Valve Standard Reference
API 6FA
AmericanSpecification for Fire Testing of Valves
API 6FA specifies the fire test procedure and performance criteria for gate valves, ball valves, plug valves, check valves, and other valves used in petroleum and natural gas service where fire safety is required.
Overview — API 6FA
API 6FA specifies the fire test procedure and performance criteria for gate valves, ball valves, plug valves, check valves, and other valves used in petroleum and natural gas service where fire safety is required. Unlike API 607 (which covers quarter-turn valves with soft seats), API 6FA applies specifically to valves tested per API 6D scope and is required by most oil and gas operators for all pipeline isolation valves. A valve that passes API 6FA testing may be marked 'Fire Tested to API 6FA'.
Scope
Applies to gate valves, ball valves (trunnion and floating), plug valves, check valves, and related quarter-turn and multi-turn valve designs in hydrocarbon service. Covers NPS ½ through NPS 60 in all pressure classes.
Applicable Valve Types
Ball Valves — trunnion and floating
Gate Valves — through-conduit and wedge type
Plug Valves — lubricated and non-lubricated
Check Valves
Applicable Pressure Classes
Key Requirements — API 6FA
Fire exposure test: 750–1000°C for 30 minutes
External leakage through stem and body joints ≤200 mL/min during and after fire
Post-fire seat leakage ≤200 mL/min through upstream and downstream seats
Post-fire operability test: valve must open and close after fire test
Water spray quench after 30-minute fire exposure
Emergency sealant injection provision must be verified functional after quench
Soft-seated valves must have metal backup seat capable of maintaining leakage limits during fire
Testing Requirements — API 6FA
Fire test: 750–1000°C for 30 minutes in gas-fired or propane furnace
Post-fire leakage: seats ≤200 mL/min, stem/body ≤200 mL/min
Post-fire operation: full open/close cycle
Certificate of qualification (CoQ) required from third-party test facility
Documentation Required for API 6FA Compliance
API 6FA fire test certificate per model/size range
Third-party test laboratory certification
Bill of Materials confirming same construction as tested valve
Production test certificates (hydrostatic + seat)
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