference in pressure between any two points in a piping system. For valves usually the
difference in pressure between the upstream (inlet) and downstream (outlet) of a fully closed valve.
Also known as pressure differential.
Discharge Coefficient
The ratio of the measured relieving capacity of a pressure relief valve to the theoretical relieving
capacity.
Dirty Service
Denotes that the process fluid and piping system contain particulate which may damage valves unless
specially selected for the conditions (e.g. hard metal seated slab gate and ball valves for oil and gas
production).
Diverter Service
A process requirement to direct flow from one stream to two or more streams. Several block valves or
a single diverter valve may be employed.
Diverter Valve
A valve with multiple ports intended to divert flow from one stream to two or more alternative streams
whilst preventing intermixing. Also called multi-port valves, switching valves and change over valves.
The term is sometimes used to describe several valves used in combination for directing flow streams.

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Double Block
The provision of double isolation either by means of two separate valves installed in series or by
means of a single valve having two seats, each of which provides a seal.
Double Block and Bleed Valve

Specifically as defined by ISO 14313 (API 6D) a valve with two seating surfaces which, in the closed
position, blocks flow from both valve ends when the cavity between the seating surfaces is vented
through a bleed connection provided on the body cavity. Note that this DOES NOT provide double
isolation of equipment from a single source of pressure
Double Disk Butterfly Valve

An uncommon design having two disks to isolate flow and pressure usually provided with cavity bleed
for double block and bleed.
Double Isolation Block Valve

A single valve having two seats, each of which provides a seal against pressure from a single source.
This feature may be provided in one direction or in both directions. Usually provided with a cavity
vent.
Double Piston Effect Seat

A trunnion mounted ball valve seat which is designed to seal with pressure applied from the body
cavity.
Downstream Seated Valve

A valve where the upstream line pressure loads the obturator against the downstream seat with
differential pressure across the valve. Typical examples include gate valves, floating ball valves, globe
valves and butterfly valves.
Drag Valve
A control valve with a cage trim having multiple perforations providing a high resistance flow path for
high pressure drop, low noise application.
Drive Train
The components which transmit operating force or torque from the input device (handwheel, actuator,
etc.) through the pressure retaining boundary to the valve seat.
Drop Tight
A term specifying that no liquid droplets should be visible through a closed valve.
Dual Plate Check Valve

A swing check valve having a central shaft which supports two spring loaded half disks.
Eccentric Ball Valve

A quarter turn, rotary action valve providing a cam action against the seat and this closing by
application of mechanical force.
End Entry Ball Valve

Strictly a ball valve with a single piece body in which the ball is assembled from one end of the bore
and held in position by a seat/retainer ring fastened to the body. The term is often used
interchangeably with Side Entry Ball Valve.
Erosion
Damage to the valve/trim caused by high velocity flow of fluids – usually containing solids.
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Excess Flow Valve

A valve designed to close automatically when flow exceeds a specified rate.
Expanding Gate Valve

A parallel gate valve having two gate halves with inclined mating faces such that operation results in
mechanical loading of each gate half against its seat.
Expanding Plug Valve

A parallel plug valve having two plug halves separated by an internal wedge such that operation
results in mechanical loading of each plug half against its seat.
Face to Face Dimensions

The dimension from the end face of the inlet port to the end face of the outlet port of a valve or pipe
fitting.
Facing
The finish of the gasket contact surface of flanged end piping materials and valves.
Fire Fighting Valve

Generally a globe valve specifically for fire hydrants having an outlet for a hose coupling.
Fire Safe
A misleading and incorrect term used to describe a valve suitable for service in fire hazardous areas.
Fire Type Test

A standardised test which can be performed on a valve or range of valves to provide an indication of
how they may behave when subjected to a real fire.
Fire Type Test Certified Valve:

A valve covered by fire type test certification in accordance with an accepted fire type test standard.
Fixed Seats
Seats fixed to the valve body, often by welding.
Flap Valve
A low pressure swing check valve having hinged disk or flap, sometimes leather or rubber faced.
Flash Point
The temperature at which a fluid first releases sufficient flammable vapour to ignite in the presence of
a small flame or spark.
Flat Faced bonnet Joint

The jointing surface between a valve body and bonnet when the bonnet is not recessed into the body
but seated on a flat surface. Suitable for low pressure service only.
Flat Full Face Gasket

A flat gasket covering the entire surface of parts to be joined.
Flexible Wedge Gate Valve

A valve having a slotted gate permitting flexing, improving seat alignment and reducing break out and
closing force (torque) with high pressures and temperatures. Only effective in larger sizes.

