Valve Standard Reference
ASME B31.4
AmericanPipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries
ASME B31.
Overview — ASME B31.4
ASME B31.4 is the piping code for liquid hydrocarbon pipeline transportation systems — covering crude oil, condensate, petroleum products, LPG (liquid phase), carbon dioxide, and liquid anhydrous ammonia pipelines. It specifies pressure design, materials, valve requirements, testing, and operations for pipelines from production fields to tank farms and refineries. All valves installed in ASME B31.4 systems must comply with listed valve standards (ASME B16.34, API 6D, MSS SP-70/71) and be pressure-tested per the pipeline code.
Scope
Applies to liquid hydrocarbon and slurry piping systems from interconnecting piping at production facilities to main pump stations, tank farms, refineries, and terminal facilities. Covers pipelines operating at pressures above 15 psi. Includes block valves, check valves, control valves, and pressure relief devices.
Applicable Valve Types
Ball Valves — full-bore API 6D for mainline isolation
Gate Valves — API 6D for block valve service
Check Valves — API 6D swing check at pump discharge
Control Valves — ASME B16.34 for pressure regulation
Safety Relief Valves — API 526 for surge protection
Applicable Pressure Classes
Key Requirements — ASME B31.4
Valve materials must conform to ASTM standards listed in ASME B31.4 material tables
Ball valves and gate valves in mainline service must comply with API 6D
Block valve spacing per federal regulation 49 CFR Part 195 (USA) — high consequence areas (HCA) typically require 10-mile maximum valve spacing
Emergency shutdown (ESD) valves required at pump station suction and discharge and at specific geographical features
Valve operators must be accessible for emergency operation — manual gear operator or actuated (pneumatic/electric) ESD
Hydrostatic pressure test of pipeline to 125% of MAOP required on new construction
ASME B16.34 or API 6D compliance required for all pressure-containing valves
Testing Requirements — ASME B31.4
Valve shell test: per applicable valve standard (API 598, ISO 5208)
Pipeline hydrostatic test: 1.25× MAOP, 4-hour minimum hold at pressure
Leak test after pressure test: visual inspection of all joints and valve bodies
Documentation Required for ASME B31.4 Compliance
EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 material test certificates (MTC) for all pressure-containing parts
Valve manufacturer's certificate of conformance (CoC)
API 598 or ISO 5208 pressure test certificate
Dimensional inspection report per API 6D or ASME B16.34
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