Subjects to review

• Establish the required valve design and manufacturing basis.
• Connect inspection and test records to the supplied valve configuration.
• Identify the applicable addenda, errata and purchaser requirements.

How to use it in a project. A pipeline or process isolation enquiry needs more than “API 6D” on the datasheet. State the medium, operating cases, isolation function, ends, bore requirement and actuation. Where cavity pressure or bidirectional isolation matters, ask for the proposed seat arrangement and operating limitations.

Important distinction. For a hydrogen-related enquiry, identify the applicable supplementary requirements and actual material and service conditions; the standard number alone does not establish suitability.

Standard information ↗ · Supporting publication information ↗

Subjects to review

• Choose the butterfly-valve configuration and end arrangement to specify.
• Review the proposed design, rating, materials and dimensional basis against the full current edition.
• Agree the required inspection, testing and supporting documentation.

How to use it in a project. For a butterfly-valve replacement, record the mating flanges, installed length, disc clearance and available actuator space. The valve style and seat choice also need to suit the fluid, temperature, differential pressure and operating frequency.

Important distinction. A reference to API 609 does not by itself establish fire-test qualification or a fugitive-emissions result. Specify those requirements separately when the project needs them.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Define the ball-valve construction and connection arrangement in the enquiry.
• Review rating, materials and the proposed seat system for the actual duty.
• Connect the product requirement to the specified inspection and test basis.

How to use it in a project. For process isolation, include fluid cleanliness, temperature, pressure differential and operating frequency. Ask how the proposed seat materials and assembly address these conditions, especially when solids, high temperature or frequent cycling are involved.

Important distinction. Do not substitute API 608 for API 6D solely because both may apply to ball valves. Resolve the project’s product specification and service requirements first.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Identify the required gate-valve construction and end connection.
• Review the body, bonnet, trim and stem proposal against the project specification.
• Agree the dimensional, inspection and test documents required for supply.

How to use it in a project. For line isolation, record operating pressure and temperature, fluid condition, cycling frequency and installation orientation. Check space for the rising stem, handwheel or actuator, and maintenance access before approving the arrangement.

Important distinction. An isolation gate valve should not be assumed suitable for sustained throttling. If regulation is the real duty, define the control requirements separately.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Distinguish the required valve function before selecting the small-valve construction.
• Identify connection, material and pressure-temperature requirements.
• Review the applicable inspection and testing basis with the supplier.

How to use it in a project. Small valves often sit in crowded utility, drain, vent or instrument connections. State the actual duty and connection details, then check tool access, installation clearance and the compatibility of the complete assembly.

Important distinction. A compact body does not establish suitability for a particular fluid or temperature. Review the seat, packing, trim and connection limitations as well as the body material.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Define the globe-valve construction and end arrangement.
• Review material and trim choices for the operating environment.
• Connect the product specification to dimensional and acceptance documents.

How to use it in a project. When comparing a manual globe valve with an automated control valve, establish whether the requirement is isolation, occasional adjustment or continuous modulation. A control duty needs flow cases, pressure drop, controllability and actuator review.

Important distinction. API 623 alone is not a control-valve sizing calculation or a specified seat-leakage class. Add the relevant flow and shut-off requirements to the enquiry.

Standard information ↗ · Supporting publication information ↗

Subjects to review

• Identify the check-valve type and required connection arrangement.
• Review the current product requirements against the proposed valve design.
• Agree dimensions, inspection and test evidence for the selected configuration.

How to use it in a project. A check-valve enquiry should include normal and minimum flow, fluid properties, installation orientation and the expected shutdown behaviour. These inputs help the engineer examine opening behaviour, pressure loss and the risk of unstable operation.

Important distinction. Product-standard compliance does not settle a system transient or water-hammer question. If reverse flow or slam is a concern, define that operating event and the analysis needed.