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Float Valve
An automatic flow control valve of globe or piston type, usually operated by a float mechanism for
regulating or maintaining liquid level in a tank.
Floating Ball Valve

A valve having a ball supported by seat rings, without a trunnion. Also called a seat supported ball
valve.
Floating Seats
Valve seats having limited axial movement, energised by line pressure to seal against the obturator and
sealed against the valve body.
Flow Coefficient Cv
The flow capacity of a valve at a specified opening position in US gallons per minute of water at a
temperature of 60°F with a pressure loss of one pound per square inch.
Flow Coefficient Kv
The flow capacity of a valve at a specified opening position in cubic meters per hour of water at 15°C
with a pressure loss of 0,981 bar.
Flutter
Rapid reciprocating or oscillating motion of a valve disk during which the disk does not contact seat
(applicable to check valves).
Foot Valve
A lift or swing check valve with an open inlet for total immersion on a pump suction line, always
fitted with a filter or strainer.
Full Bore/Port
A valve bore approximately equivalent to pipe bore - minimising pressure drop and facilitating
pigging.
Full Bore Diaphragm Valve

Diaphragm valve with straight through full bore. See diaphragm valve and weir diaphragm valve.
Full Bore Plug Valve

Plug valve with full bore through valve as opposed to standard patterns having trapezoidal ports.
Full Lift Safety Valve

A valve which modulates open over a small portion of the lift and then opens rapidly to the fully open
position.
Galling
The tendency to seizure of two metallic components in sliding contact, usually where there is
insufficient difference in relative hardness or where identical materials are used.
Gate
The obturator of a gate valve.
Gate Valve
A linear action, multi-turn (when hand operated) valve, the obturator is a gate or disk closing against
flat faced seats.

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Gear Operator
A gearbox fitted to a valve for manual or actuated operation to reduce operating effort. Increases
operating time.
Gland
A flanged or screwed component fastened to the bonnet to compress and retain the gland packing.
Gland Follower
An integral or separate gland component in direct contact with the packing.
Glandless Valve
A valve not requiring a gland, e.g. a diaphragm valve or pinch valve.
Gland Packing
See packing.
Globe Stop and Check Valve

A globe valve whose disk is disconnected from the stem so that, in the open position, the valve acts as
a check valve. Also called a combination stop check valve
Globe Valve
A linear action, multi-turn (when hand operated) valve with a disk or plug type obturator seating on a
flat or shaped seat
Hammer Blow Handwheel

A handwheel incorporating lost motion and designed to provide a sudden load to start opening of a
valve where a plain handwheel is inadequate but a geared operator is not justified. Generally only used
with globe valves and wedge gate valves.
Handwheel
The manually operated component used to open and close a valve.
Hand Operated Valve

A valve without a powered actuator.
Hard Faced Seats

Seats or seating having a hard facing or coating to provide good sealing surfaces resistant to wear,
wire drawing, galling and abrasion. Materials generally used - cobalt bearing alloys (stellite,
colmonoy); carbides (tungsten, chromium).
Hard Seated Valve

A valve with hard faced seats and obturator.
(Valve) Height
Usually the distance from pipe centre line to top of valve handwheel or the top of a gear operator or
powered actuator. See overall height.
High Performance Butterfly Valve

Imprecise term historically used for double and triple offset butterfly valves.
Hose End Valve

A valve for utility services which has fittings for connection to a hose.

