What is the difference between API 607 and aPI 6FA?
Both API 607 and API 6FA are important standards for fire testing of valves, but their core difference lies in the types of valves they apply to and the focus of the test. Simply put, API 607 is designed for 90-degree rotary valves (such as ball valves and butterfly valves) and valves with non-metallic seats, while API 6FA is applicable to various valves under API 6A/6D standards (such as gate valves and ball valves), except for check valves.
1. Applicable Valve Types
API 607: Primarily for 90-degree rotary valves (such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves) and valves with non-metallic seats.
Not applicable to fire testing of electrically or pneumatically operated devices.
API 6FA: Applicable to valves under API 6A and API 6D standards, such as ball valves, gate valves, and plug valves.
Explicitly not applicable to check valves.
2. Testing Focus
API 607: Primarily tests the sealing performance of valves after a fire, especially leakage of non-metallic valve seats at high temperatures.
API 6FA: More comprehensive, testing the pressure resistance, sealing performance, and operational performance of valves in a fire, ensuring that valves can still function normally during a fire.
3. Test Pressure and Coverage
API 607: Wide test pressure range, from a minimum of 0.2 MPa to a maximum of 75% of the maximum pressure at room temperature.
Allows coverage of sizes and materials; for example, a 6-inch valve can represent 6- to 12-inch ferritic valves.
API 6FA: Test pressure is determined based on the valve's rating, with no fixed lower limit.
Only allows size coverage; materials are not interchangeable.
4. Application Scenarios
API 607: Applicable to high-risk industries such as oil, chemical, and natural gas, ensuring that valves remain sealed after a fire.
API 6FA: Also applicable to high-risk industries, but focuses more on the overall performance of valves in a fire, such as pressure resistance and operation.
5. Testing Procedure
API 607: Includes drawing design review, commissioning of a testing organization, on-site witnessed fire testing, report issuance, and certificate issuance.
Requires at least 9 sample sizes for full coverage.
API 6FA: Similar procedure, but requires at least 11 sample sizes for full coverage.
6. Technical Points
API 607: Tests valves to maintain sealing function at high temperatures from 750°C to 1000°C.
Leakage rate is graded according to valve size; for example, the leakage limit for a DN50 valve during combustion is 200 mL/min.
API 6FA: More stringent testing conditions, including sealing performance after fire and cooling.
7. Standard Updates
API 607: The latest version is the eighth edition, released in October 2022.
API 6FA: No specific updated version mentioned, but testing requirements are aligned with API 6D standards.
8. Other Considerations
API 607: Low test pressure is applicable to Class 150 and Class 300 non-metallic seat valves, simulating pump shutdown conditions after fire detection.
API 6FA: Test pressure is determined based on valve rating, with no fixed lower limit.
9. Summary
API 607: Designed for 90-degree rotary valves and non-metallic seats, testing sealing performance after a fire.
API 6FA: Applicable to various valves under API 6A/6D standards, testing pressure resistance, sealing, and operational performance during a fire.
API 607 and API 6FA Valve in stock