Standard information ↗

• Main coverage: Pressure-temperature ratings, material requirements, dimensions and tolerances, nondestructive examination, testing and marking.
• Practical use: Identify the material, class, design conditions, end connection and required examination when reviewing a valve specification.

Application check: Pressure class alone does not define allowable pressure at every temperature. Review the proposed material and rating together, then check the assembly’s other service limits. Use the relevant dimensional reference for the installed length.

For your enquiry

Bring THINKTANK the design pressure-temperature cases and material requirements to define the selection and engineering review scope.

Main subjects covered

• Inspection and examination: Manufacturer inspection, purchaser access and notification, the extent of examination, casting checks and supplementary examinations.
• Test requirements: Test location and equipment, test fluids, pressures, holding periods and leakage acceptance. The required test combination depends on the valve design and applicable provisions.
• Test procedures: Shell, backseat and low- or high-pressure closure testing, plus procedures for double-block-and-bleed valves. High-pressure pneumatic shell testing has specific provisions; it is not a universal requirement for every order.
• Records and purchaser information: Certification, retesting and material test reports, together with the information the purchaser needs to state in the order.

Where it helps: Useful when preparing an inspection and test plan for a new valve order, defining witness points, or reviewing a supplier test report. Specify the valve type, size, rating, seat construction, test direction and required documentation before testing.

Application checks and THINKTANK support

A test result establishes performance under the stated test conditions. It does not determine flow capacity, corrosion suitability or installed control performance. Do not treat an API 598 leakage criterion as an interchangeable control-valve leakage class.

Send THINKTANK the valve datasheet and acceptance requirements. We can help connect the selected valve configuration with the inspection items and evidence required for your project.

Main subjects covered

• Purchaser and witness arrangements: Examination options, opportunities to witness tests and the selection of closure pressure tests.
• Test preparation: Test and pressure-measuring equipment, shell surface condition, test fluid and test pressure.
• Shell and backseat tests: Shell-test procedure, medium, pressure, duration and acceptance, with a separate optional backseat-test section.
• Closure verification: Closure-test requirements, test medium, leak detection, pressure, duration and leakage acceptance.

Where it helps: Useful for purchase specifications and factory acceptance planning where ISO pressure testing is required. Record the product standard, valve configuration, seat material, specified leakage rate, medium, test direction and witness requirements so the supplier can prepare an identifiable test record.

Application checks and THINKTANK support

The available source is a preview: this overview is based on its scope and contents. Exact pressures, durations and leakage limits must be checked in the complete applicable edition. A leakage-rate designation alone is insufficient to compare results obtained under different conditions.

THINKTANK can help review the specified shut-off requirement alongside valve selection. Send the operating differential pressure and process data as well as the requested test standard.

• Main coverage: Leakage classifications, allowable leakage and the associated test conditions and procedures.
• Practical use: State the standard edition and required class in the valve datasheet, then ask for a test record that identifies the actual valve and test conditions.

Application check: A leakage class is not a promise of zero leakage under every operating condition. Review the required shut-off duty together with the process differential pressure, temperature, seat construction and actuator capability.

For your enquiry

Send the required leakage class and operating cases to THINKTANK for a selection and shut-off review.

• Main coverage: Test methods and acceptable leakage, with air, steam or water selected according to the standard’s service and test provisions.
• Purchaser requirements: Any seat-tightness requirement beyond the standard allowance needs to be stated in the order.

Application check: Use this reference when defining or reviewing a relief-valve seat test. The result does not establish the required relieving capacity or validate the system’s overpressure scenarios.

For your enquiry

Provide the valve type, seat material, set pressure, medium and required test documentation for a project review.

• Test arrangements: Procedures for reclosing and nonreclosing devices under defined inlet and outlet conditions.
• Test media: Testing with steam, gases or liquids whose physical properties are known.
• Result calculation: Measurement, calculation and correction of the test results.