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Inlay/Overlay
A corrosion resistant fusion welded coating applied to valve body internal surfaces.
Inlet Port
The port connected directly to the upstream pipework.
Inside Screw Non-Rising Stem

A gate valve design in which the gate rises on a threaded portion of the stem within the valve body and
below the stem seal. The stem rotates but does not rise.
Iris Valve
A valve design in which the closure moves towards the centre of the valve bore to seat.
Isolation Valve
See block valve.
Kicker Valve
A specific term for the valve used on pig traps to initiate pig launching and to stop flow on pig
reception.
Knife Gate Valve

A valve having a narrow parallel gate with a shaped edge for cutting through glutinous media or
slurries. Normally limited to low pressure, the gland normally seals directly onto the gate.
Lantern Ring
A metallic ring forming a chamber between upper and lower sets of compression packings in a
stuffing box. A port from the bonnet may connect with the lantern ring which may have several
functions:
(i) An injection chamber for gland sealant.

(ii) A pressure chamber for preventing external loss of e.g. toxic process fluid.
(iii) A leakage collection chamber.
Lapping
The process of rubbing and polishing surfaces (e.g. obturator and seats) to obtain a smooth seating
surface and minimise leakage.
Leak Tight
A term confirming there is no leakage through or from a valve.
Lever Operated Valve

A quarter turn, rotary action valve, e.g. ball, butterfly and plug types, usually small, low rated valves.
Lift Check Valve

A check valve in which the obturator is lifted from the seat during forward flow.
Lifting Plug Valve

A valve in which the plug is lifted clear of the seat during rotation from open to close to reduce
operating torque.

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Line Blind Valve

A method of positive isolation using a plate arranged to rotate between flanges that are clamped
against the plate to seal off. Also called a goggle and spectacle valve.
Line Pressure
The pressure in the piping system.
Lined Valve
A ball, plug or butterfly valve whose body is internally lined, typically with PTFE or elastomer. The
lining is used to seal valve.
Lubricated Plug Valve

A plug valve having grooved seating areas and passage ways for lubricant and sealant injection. See
pressure balanced plug valve.
Lugged Pattern
Term for butterfly and check valves of wafer pattern which are provided with lugs through drilled for
flange bolting. Other terms used - lugged wafer pattern, wafer lugged pattern and single flanged valve.
Manual Control Valve

A valve for regulating flow or pressure which is not part of a feedback control loop. Globe, needle,
ball, butterfly and diaphragm valves are extensively used.
Manual Operation
A valve supplied for operation by hand.
Manual Override
Operation by handwheel of a powered actuator in the event of power failure and for setting of the
actuator travel stops etc.
Manual Valve Operator

A valve operator consisting of a hand lever, handwheel or T bar.
Mechanically Seated Valve

A valve designed to achieve primary seating by application of mechanical force e.g. expanding gate
valve, wedge gate valve, expanding plug valve, globe valve, butterfly valve.
Metal Seated Valve

See hard seated valve.
Mixing Valve
A control valve, usually self operating which uses a control element to regulate flow from more than
one input. Multi-port designs e.g., globe type may be used to mix different fluids and are sometimes
called blending valves. Mixing valves are also used for temperature control in conjunction with a
thermostat.
Modulating Safety Valve

A pilot operated valve designed to modulate opening according to the degree of overpressure.
Needle Valve
A globe valve with a conical plug (needle) closing into a small seat. Used for flow metering and
damping pressure fluctuations on instruments e.g. pressure gauges. Also called an instrument valve.

