API 6FA Plug Valves
What API 6FA requires for plug valves — applicability, key and testing requirements, the alternative standards, and compliant supply with full certification.
What does API 6FA require for plug valves?
API 6FA (Specification for Fire Testing of Valves, American Petroleum Institute (API)) sets the design, material and testing requirements for plug valves in its scope. 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'.
Applicable Pressure Classes
Key Requirements
- 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
- 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
Alternative Standards for Plug Valves
Other standards that also govern plug valves — useful for spec cross-acceptance.
Related Standards
Connected Engineering
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