Using it in a project: Use it when the enquiry needs evidence of relief-device performance. Define the device, test fluid, pressure conditions and required results so the supplier can identify the appropriate test arrangement.

What to distinguish: API 527 concerns seat tightness. A satisfactory seat-leakage test does not establish relieving capacity; the two requirements should be specified separately.

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• Pressure-test basis: Define which tests apply to the valve and its intended acceptance plan.
• Test conditions: Specify the relevant test medium, pressure, duration and leakage criterion.
• Product requirements: Read the test standard together with the applicable valve product or performance standard.

Using it in a project: For a European valve specification, record the precise test requirement in the purchase order. Ask for the measured or observed results and the valve identification, not only a statement that the valve was tested.

What to distinguish: Safety devices are outside this standard’s scope. Product-specific requirements take precedence where they differ; do not automatically substitute an API 598 or ISO 5208 report.

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• Additional test scope: Identify the supplementary tests required for the particular valve.
• Purpose of testing: Distinguish type testing, production testing and purchaser acceptance testing.
• Acceptance plan: Agree the required procedure, records and acceptance criteria before testing.

Using it in a project: When a datasheet calls for EN 12266-2, ask which supplementary tests are intended. Include those requirements in the inspection plan so the manufacturer and purchaser agree on the work before manufacture.

What to distinguish: Part 2 is not a general instruction to perform every listed test on every valve. Use it with the applicable product requirements and the agreed order.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Inspection scope: Establish the required inspection and routine tests for the control-valve assembly.
• Valve and actuator: Identify the valve configuration and the applicable pneumatic-actuator requirements.
• Test records: Connect the specified procedure, conditions and result to the supplied assembly.

Using it in a project: For an automated control valve, agree the inspection plan alongside the sizing and shut-off requirements. Provide the actuator type, accessories, fail action and required documentation with the enquiry.

What to distinguish: Fire testing and specified hazardous-service conditions need their own requirements. A routine inspection report does not establish those qualifications.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Surface condition: Compare relevant casting surface irregularities with the standard’s photographic references.
• Acceptance decisions: Apply the specified visual acceptance basis to the area being inspected.
• Material specification: Use the visual criteria alongside the applicable casting material requirements.

Using it in a project: For a casting inspection, identify the component, inspection area and observed condition. Clear photographs and traceable part identification help the purchaser and foundry resolve an acceptance question.

What to distinguish: Visual surface evaluation does not establish internal soundness or chemical composition. Specify additional examination and material records separately when required.

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• Shell integrity: Establish the pressure-boundary test required by the specification.
• Seat closure: Identify the applicable closure-test and leakage acceptance basis.
• Inspection record: Record the valve identity, test conditions and actual result.

Using it in a project: Use it where the product or purchase specification calls for MSS pressure testing. Before accepting a report to another standard, compare the test conditions and acceptance criteria and resolve the difference with the purchaser.

What to distinguish: Shell integrity and seat tightness are separate results. Passing the shell test does not establish the seat-leakage performance.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

Subjects to review

• Identify the valve design and configuration represented by the fire-test report.
• Review the fire-test procedure, leakage results and qualification coverage in the applicable edition.
• Check the relationship between the tested construction and the valve being offered.

How to use it in a project. For a project with a fire-test requirement, request the report identification, tested design, materials and qualification limits. Compare these with the proposed valve, including seat and sealing construction, before accepting a broad “fire-safe” description.

Important distinction. API 607 is not the same requirement as API 609 or API 6D. A butterfly or ball valve may need both a product specification and separately documented fire-test qualification.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Identify the packing product and test report.
• Review the reported test conditions and cycling basis.
• Connect packing qualification to the valve assembly requirements.

How to use it in a project. When a supplier proposes low-emission packing, ask which packing construction was tested and how it relates to the offered assembly. Installation condition, stem finish and the actual valve design remain practical review questions.

