Valves for Crude Oil Service
Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, water, gases (including H₂S), sediment, and wax. Corrosivity depends on H₂S and CO₂ content (sour crude), water cut, chloride content, and temperature. API 6D ball valves dominate pipeline crude service.
Pressure Range
5–250 bar (pipeline to wellhead)
Temperature
Ambient to 180°C (refinery crude distillation up to 350°C)
Industries
Oil production, Petroleum refining, Crude oil pipelines
Key Properties — Crude Oil
- Sour crude (>0.05 mol% H₂S) requires NACE MR0175 materials
- Wax deposition at low temperatures — pigging required
- Water cut increases with field age — raises corrosion rate
- Naphtenic acid corrosion above 220°C in distillation
- High pour point crude may solidify in valve body
Material Compatibility — Crude Oil
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (WCB/A105) | Good | Standard for sweet crude. NACE MR0175 hardness limits for sour service. |
| SS 316L | Good | For sour crude where pitting resistance is needed. Not required for sweet crude. |
| Duplex 2205 | Excellent | Sour crude with H₂S — superior to 316L with better H₂S cracking resistance. |
| 13Cr / Super 13Cr | Good | Common for moderate sour service in oil production wells. |
| Inconel 625 | Excellent | For highly sour or high-temperature naphthenic crude. |
| Monel 400 | Good | For high H₂S content. |
| Rubber-lined | Poor | Crude hydrocarbons attack most elastomers. |
Recommended Valves
API 6D trunnion mounted ball valve
Pipeline standard for crude — proven in HPHT crude service
ASME Class 300–1500 gate valve
Block and bleed isolation in refinery crude trains
Plug valve
Solids and wax-bearing crude — self-cleaning, minimal dead volume
Knife gate valve
Heavy crude with sediment — slurry-type knife gate for isolation
Valves to Avoid
Ball valves with PTFE seats in high-temperature crude above 180°C
Check valves with rubber discs in crude service
Globe valves for mainline isolation (use gate or ball)
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
Shop Valves for Crude Oil Service
Other Fluid Services
Need Valves for Crude Oil Service?
Tell us your fluid, pressure, and temperature — we'll recommend the right valve, material, and standard.