API 6D (Pipeline Valves): These valves are designed for long-distance pipelines transporting crude oil, natural gas, or water. They must handle soil stress, outdoor exposure, and massive pressure surges.
API 600 (Steel Gate Valves): It is designed for oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and power stations where high temperatures and corrosive chemicals are part of daily operations.
Decision Matrix: API 6D vs. API 600 Gate Valve Selection for Midstream & Downstream.
Technical Specification Table: API 6D Pipeline Gate Valves
| Parameter | Description / Specifications |
| Design Standard | API Spec 6D / ISO 14313 / ASME B16.34 |
| Nominal Size Range | NPS 2" ~ NPS 60" (DN 50 ~ DN 1500) |
| Pressure Class | ASME Class 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 |
| Valve Construction | Slab Gate (Through-Conduit), Expanding Gate |
| End Connections | Flanged (RF, RTJ), Butt-Welding (BW) |
| Face-to-Face Dimensions | Compliant with API 6D / ASME B16.10 |
Material Specifications (Common ASTM Standards)
| Component | Common Materials |
| Body / Bonnet | WCB, WCC, LCB, LCC, A105, LF2, F316, F51, F53 |
| Gate | A105+ENP, F316, F304, F51, Monel, Inconel |
| Seat Rings | Soft Seat: PTFE, RPTFE, PEEK, DEVLON <br> Metal Seat: Stellite Faced, Tungsten Carbide (WC) Coated |
| Stem | 13Cr, F316, F304, 17-4PH, XM-19, F51, Inconel 718 |
| Seals / O-Rings | Viton (A/B/GLT), HNBR, NBR, Flexible Graphite |
Testing & Inspection
| Test Item | Reference Standards |
| Pressure Testing | Mandatory per API 6D (High-pressure Hydrostatic & Low-pressure Air) |
| Seat Leakage Criteria | Soft Seat: Rate A (Zero Leakage); Metal Seat: Per ISO 5208 |
| NDT Inspection | RT (Radiographic), UT (Ultrasonic), MT (Magnetic), PT (Penetrant) |
| Sour Service | Optional compliance with NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 |
| Actuation / Operation | Lever, Gearbox, Electric, Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Gas-over-Oil |
Technical Specification Tables: API 600 Wedge Gate Valves
| Parameter | Description / Specifications |
| Design Standard | API 600 / ASME B16.34 |
| Nominal Size Range | NPS 2" ~ NPS 60" (DN 50 ~ DN 1500) |
| Pressure Class | ASME Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 |
| Valve Construction | OS&Y (Outside Screw & Yoke), BB (Bolted Bonnet), Wedge Gate |
| End Connections | Flanged (RF, RTJ), Butt-Welding (BW) |
| Face-to-Face Dimensions | Compliant with ASME B16.10 |
Material Specifications (Common ASTM Standards)
| Component | Common Materials |
| Body / Bonnet | WCB, WCC, WC6, WC9, LCB, LCC, C5, C12, CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M |
| Wedge (Gate) | Body material + Seat Overlay (e.g., Stellite 6) |
| Seat Rings | Stellite 6, 13Cr, or Stainless Steel (Matched to Trim No.) |
| Stem | 13Cr (F6a), F304, F316, 17-4PH, XM-19 |
| API Trim Number | Trim 1, 5, 8, 10, 12 (Trim 8 is the industry standard) |
| Packing & Gaskets | Flexible Graphite, SS+Graphite Spiral Wound Gasket (SWG) |
Testing & Inspection
| Test Item | Reference Standard |
| Pressure Testing | Compliant with API 598 (High-pressure Hydrostatic & Low-pressure Air) |
| Sealing Leakage Rate | Zero Leakage per API 598 criteria |
| NDT Inspection | Optional: RT (Radiographic), UT (Ultrasonic), MT (Magnetic), PT (Penetrant) |
| Visual Inspection | Compliant with MSS SP-55 |
| Fugitive Emission | Compliant with API 622 / API 624 (Environmental compliance) |
Comparison Summary Table for Procurement
| Feature | API 6D Gate Valve | API 600 Gate Valve |
| Industry Segment | Midstream (Pipelines) | Downstream (Refineries) |
| Primary Design | Through-Conduit / Slab Gate | Flexible or Solid Wedge Gate |
| Pigging | Yes (Essential) | No |
| Pressure Class | Class 150 to 2500 | Class 150 to 2500 |
| Sealing Surface | Parallel Seats | Angled Wedge Seats |
| Key Advantage | Low pressure drop, piggable | Extremely robust for process plants |
GNEE API 6D and API 600 Gate valve factory
FAQ
What is an API 600 gate valve?
API 600, developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), specifies the requirements for bolted bonnet steel gate valves. These valves are primarily used for blocking services where reliable shutoff and minimal pressure drop are necessary.
Are API 600 gate valves full port?
API 600 covers bolted bonnet steel gate valves for the petroleum and natural gas industries, specifically where "corrosion, erosion, and other service conditions indicate a need for full port openings, heavy wall sections, and extra large stem diameters."