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Nominal Diameter (DN) & Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)

A number denoting the size of a pipe, fitting, or valve. Units of DN is millimetres, units of NPS is
inches. The actual bore may vary considerably from the DN or NPS designation.
Non-Lubricated Plug Valve

A plug valve not depending on the injection of lubricant or sealant for operation and seating e.g., lined
and sleeved plug valves and lifting plug valves.
Non-Rising Stem
See inside screw, non-rising stem.
Nozzle Check Valve

See axial flow valve.
Oblique Pattern
A globe valve body pattern with the closure at an angle to the port to reduce pressure drop. Also called
a ‘Y’ pattern valve.
Obturator
The final component of the valve drive train regulating the flow or pressure and closing against the
seat e.g. ball, disk, gate, piston or plug. Synonymous with closure member.
Outlet port
The port connected directly to the down stream pipework.
Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y)

A rising stem design for linear action valves (gate and globe). The threaded portion of the stem is
outside the valve body and isolated from the process media by the gland packing. The stem is operated
by a threaded nut in the yoke.
Outside Screw, Rising Stem

See outside screw and yoke.
Overall Height
Valve height plus the distance below the valve bore centreline to the base of the valve.
Overlay
Fusion welded alloy applied to valve bodies (for corrosion resistance) and trim (for wear resistance).
Overpressure
A safety valve term for pressure increase above the set pressure after the valve has lifted (expressed as
percentage of set pressure).
Packing
The material used to effect a seal between the valve stem and the bonnet in a packed gland valve.
Packing Assembly
The gland, gland follower, packing nut and packing components of a valve.
Packing Box Assembly

The bonnet gland stuffing box and packing assembly used to seal against leakage from the valve body
stem area.

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Parallel Gate Valve

A gate valve with a parallel faced, sliding gate or disk closure. Typically slab gate, parallel slide gate
and expanding gate.
Parallel Plug Valve

A valve with a cylindrical plug closure, various methods of sealing are used i.e., lubricated, expanding
plug, eccentric and O-ring sealed designs.
Parallel Slide Valve

A parallel gate valve incorporating two disks separated by a spring. Generally used for power
generation and steam service applications.
Particulate
Small solid contaminants in the process fluid which may be abrasive and damaging to the valve
performance.
Penstock Valve
A gate valve with the gate mounted in a frame fixed to a wall or bulkhead. Used for handling large
volumes of low pressure water. Also called a sluice valve.
Pig-Ball Valve
A ball valve designed to hold and launch or receive pigs or spheres.
Piggable Valve
A full bore block valve suitable for the passage of pigs and spheres. Valves used are trunnion mounted
ball valves and conduit gate valves of slab and expanding design.
Pilot Operated Safety Valve

A valve comprising of a main valve and a pilot valve. The pilot valve senses the pressure of the system
and, when opened, vents pressure from a cylinder which normally holds the main valve closed.
Pinch Valve
A valve in which the closure is a flexible tube, either exposed or enclosed in a body. The tube is
pinched to close mechanically or by application of control fluid pressure between the body and the
tube.
Piston Check Valve

A check valve with a free or spring loaded piston closure.
Piston Valve
A globe valve in which a cylindrical obturator enters or withdraws from a seat bore to start, stop or
regulate flow. The seat bore contains packing to effect a seal against the obturator. In addition to the
standard straight pattern design other variants are available, e.g., tank bottom outlet valves and
sampling valves.
Plate Check Valve

A valve having an arrangement of metallic or plastic plates allowing forward flow but preventing
reverse flow. Used for air and gas compressors.
Plug
A valve obturator which may be of tapered or cylindrical shape.

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Plug Valve
A quarter turn, rotary action valve in which the obturator is a plug closing against a downstream seat.
PN Rating
A meaningless number denoting a range of temperature and pressure combinations at which a valve
may be used.
Poppet Valve
A linear action valve (derivative of globe valve) in which the closure is a stem mounted disk often
with an angled edge closing on an angled seat. Frequently found solenoid operated in control systems.
Port
A passage through a component, e.g. the inlet and outlet through an open valve. Also, sometimes, the
valve seat opening.
Preferred Flow Direction

A term for a design of valve where line pressure aids closure in one direction and tends to unseat from
the other direction. Valves with preferred flow directions include butterfly, eccentric ball and eccentric
plug valves.
Pressure Balanced Plug Valves

A lubricated plug valve having internal passageways pressurised by the process fluid in order to
reduce operating friction and make it more predictable.
Pressure Control Valve

