In This Article
- 1.API 6D — Pipeline Ball, Gate, and Check Valves
- 2.API 600 — Process Gate, Globe, and Check Valves
- 3.API 602 — Compact Forged Steel Gate Valves
- 4.Comparison Table
Three API standards cover steel gate valves: API 6D (pipeline valves), API 600 (steel gate, globe, and check valves for general process service), and API 602 (compact design forged steel gate valves for small-bore instrument service). While all three produce gate valves, the design intent, testing requirements, and application environments are fundamentally different.
API 6D — Pipeline Ball, Gate, and Check Valves
API 6D covers valves used in liquid and gas pipeline service. Key features: full-bore (piggable) design mandatory; bi-directional seating; fire-safe design per API 6FA; anti-static device; sealant injection fitting for emergency seat sealing; bleed/vent provisions. API 6D includes both ball valves (primary scope) and through-conduit slab gate valves for crude oil and gas pipeline service. It is NOT intended for refinery process service — API 600 applies there.
API 600 — Process Gate, Globe, and Check Valves
API 600 covers flanged and butt-welding end steel gate valves DN50 (2") and larger for general process service in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and process industries. Key features: bolted or pressure-seal bonnet (pressure-seal for Class 900+); OS&Y (outside screw and yoke) stem; solid wedge, flexible wedge, or split wedge gate; Class 150 through 2500. API 600 does NOT require fire-safe or full-bore designs — these are selected by the user if needed.
API 602 — Compact Forged Steel Gate Valves
API 602 covers small-bore (DN8 to DN50, ½" to 2") compact forged steel gate valves for instrument and process service. Key features: integrally forged bonnet (not bolted); socket weld (SW), butt weld (BW), or screwed (NPT) end connections; Class 800/1500/2500. API 602 valves are the standard for instrument root valves, gauge isolation, and small-bore process taps.
Comparison Table
| Feature | API 6D | API 600 | API 602 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Pipeline isolation | Process plant general service | Small-bore instrument/process |
| Size range | DN50–DN1200 | DN50 and larger | DN8–DN50 (½"–2") |
| Bore | Full-bore (piggable) required | Reduced or full-bore, user specifies | Reduced bore standard |
| Bi-directional | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Fire-safe | Required (API 6FA) | Optional (user spec) | Optional |
| End connections | Flanged, BW | Flanged, BW | SW, BW, NPT, flanged |
| Body construction | Cast or forged | Cast (bolted/PS bonnet) | Integrally forged |
| Pressure classes | 150–2500 | 150–2500 | 800/1500/2500 |
| Testing standard | API 6D Section 9 | API 598 | API 598 |
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