# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences in Valve Fire Testing Standards

Introduction

When it comes to valve fire testing standards, API 607 and API 608 are two of the most commonly referenced specifications in the industry. Both standards are developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and are designed to ensure the safety and reliability of valves in fire-prone environments. However, they serve different purposes and apply to different types of valves. Understanding the key differences between API 607 and API 608 is crucial for engineers, procurement specialists, and safety professionals.

What is API 607?

API 607 is a standard that specifies fire testing requirements for quarter-turn valves and actuators. It applies to soft-seated valves, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves, which are commonly used in the oil and gas industry. The primary goal of API 607 is to evaluate the ability of these valves to maintain their structural integrity and sealing performance during and after exposure to fire.

The standard outlines a rigorous testing procedure that includes exposing the valve to a fire for a specified duration (typically 30 minutes) while maintaining internal pressure. After the fire exposure, the valve must still function and maintain its sealing capabilities to pass the test.

What is API 608?

API 608, on the other hand, is a standard specifically for metal-seated ball valves. Unlike API 607, which focuses on fire testing, API 608 covers the design, materials, inspection, testing, and documentation requirements for ball valves used in general industrial applications. While API 608 does include some fire testing provisions, its scope is broader and not exclusively focused on fire performance.

API 608 is often used in conjunction with API 607 when fire-safe performance is required for metal-seated ball valves. However, it’s important to note that API 608 does not replace API 607 for fire testing purposes.

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

1. Scope and Application

API 607 is exclusively a fire testing standard for quarter-turn valves with soft seats, while API 608 is a comprehensive standard for metal-seated ball valves that includes some fire testing elements but covers much more.

2. Valve Types

API 607 applies to various quarter-turn valves (ball, butterfly, plug) with soft seats, whereas API 608 specifically addresses metal-seated ball valves.

3. Testing Focus

API 607 focuses entirely on fire performance testing, while API 608 includes design, manufacturing, and general performance requirements in addition to some fire testing provisions.

4. Seat Materials

API 607 is primarily concerned with soft-seated valves (PTFE, elastomers), while API 608 deals with metal-to-metal seated ball valves.

5. Industry Usage

API 607 is commonly referenced in applications where fire safety is critical, such as offshore platforms and refineries. API 608 is more broadly used for general industrial ball valve specifications.

Which Standard Should You Use?

The choice between API 607 and API 608 depends on your specific requirements:

• If you need fire-tested soft-seated quarter-turn valves, API 607 is the appropriate standard.
• If you’re specifying metal-seated ball valves with general performance requirements, API 608 is more relevant.
• For metal-seated ball valves that also need fire testing, both standards may apply, with API 607 supplementing the fire testing requirements.

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