An automatic valve with a pressure sensing element to control pressure within specified limits. (see
pressure maintaining valve, pressure reducing valve).
Pressure Differential
See differential pressure.
Pressure Drop
The pressure lost between the inlet and the outlet of an open valve owing to its resistance to flow.
Pressure Energised Seat

A floating seat with limited movement that is energised by line pressure against the obturator.
Common in trunnion mounted ball valves and slab gate valves.
Pressure Maintaining Valve

A control valve that maintains the level of upstream line pressure. Also called a back pressure
controller.
Pressure Reducing Valve

An automatic control valve that reduces the upstream line pressure to a set level downstream and
maintains the reduced pressure irrespective of changes in upstream pressure.
Pressure Relief Valve

See safety valve.
Pressure Sealed Bonnet

A valve in which the bonnet is in the form of a cylindrical plug retained inside the valve body by a
segmented ring which reacts the pressure load on the bonnet and transfers to the valve body. Sealing is
provided by a separate gasket.
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Pressure/Vacuum Safety Valve

A valve that automatically releases excess pressure or admits pressure to prevent a vacuum forming
when filling or emptying a pipeline or tank.
Raised Face Flange (RF Flange)

A pipe flange or valve body flange where the gasket contact surface is raised relative to the flange
face.
Raised Face Gasket (RF Gasket)

A gasket with dimensions matching a RF flange face.
Reduced Bore
A valve in which the diameter of the flow passage is reduced at the seat. Generally the reduction is to
the next standard pipe size down. Saves weight, size, and cost at the expense of additional pressure
drop. (See venturi valve).
Regular Pattern
A U.S. term for a valve design in common usage as opposed to less common designs. Also specifically
used for plug valves in which the port commonly used is trapezoidal. Synonymous with standard
pattern.
Relief Valve
Also known as a pressure relief valve or safety valve. Strictly a design of safety valve that is direct
acting and intended for liquid service only. Designs include full lift relief valve and modulating relief
valve.
Reseating Pressure
The pressure at which a pressure relief valve or safety valve reseats after discharge.
Resistance Coefficient
A coefficient defining the friction loss through a valve in terms of velocity head or velocity pressure.
Reverse Acting Gate

A term used for conduit gate valves in which the gate(s) is ported through the upper half so that the
gate is raised to close. This design utilises internal pressure to close the valve and therefore minimises
the size of actuators for shutdown valves etc. Also avoids problems in closing as a result of any
solids/particulate which may have entered the body cavity where the process fluid is dirty.
Ring Type Joint Flange (RTJ Flange)

A pipe or valve body flange having a machined groove into which a metal ring gasket is fitted.
Ring Type Joint Gasket

A metal ring gasket of oval or octagonal section.
Rising Stem
Valves in which the stem (but not necessarily the handwheel) rises during valve opening.
Rotary Disk Valve

A form of quarter turn gate valve design in which an offset shaft slides a disk shaped obturator across
the valve seat to open or close. Upstream pressure loads the disk against its seat. Also called a rotary
gate valve and a lever gate valve when manually operated by a lever.

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Rotary Valve
A general term sometimes used to describe valves with a rotary action, e.g., ball, butterfly, plug
valves. The term is also used specifically for a design of valve used to dose precise quantities of
powders on liquids into a process stream. The obturator is machined with a series of cups to hold the
dose and may be continuously rotated through 360 degrees or reciprocated through 180 degrees to
provide dosing. A particular design is the cup ball valve typically used in chemical plants.
Rubber Lined Butterfly Valve

A quarter turn rotary action valve of conventional design in which the disk is mounted concentrically
with the shaft axis. The rubber lining of the body forms the valve seat. The lining may be vulcanised
to the body or be replaceable in the form of a lining or insert.
Rubber Seated Wedge Gate Valve

A valve with a rubber coated wedge closure that seals against the valve seat. This design eliminates
the cavity in the bottom of the valve but is limited by pressure and temperature.
Running Torque or Force

The torque or force required to stroke a valve over the majority of its travel. This torque or force is
always less than the breakout and closing torque/force.
Safety Relief Valve

