Comparison Report of ASME B16.34 And GB/T 12237 Ball Valve Design Standards

1. Overview of the Standards

1.1 ASME B16.34

• Issuing Body: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

• Scope: Applicable to ball valves with flanged, threaded, and welded end connections, used extensively in industries such as oil, gas, chemical, and power.

• Content: Covers pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, structural lengths, pressure testing, and marking requirements.

1.2 GB/T 12237

• Issuing Body: Standardization Administration of China

• Scope: Designed for steel ball valves used in the petroleum, petrochemical, and related industries, primarily for flanged and butt-welded connections.

• Content: Includes structural types, technical requirements, materials, testing methods, and inspection rules.

2. Key Content Comparison

2.1 Pressure-Temperature Ratings

• ASME B16.34: Provides detailed pressure-temperature ratings with curves for various materials and pressure classes, suitable for a wide range of operating conditions.

• GB/T 12237: Pressure ratings are typically indicated by nominal pressure (PN), such as PN16, PN40, etc. Temperature ranges vary depending on the material, but detailed temperature curves are not provided.

2.2 Structural Lengths

• ASME B16.34: Structural lengths strictly follow ASME B16.10 to ensure compatibility with pipeline systems.

• GB/T 12237: Structural lengths are based on GB/T 12221, which is largely consistent with ASME B16.10.

2.3 Material Requirements

• ASME B16.34: Offers detailed specifications for material selection and performance, including carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel, emphasizing durability and suitability.

• GB/T 12237: Material requirements are more flexible, allowing for the selection of appropriate materials based on specific conditions, but with clear performance and inspection requirements.

3. Selection Recommendations

3.1 Application Scenarios

• ASME B16.34: Suitable for international industrial projects, especially those requiring compatibility with global standards.

• GB/T 12237: Better suited for domestic petroleum, petrochemical, and related industrial projects, particularly where cost and localization are important considerations.

3.2 Performance Requirements

• ASME B16.34: Focuses on high durability and reliability, making it ideal for complex operating conditions with high pressure and temperature.

• GB/T 12237: Meets domestic industrial needs with flexibility in material selection and design options.