# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications

Introduction

When it comes to industrial valves, standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and performance. Two important standards in the valve industry are API 607 and API 608. While they may seem similar at first glance, these standards address different aspects of valve performance and applications. Understanding the differences between API 607 and API 608 is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance personnel working with industrial valves.

What is API 607?

API 607 is a standard that specifically addresses the fire testing requirements for quarter-turn valves and actuators. The full title is “Fire Test for Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Nonmetallic Seats.” This standard establishes the testing procedures and acceptance criteria for evaluating the performance of valves under fire conditions.

The primary purpose of API 607 is to ensure that quarter-turn valves (such as ball valves and butterfly valves) can maintain their structural integrity and provide at least some degree of sealing capability when exposed to fire. The standard specifies test temperatures up to 1,400°F (760°C) for a duration of 30 minutes.

What is API 608?

API 608, titled “Metal Ball Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End,” is a comprehensive standard that covers the design, materials, dimensions, testing, and inspection requirements for metal ball valves. Unlike API 607, which focuses on fire testing, API 608 provides general specifications for ball valves used in various industrial applications.

This standard applies to ball valves with flanged or butt-welding ends, as well as threaded-end valves, in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24. It covers valves with reduced or full bore and specifies requirements for pressure-temperature ratings, materials, and testing procedures.

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

1. Scope and Purpose

API 607 focuses exclusively on fire testing for quarter-turn valves, while API 608 provides comprehensive specifications for the design and manufacturing of metal ball valves.

2. Valve Types Covered

API 607 applies to all quarter-turn valves (including ball, butterfly, and plug valves), whereas API 608 is specific to metal ball valves only.

3. Testing Requirements

API 607 mandates fire testing procedures, while API 608 focuses on standard pressure testing, material verification, and dimensional checks.

4. Certification

API 607 certification indicates a valve has passed fire testing, while API 608 certification confirms a ball valve meets general design and performance standards.

Applications of API 607 and API 608 Valves

API 607 Valve Applications

Valves certified to API 607 are typically used in applications where fire safety is critical, including:

• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Petrochemical plants
• Refineries
• Offshore platforms
• Other hazardous environments where fire risk exists

API 608 Valve Applications

API 608 compliant valves are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including:

• General process industries
• Water treatment facilities
• Power generation plants
• Chemical processing
• HVAC systems

Choosing Between API 607 and API 608