A direct acting pressure-relief valve intended for gas, vapour and liquid service.
Safety Valve
In Europe a term for any automatic valve that relieves overpressure in a pressurised system. In the
USA it is specifically a full lift pressure-relief valve intended for gas service only. Also sometimes
used for valves which perform a safety related function e.g. shut-down valves.
Sampling Valve
A globe valve intended for taking samples from a vessel or piping system. Usually mounted on the
bottom of a vessel or pipe (see piston valve).
Screwed Bonnet
A bonnet screwed into the valve body rather than flanged or bolted. Generally used on small bore low
pressure valves for non-hazardous industrial applications. The bonnet is sometimes seal welded to
prevent external leakage from the threaded portion.
Screwed (Threaded) End

A valve (and pipe) with ends machined with an internal or external screw thread.
Screwed (Threaded) Gland

A gland with an external screw thread and screwed into the bonnet stuffing box, rather than flanged
and bolted. Generally used on small bore valve, e.g. instrument valves. A locking device is sometimes
fitted to prevent rotation in service due to vibration or other cause.
Sealant Injection
The injection through a non-return valve of a viscous sealing compound to seal the stem and/or seats
of a valve either by design (lubricated plug valve) or for use in an emergency.
Seat
The part of a valve against which the obturator is loaded to provide shut-off and through which
process fluid flows in the open position. The seat may comprise one or more components of metallic
or non-metallic materials.
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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Seat Bush
See seat ring.
Seat Contact Pressure

The force per unit area required to prevent leakage across the contact surface of a valve seat and
obturator. May be applied by line pressure and/or mechanical force.
Seat Holder
A metallic component, usually corrosion resistant, with a seat insert of another material, e.g. elastomer
or polymer. Specifically the term is used for valves with floating seat designs. Seat holders are
typically used in trunnion mounted ball valves and slab (parallel) gate valves.
Seat Housing
The counter bone in the body of floating seat valve in which the seat holder is located.
Seat Insert
A ring shaped sealing element generally of elastomer or polymer that is fitted in a seat holder, seat
ring or closure. Also called a soft seat insert.
Seat Pocket
A general term for the counterbore(s) within a valve body that house or locate a seat holder or seat
ring. Seat pockets may be left plain or overlaid in corrosion resistant materials when required.
Seat Ring
Synonymous with seat where this is a separate component from the valve body.
Seat Supported Ball Valve

See floating ball valve.
Seat to Body Seal

The seal preventing leakage around an inserted seat. In fixed seat valves the seal usually depends on a
screwed or swaged joint. In floating seat valves a dynamic seal (O-ring etc.) is required to allow float
of the seat assembly.
Set Pressure
The pressure at which a pressure relief valve opens.
Shaft
Synonymous with stem but usually associated with rotary valves.
Short Pattern Valve

Valve in which the face to face dimension is less than normal. Several standards include short pattern
dimensions for different types of valves. Generally, valves are of reduced bore.
Shut-Off Valve
A valve designed to operate either fully open or fully closed, and not at intermediate positions.
Side Entry Ball Valve

Strictly, a two or three piece body ball valve in which the ball is assembled via the bore of one of the
body pieces. The term is often used interchangeably with End Entry.

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Single Flanged Valve

Normally a wafer pattern valve provided with lugs for bolting to pipe flanges.
Single Piece Ball Valve

A ball valve with the body in one piece, the ball being assembled from one end and held by a retainer
ring which may also include a valve seat. Generally used for small bore valves.
Size
The size of a valve usually refers to the nominal size (DN or NPS) of the connecting piping.
Sometimes the actual internal diameter is given e.g. for wellhead gate valves. Reduced bore/venturi
valves normally reference the size of the reduced internal diameter e.g. 6 in x 4 in NPS (See also full
bore/part and reduced bore).
Slab Gate Valve

A conduit gate valve with a single parallel sided gate normally sealed by floating seats, line pressure
energised with supplementary mechanical loading (springs) at low pressure. Fixed seats are sometimes
used for small bore valves.
Sleeved Plug Valve