Important distinction. A packing test report is not automatically a type-test qualification for the complete valve. For the valve itself, review the applicable API 624, API 641 or ISO 15848-1 requirement.

Standard information ↗ · Supporting publication information ↗

Subjects to review

• Identify the complete valve and packing arrangement represented by the test.
• Review the emission-test procedure and acceptance basis.
• Compare the qualification evidence with the offered construction.

How to use it in a project. A procurement review should connect the report to the proposed valve family, packing system and service envelope. Ask the supplier to explain qualification coverage when the order differs from the tested configuration.

Important distinction. External emissions at the stem are a different question from leakage through a closed seat. Specify the required seat-tightness test separately.

Standard information ↗ · Supporting publication information ↗

Subjects to review

• Identify the tested quarter-turn valve construction.
• Review the required emissions procedure, cycling and results.
• Check how the qualification applies to the valve being specified.

How to use it in a project. For a ball or butterfly valve with an emissions requirement, request a complete-valve qualification report and compare the shaft-seal arrangement with the proposed product. Keep the normal service conditions and operating frequency visible in the selection review.

Important distinction. A fire-test report and a fugitive-emissions report answer different questions. One should not be accepted as evidence for the other.

Standard information ↗

Subjects to review

• Define the required emissions classification and qualification basis.
• Review the test conditions and represented valve construction.
• Keep type-test qualification distinct from production acceptance requirements.

How to use it in a project. State the required classification in the enquiry and request the supporting qualification record. Compare the test fluid, temperature and endurance basis with the project requirement instead of relying on the phrase “low emission.”

Important distinction. This part does not cover end-connection joints, vacuum applications or corrosion effects. Its external-emissions classification is not a seat-leakage class.

Standard information ↗ · Supporting publication information ↗

• Test specimen: Identify the tested valve, seat and pressure-boundary construction.
• Test results: Review the fire-test conditions, recorded leakage and operating checks required by the specified edition.
• Qualification coverage: Establish how the report applies to the size, rating and materials being offered.

Using it in a project: For an API 6D valve enquiry, put the required fire-test standard on the datasheet and request the report for the proposed design. A reference to API 6D alone does not answer the fire-test question.

What to distinguish: API 6FA, API 607 and ISO 10497 are separate references. Resolve any proposed substitution before accepting the valve qualification.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Leakage assessment: Through-seat and external leakage.
• Valve behaviour: Operability and cavity overpressure relief for double-seated valves.
• Qualification rules: Extension of test results to other covered sizes, ratings and materials of the same basic design.

Using it in a project: For a fire-qualified isolation valve, review the complete report and the supplier’s explanation of how it covers the proposed construction. Include the required edition in the purchase specification.

What to distinguish: The test does not qualify electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for operation in a fire. Actuator protection and the required emergency action need a separate review.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Production acceptance: Apply the specified emissions test to production valves.
• Leakage locations: Review stem or shaft seals and body joints within the standard’s scope.
• Required records: Identify the valve, test conditions, result and acceptance basis.

Using it in a project: When low-emission production testing is required, put it in the inspection plan and agree how the results will be linked to the delivered valves. Keep the design qualification and production acceptance documents together.

What to distinguish: Part 1 addresses type-test qualification; Part 2 addresses production acceptance. Neither is a substitute for the required through-seat leakage test.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

Main subjects covered

• Dimension definitions: How installed length is referenced for flanged, welding-end and angle configurations.
• Dimensional tables: Lengths for covered cast-iron and steel valve configurations, including relevant wafer and butterfly patterns, organized by size and pressure class.
• Flange-facing effects: Relationships between facing styles and the applicable dimensions, including ring-joint end arrangements.
• Length variations and tolerances: Permitted dimensional variation and the tolerances to use when checking a drawing or finished valve.

Where it helps: Useful for a replacement valve, piping layout or drawing approval. Specify the exact valve pattern, nominal size, class, end connection and facing, then compare the required length with the vendor general-arrangement drawing. The 2022 edition brings SI and U.S. customary tables together in the main text.

