API 6D, titled "Specification for Pipeline and Piping Valves," is designed specifically for the midstream sector-pipelines that transport oil and gas over long distances. While many people associate API 6D with massive, trunnion-mounted ball valves used in compressor stations, the standard also includes specifications for floating ball valves.
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API 6D floating ball valve Technical Specifications
| Design Standard | API 6D / ISO 14313 |
| Pressure Rating | Class 150, 300, 600 (Class 900+ available upon request) |
| Size Range | NPS 2" ~ NPS 6" (Standard for Floating Design in Pipelines) |
| Face-to-Face (F-F) | ASME B16.10 / API 6D |
| Flange Connection | ASME B16.5 (RF - Raised Face, RTJ - Ring Type Joint) |
| Butt-Weld Connection | ASME B16.25 (BW) |
| Fire Safe Design | API 607 / API 6FA Certified |
| Safety Features | Anti-static Device & Blow-out Proof Stem (Standard) |
| Cavity Relief | Self-relieving Seats (Automatic cavity pressure relief) |
| Materials (Body) | Carbon Steel (A105, WCB, LCC), Stainless Steel (F316, CF8M), Alloy Steel |
Dimensional Data for API 6D Floating Ball Valves
Class 150 (PN 20)
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | DN (mm) | RF/BW (F-F) | RTJ (F-F) | Approx. Weight (kg) |
| 2" | 50 | 178 | 191 | 18 |
| 2-1/2" | 65 | 191 | 203 | 25 |
| 3" | 80 | 203 | 216 | 32 |
| 4" | 100 | 229 | 241 | 55 |
| 6" | 150 | 394 | 406 | 95 |
Class 300 (PN 50)
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | DN (mm) | RF/BW (F-F) | RTJ (F-F) | Approx. Weight (kg) |
| 2" | 50 | 216 | 232 | 22 |
| 2-1/2" | 65 | 241 | 257 | 31 |
| 3" | 80 | 283 | 298 | 48 |
| 4" | 100 | 305 | 321 | 78 |
| 6" | 150 | 403 | 419 | 135 |
Soft Seat vs. Metal Seat Comparison for API 6D Floating Ball Valves
| Features | Soft Seat | Metal Seat |
| Sealing Materials | PTFE, RPTFE, Devlon, Nylon, PEEK | Stellite Overlay, Tungsten Carbide Coating (TCC), Chromium Carbide Coating (CCC) |
| Leakage Class | Zero Leakage / Bubble Tight (ANSI Class VI) | Usually ANSI Class V or VI (Depending on lapping precision) |
| Temperature Range | -29°C to 200°C (Material dependent; PEEK can go higher) | -196°C to 500°C+ (Preferred for cryogenic or extreme high temperatures) |
| Applicable Media | Clean gas, water, oil products (Particle-free) | Sandy media, solid particles, slurry, and high-viscosity fluids |
| Operating Torque | Low; smooth opening and closing | Higher (Due to significant metal-to-metal friction) |
| Wear Resistance | Poor; easily scratched by impurities, leading to leaks | Excellent; highly resistant to erosion and abrasion |
| Service Life | Relatively short; seals require periodic replacement | Extremely long; suitable for severe service and frequent cycles |
| Cost | Cost-effective / Economic | Expensive (Requires precision lapping and advanced hard-facing processes) |
| Common Applications | Natural gas transmission, municipal gas networks, ambient temperature oil | Crude oil (sandy), refinery coking, blowdown/sewage, and high-pressure steam |
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FAQ
What is the difference between API 6D 24th edition and 25th edition?
The 25th edition requires actuators to fully conform to API 6DX. In the 24th edition, only the API 6DX rules for sizing an actuator were required. This means that for an actuated valve to conform to the 25th edition of API 6D, the actuator must conform to API 6DX.
What is the difference between API 6D and B16 34?
ASME B16. 34: Provides general quality assurance guidelines. API 6D: Mandates more stringent quality control measures, including specific inspection and testing procedures.
What is the difference between API 6D and API 594?
API 594 covers compact wafer and dual plate check valves, while API 6D covers pipeline valves including large swing check valves. Because their short stroke and spring-assisted closure reduce reverse flow velocity. Cracking pressure is generally very low, typically around 0.05 to 0.2 bar.