As a lined plug valve except that the sleeve of PTFE or similar polymer material is machined and
press fitted or keyed into the valve body rather than moulded in place
Slide Valve
A general term for the knife gate valve and the parallel slide valve but, specifically, the term is used
for specialised parallel gate valves working at high temperature and low pressure on FCCUs in
refineries. Valve bodies are normally internally insulated.
Slurry
A product consisting of solids mixed with liquid to assist transportation through piping systems. The
solids vary widely and may be abrasive, non-abrasive, hard or fibrous materials.
Small Bore Valve

A term generally used for valves of NPS 2 and less.
Socket Weld End

A valve with counterbored end(s) into which piping is fitted and fillet welded to make a joint.
Soft Seat Insert

See seat insert.
Soft Seated Valve

A valve with primary seating elements manufactured from elastomer or polymer.
Soft Seated Wedge Gate Valves

A wedge gate valve in which primary soft seating is used. Seating may be a solid PTFE seat, or a soft
seat insert, either in the valve body or in the wedge gate closure.
Solenoid Valve
A linear action block valve, generally of globe type, fitted with a solenoid actuator. Generally quick
operating.
Solid Wedge Disc

A disc or wedge of one piece.
Page 121 of 125
27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Split Wedge Gate

Gate valve having a wedge comprising two separate halves in order to provide flexibility and
resistance to thermal wedging.
Stem
The component of a valve which transmits force or torque from the operator to the obturator.
Stop Check or Screw Down Non-Return Valve

A valve which automatically closes when flow reverses and which can be screwed down into a stop or
closed position.
Stuffing box
The gland packing chamber within a valve bonnet.
Swing Check Valve

A valve which has an obturator comprising swinging disc that opens with forward flow and closes
automatically when forward flow ceases.
‘T’ bar
A lever handle extending on both sides of the stem/shaft centre line.
Throttling
Regulation of pressure or flow across a valve.
Trim
Internal components isolating or regulating the flow (e.g. wetted parts). Includes seating surfaces,
obturator, cage, stem, bearings, guides and associated parts.
Uni-Directional Valve
A valve designed to seal in only one flow direction.
Upstream Seated Valve

A valve that when closed, seals by line pressure acting on the upstream seat.
V Port Plug or Ball

A type of valve closure member (plug or ball) having a ‘V’ shaped orifice giving good throttling
characteristics.
Valve Closure Member

Synonymous with obturator.
Valve Operator
The valve part or parts by means of which a force is applied to move the obturator.
Valve Port
Usually the passages adjacent to the inlet or outlet openings of the valve.
Venturi Throat Valve

A valve having a reduced port opening at the seat and a graduated transition to the valve ends.
Intended to minimise pressure drop through the valve.

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Wiper Ring
A ring which removes extraneous material (e.g. from a gate valve stem) by a wiping action in order to
protect the stem seal.
Y Type Globe Valve

See ‘Oblique Pattern’.
Yoke
That part of a valve which connects the valve actuator to the valve body and reacts the force on the
stem.
Yoke bush
A screwed brush, retained in the yoke (often in bearings) to which the hand-wheel or actuator is
connected. Is threaded onto the valve stem so that rotation of the bush causes valve stem to move up or
down.

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27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Annex B
(Informative)
EEMUA recommended valve test requirements
Nomenclature: Y = Test recommended A = Discretionary according to service conditions