Application checks and THINKTANK support

A matching installed length does not establish complete assembly compatibility. Check mating flanges, bore, actuator envelope, orientation and maintenance clearance separately; confirm that the particular valve design is covered before assigning a table dimension.

Send THINKTANK the existing installation dimensions and proposed valve configuration. A 3D fit review can include the actuator and access envelope as well as the standardized valve length.

Main subjects covered

• Terms and measurement references: Nominal size and pressure designations, and the distinction between face-to-face dimensions for straight patterns and centre-to-face dimensions for angle patterns.
• Basic series and valve tables: Dimensional series and their application to particular valve types, nominal sizes and PN or Class designations. The applicable table determines which combinations are covered.
• Tolerances and ring-joint allowances: Dimensional tolerances and the normative annex addressing additional length for ring-joint flange arrangements.
• Supporting annexes: The relationship between DN and NPS, and the origins of the basic dimensional series.

Where it helps: Useful for specifying a replacement valve or coordinating a flanged piping layout. State the selected basic series together with valve type, size, rating and flange details. Naming ISO 5752 alone may leave more than one possible installed length.

Application checks and THINKTANK support

The available source is a preview, so this overview describes the scope and chapter structure rather than reproducing the full dimension tables. Check the selected size, series and tolerance in the complete edition. Dimensional compatibility does not establish pressure-temperature capability or process suitability.

THINKTANK can help compare the selected dimensional series with your existing valve and piping drawing, then develop the required selection and 3D interface review.

Subjects to review

• Define the flow cases and fluid properties used in sizing.
• Relate flow capacity to the installed pressure conditions.
• Review the applicability of the equations and required corrections.

How to use it in a project. Provide minimum, normal and maximum flow, inlet and outlet pressures, temperature and fluid properties. A useful sizing review also checks the proposed valve travel and the operating cases where noise, cavitation or choked flow may need further investigation.

Important distinction. The incompressible-flow equations are based on Newtonian fluids. Do not apply them uncritically to slurry, non-Newtonian or mixed-fluid duties. Nominal pipe size alone is not a sizing basis.

Standard information ↗

• Flow coefficient: Determine the capacity data used for valve sizing.
• Pressure-recovery and piping factors: Establish relevant factors for the valve alone or with attached fittings.
• Other sizing variables: Tests for the applicable pressure-ratio, valve-style and Reynolds-number factors.

Using it in a project: When evaluating a proposed trim, request capacity data for the actual valve size and trim configuration. Ask whether the sizing inputs are measured for that configuration or derived from another design.

What to distinguish: This is a flow-capacity test reference. It is not a seat-leakage classification or a routine shell-pressure test.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Inherent characteristic: Describe how the valve’s flow capacity changes with travel under the defined test basis.
• Rangeability: State the useful inherent capacity range consistently.
• Conformity: Compare the declared characteristic with the applicable assessment criteria.

Using it in a project: For a modulating valve, request the capacity-versus-travel information for the proposed trim. Review where minimum, normal and maximum flow fall on the operating travel range.

What to distinguish: An inherent characteristic describes the valve under controlled conditions. The installed behaviour also depends on the system pressure losses and operating cases.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →

• Production tests: Check correct operation of the manufactured steam trap.
• Performance tests: Evaluate the performance of a particular trap design.
• Test methods: Choose the appropriate method for the production or performance question being assessed.

Using it in a project: For a steam-trap enquiry, provide condensate load, inlet pressure, return-line back pressure and start-up conditions. Ask for performance data at the relevant pressure differential, as well as the specified production-test records.

What to distinguish: ISO 5117:2023 replaces ISO 6948:1981, ISO 7841:1988 and ISO 7842:1988. Use the current reference when updating a specification that still cites those withdrawn documents.

Standard information ↗Ask about this requirement →