# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications

Introduction

When it comes to industrial valves, standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and performance. Two important standards in the valve industry are API 607 and API 608. While they may sound similar, these standards address different aspects of valve performance and are applied to different types of valves. Understanding the differences between API 607 and API 608 is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance professionals working with industrial valves.

What is API 607?

API 607 is a standard that specifically addresses fire testing for quarter-turn valves and actuators. The full title is “Fire Test for Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Nonmetallic Seats.” This standard establishes the requirements for testing and evaluating the performance of these valves when exposed to fire conditions.

The primary purpose of API 607 is to ensure that quarter-turn valves (such as ball valves and butterfly valves) can maintain their structural integrity and sealing capability during and after exposure to fire. The standard specifies test procedures, acceptance criteria, and marking requirements for valves that pass the fire test.

What is API 608?

API 608, titled “Metal Ball Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End,” is a standard that covers the design, materials, dimensions, testing, and inspection requirements for metal ball valves. Unlike API 607, which focuses on fire testing, API 608 is a comprehensive standard for ball valve construction and performance under normal operating conditions.

This standard applies to ball valves with flanged or butt-welding ends, as well as threaded-end valves, in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24. It specifies requirements for pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, and testing procedures for these valves.

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

1. Scope and Purpose

The most fundamental difference lies in their scope. API 607 is specifically about fire testing for quarter-turn valves, while API 608 is about the general construction and performance requirements for metal ball valves.

2. Valve Types Covered

API 607 applies to various quarter-turn valves including ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves. API 608, on the other hand, is exclusively for metal ball valves.

3. Testing Focus

API 607 focuses on fire resistance testing, while API 608 covers a broader range of tests including shell tests, seat tests, and operational tests under normal conditions.

4. Certification Requirements

API 607 certification demonstrates a valve’s ability to withstand fire conditions, whereas API 608 certification indicates compliance with general design and manufacturing standards for ball valves.

Applications of API 607 and API 608 Valves

API 607 Valve Applications

Valves certified to API 607 are typically used in applications where fire safety is a critical concern. These include:

• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Petrochemical plants
• Refineries
• Offshore platforms
• Other hazardous environments where fire risk exists

API 608 Valve Applications

API 608 compliant valves are used in a wide range of industrial applications where reliable ball valve performance is required:

• General process industries
• Water treatment facilities
• Power generation plants
• Chemical processing
• HV