N = Test not recommended T = Type test
Test Description Commodity Valves Critical Service Valves
1 1
Gate Globe But’fly Plug Ball Gate Globe But’fly Plug Ball
Shell Strength (liquid) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Shell Tightness (liquid) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Shell Tightness (LP N N N N N A2 A2 A2 A2 A2
Gas)
Hp Seat (liquid) Y Y Y Y A3 Y Y Y Y Y
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Lp Seat (gas) A A A A Y A A A A Y
Hp Seat (gas) 4 N N N N N A 2, 5 A 2, 5 A 2, 5 A 2, 5 A 2, 5
Obturator Strength N N N N N N N Y6 N N
(liquid/gas)
HP Backseat (liquid) Y5 Y5 N N N Y Y N N N
LP Backseat (gas) N N N N N N N N N N
Operability (function) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Torque/Force N N N N N Y5 Y5 Y5 Y5 Y5
Measurement
Anti-Static N N N Y7 Y7 N N N Y7 Y7
Fire Test 8 Y 7, 9 N Y 7, 9 Y 7, 9 Y 7, 9 Y 7, 9 N Y 7, 9 Y 7, 9 Y 7, 9
5, 10 5, 10 5 5, 10 5, 10
Body Cavity Relief Test Y N N Y Y Y N N Y Y5
Notes:
1 Wedge gate, expanding gate and slab gate.
2 Gas service applications. Allowable leak rate for HP test should be agreed with manufacturer: is normally several times LP rate.
3 Strongly recommended if sealing force is mechanical, e.g. ‘Orbit’ type valves.
4 May be substituted for HP liquid seat test.
5 Sample.
6 ‘A’ for sizes below DN 350 (NPS 14).
7 Type test.
8 Not applicable to buried or subsea valves.
9 If polymer or elastomer seals employed.
10 Only types which can lock liquid inside body cavity when in closed position, and which may subsequently be heated.

Page 124 of 125
27 April 2006 GP 62-01
Bibliography
BP
[1] GN 62-028 (TB0028) Avoiding Gas Decompression Damage of Rubber Seals.
Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA)

[2] ISA 93.00.01 Standard Method for the Evaluation of External Leakage of Manual and Automated
On-Off Valves.
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry (MSS)

[3] MSS SP-81 Stainless Steel, Bonnetless, Flanged Knife Gate Valves.
Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI)

[4] VDI 2440 Emission control - Mineral oil refineries.

Page 125 of 125

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Guidance on Practice for

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6.10. Corrosive service........................................................................................................46

10.4. Bolting...................................................................................................................... 135

Table 1 – Recommended seat leak rates.......................................................................................18

Figure 1 – Isolation arrangements..................................................................................................14

Figure 10 – Parallel slide gate valve...............................................................................................61

Figure 47 – Plate check valve.......................................................................................................104

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American Petroleum Institute (API)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

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British Standards Institute (BSI)

Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA)

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Euro Norm (EN)

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry (MSS)

NACE International (NACE)

3. Terms and definitions

Double block and bleed valve

Double isolation valve

Double isolation and bleed valve

4.1. Connection to piping

4.1.2. Welded ends

4.1.3. Compact clamp connectors

4.1.4. Other connections

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4.2. Construction/commissioning conditions

4.3. Maintenance considerations

4.3.2. Valves maintained in situ

4.3.3. Valves removed to a workshop for maintenance

4.4.1.1. Double block isolation

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Figure 1 – Isolation arrangements

4.4.1.2. Positive and passive action

4.4.2. Positive versus passive action

4.4.3. Double block isolation

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seat. Automatic venting of body cavity overpressure is normally preserved and an

4.4.4. Pig launcher/receiver valves

4.5. Testing - general

4.5.1. Recommended Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)

1. Hydrostatic shell test at 1,5 x rated pressure.

4.5.2. Recommended FAT seat leak rates

Table 1 – Recommended seat leak rates

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Figure 2 – Low pressure gas leak rate comparison

Gas Leak Rate Comparison

70 ISO 5208 Rate C

4.5.3. Test duration

Table 2(A) – Comparison of shell test times (seconds)

Size API 598 and ISO 10434 EN 12266-1 ISO 5208 ISO 14313

Table 2(B) – Comparison of seat test times for ball valves (seconds)

Size API 598 and EN 12266-1 ISO 5208 ISO 14313

4.6. Specific additional tests

4.6.1. Cavity relief test

4.6.2. Electrical insulation test

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4.6.3. Low temperature test

4.6.4. High temperature test

4.6.5. Gas seat leak testing