API 607 is primarily designed for quarter-turn valves (like ball and butterfly valves). For check valves, the industry standard for fire testing is typically API 6FA or API 6FD.
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API 607 Standard Testing Parameters
| Parameter | Specification Requirement |
| Valve Types Covered | Ball, Butterfly, Plug (Quarter-turn) |
| Seating Material | Primarily Soft-Seated (Non-metallic) |
| Burn Duration | 30 Minutes |
| Flame Temperature | 750°C to 1000°C (1400°F to 1800°F) |
| Internal Pressure | 75% of maximum CWP (Cold Working Pressure) |
| Post-Burn Cooling | Natural cooling or water quench |
| Operational Test | Valve must be cycled once after cooling |
API 607 vs. API 6FA for Sourcing Decisions
Sourcing Comparison – API 607 vs. API 6FA
| Feature | API 607 | API 6FA |
| Primary Target | Refineries & Process Plants | Pipelines & Wellheads |
| Valve Motion | Quarter-turn (Ball/Butterfly) | Linear/Non-Quarter-turn (Gate/Check) |
| Seat Design | Focus on Soft-to-Metal transition | Focus on Metal-to-Metal integrity |
| Industry Preference | Downstream (Petrochemical) | Upstream/Midstream (Oil & Gas) |
| Can it cover Check Valves? | No (Technically out of scope) | Yes (The correct standard) |
API607 Valve Inspection Content and Process
The fire resistance test of industrial valves is generally carried out according to the following steps:
- Prepare valve samples and confirm that the specifications and models meet the testing requirements.
- Install the valve in the testing device, connect the gas source and pressure gauge.
- Apply working pressure to verify the sealing performance of the valve at room temperature.
- Start the heating device and heat the valve according to the API607:2016 standard temperature curve, with a typical duration of 30 minutes.
- Monitor the sealing performance during the heating process to ensure that the valve has no abnormal leaks.
- Heat and cool to room temperature, and test the sealing and opening/closing performance of the valve.
- Organize test data and write a detailed inspection report, including key data such as leakage rate and switch torque.
- The entire process is strictly executed according to the standards, and any abnormalities in any link will affect the testing
Major Types of Valves for API 607
API 607 is specifically designed for quarter turn valves, which typically use soft seals.
1. Ball Valves - The Most Common API 607 Valve
Ball valves are the most concentrated field of fire resistance certification. In order to pass API 607, ball valves must have a "secondary metal to metal seal" structure.
Floating Ball Valves: Used for small diameters, medium and low pressures. During a fire, the sphere is compressed and moves downstream, pressing against the lip of the metal valve seat.
Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Used for large diameters and high pressures. The metal valve seat, which relies on spring loading, presses against the sphere after the soft seal burns out.
2. Butterfly Valves - High Performance and Triple Eccentricity
High Performance/Double Offset Butterfly Valve: Designed with a special sealing ring (usually a soft seal wrapped in a metal bracket), it relies on metal contact to seal after a fire.
Triple Offset Butterfly Valve: Although triple offset is usually a metal seal, if it comes with a non-metallic auxiliary seal, it also needs to be certified according to API 607.
3. Plug Valves
Lining plug valve or eccentric plug valve: mainly used in the chemical industry to prevent a large amount of medium leakage under fire conditions.
4. Control Valves
The ball valve or butterfly valve actuator assembly used in emergency shutdown systems (ESD) in petrochemicals typically requires the valve section to comply with API 607.
Applications of API 607 Valves
These valves are mainly installed in areas where flammable and explosive media are handled and there is a high risk of fire:
1. Refineries&Petrochemical Plants
This is the largest market for API 607 valves.
Application points: Import and export of materials in crude oil distillation units, hydrocracking, catalytic cracking and other units. If a fire occurs, these valves must be able to cut off the fuel source to prevent 'burning the camp'.
2. Oil and Gas Storage and Terminal (Tank Farms&Terminals)
Application point: Tank Base Valves for large storage tanks. Once a pipeline fire occurs, the root valve must be able to reliably close to prevent tens of thousands of tons of crude oil or finished oil from leaking.
3. Offshore Platforms
Application point: Due to limited space at sea and difficulties in fire evacuation, all flammable medium pipelines are required to use valves that comply with API 607 (or more stringent API 6FA).
4. Gas Turbine and Power Generation Industry
Application point: Fuel/gas supply system for gas turbines. If the system detects a leak or fire, the fire-resistant valve must be able to ensure that the fuel supply is completely cut off.
5. Chemical Storage and Packaging
Application points: Loading crane tubes, methanol or ethanol storage areas.
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FAQ
What is the difference between API 6FA and API 607?
API 607 provides fire test criteria for quarter-turn valves and other valves with nonmetallic seating under pressure, whereas API 6FA provides the fire testing requirements for API 6A and API 6D valves. API 6FA is applicable for metal seated valves.
What is the difference between API 608 and API 607?
API 607 is essential for environments where fire safety is a top priority, ensuring valves can withstand and function during fire exposure. In contrast, API 608 focuses on the structural integrity and performance of metal ball valves under pressure and temperature without addressing fire resistance.