You are here:Home » News » Technical Article » CE/API 6D Dual-Certified DBB Ball Valves: Key Points of Compliance Design for Meeting The Requirements of European And North American Markets
Against the backdrop of accelerated integration of the global energy and industrial equipment supply chain, DBB (Double Block and Bleed) ball valves that can simultaneously meet the European CE certification and North American API 6D standard have become a critical choice for oil, natural gas, chemical, LNG, and high-integrity pipeline systems. Products with dual-standard certification not only represent a higher safety level but also symbolize the supplier’s strength in design, manufacturing, and quality management systems.
This article comprehensively analyzes the key design points of CE/API 6D dual-certified DBB ball valves from the perspectives of compliance, structural design, safety performance, material technology, testing requirements, and market adaptability, helping enterprises gain a clear direction in product development, model selection, or global market access.
1. Why Dual Certification Matters: Common Demand Trends in European and North American Markets
In the past, pipeline valves were often produced in accordance with regional standards. However, with increasingly strict regulations and the internationalization of engineering projects, DBB ball valves that simultaneously comply with CE (PED+ATEX) and API 6D requirements now offer higher versatility and market value.
Global engineering projects are driving "dual certification" to become a trend:
European Market: Emphasizes safety integrity, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU), the ATEX Directive for explosive atmospheres, and material traceability.
North American Market: Focuses on API 6D, ASME B16.34, fire-safe standards, NACE MR0175, and pipeline integrity systems.
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractors and energy enterprises tend to choose solutions where "a single valve can be delivered globally," reducing procurement complexity.
As a result, dual-certified DBB ball valves have become the first choice for high-end projects, including LNG regasification terminals, natural gas transmission and distribution systems, offshore platforms, oil refining and chemical plants, and hydrogen energy infrastructure.
To obtain dual CE and API 6D certification, DBB ball valves must meet the requirements of both systems in terms of structure, materials, pressure ratings, and testing standards.
2.1 Complete Isolation Design of DBB Structure (Basic Requirement of API 6D)
Double Block + Single Bleed (Block–Block–Bleed)
Valve seats feature independent sealing capabilities to ensure complete shut-off between the upstream and downstream.
Suitable for pipeline maintenance, instrument protection, and high-integrity isolation scenarios.
API 6D imposes stricter requirements on leakage classes; DBB valves must have bidirectional sealing (DIB-1 / DIB-2) capabilities.
2.2 CE (PED/ATEX) Compliance Design for Pressure Equipment
(1) Requirements of PED 2014/68/EU
Strength design must comply with standards such as EN 12516, EN 13445, or ASME.
Material Certificates 3.1/3.2 must be used to ensure traceability.
Welds of pressure-containing parts must pass NDT (Radiographic Testing/Ultrasonic Testing/Penetrant Testing/Magnetic Particle Testing) verification.
(2) Explosion-Proof Requirements of ATEX 2014/34/EU
Applicable to:
Oil and gas transportation
Volatile media
Explosive hazardous areas (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, Zone 22)
Anti-static design of the valve stem, metal-to-metal contact, and conductive paths are key requirements.
2.3 Fire-Safe Certification (ISO 10497 / API 607)
Nearly mandatory for oil and gas applications, with key focuses including:
Valve seats must be resealable after exposure to high temperatures.
Valve stem packing must maintain reliability after a fire.
Valve body structure must resist melting and prevent abnormal leakage.
Dual-certified DBB ball valves must comply with both CE and API requirements for fire-safe structures.
2.4 Material Compatibility (API/NACE + EU Material Regulations)
Compliance with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 for H₂S-containing working conditions.
The European market focuses on compliance with the REACH Regulation on chemical substances.
North American projects place greater emphasis on the application scope of materials such as K-Monel, Inconel, and Duplex.
Material selection must meet cross-regional regulatory differences.
2.5 Anti-Blowout and Low-Friction Design of Valve Stem
To comply with dual standards, valve stem structures often adopt:
Anti-blowout design (mandatory requirement of API 6D)
Low-torque operation design
PTFE/Graphite/special polymer composite packing
In CE (especially PED) audits, valve stem leakage performance testing is also critical.
2.6 Seal System Design: Adapted to Bidirectional Sealing and Multi-Working Conditions
API 6D type testing and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
PED pressure testing, material verification, and Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPS/PQR)
EN 12266 leakage class testing
Fire-Safe fire testing
ATEX conductivity testing
The superimposed testing of dual systems makes products more globally versatile.
3. Application Markets: Typical Application Scenarios in European and North American Markets
CE/API 6D dual-certified DBB ball valves are widely used in key nodes requiring high integrity, including:
LNG Liquefaction and Regasification TerminalsLow-temperature grade requirement (-196°C)Dual isolation ensures safety during transportation and tank switching
Natural Gas Transmission, Distribution, and Cross-Border PipelinesAPI 6D is a mandatory standardPED certification ensures pressure equipment compliance
Oil Refining and Downstream Chemical IndustryExplosive areas (Zone 0/1/2)Fire-Safe is a mandatory requirement
Offshore Platforms and FPSOsStrict corrosion requirementsMust comply with standards of multiple regions simultaneously
Hydrogen Energy and Carbon Capture PipelinesHigher sealing coefficientsMaterials must meet embrittlement sensitivity requirements
Stronger Versatility for Global ProjectsA single set of products can meet the requirements of both European and North American engineering markets.
Easier Vendor Approval for EPCsSingle certification may not allow access to certain projects, while dual certification enables direct approval.
Higher Safety and Engineering ReliabilityThe superimposition of dual regulatory systems reduces operational risks.
Enhanced Brand Technical Image and Improved Bidding CompetitivenessFor valve manufacturers, "dual certification" is a key pass to enter the high-end oil and gas market.
5. Conclusion: Dual-Certified DBB Ball Valves Are the Future Standard for Global High-Integrity Pipelines
With the globalization of energy engineering, CE/API 6D dual certification is no longer a "value-added bonus" but a basic requirement for high-end projects.
Enhance enterprises’ international competitiveness
For enterprises preparing to enter the European and North American markets, mastering these key design points means a higher project winning rate and a broader product application scope.
Manufacturer and supplier of industrial valves, including Floating Ball Valves, Trunnion Ball Valves, Flanged Gate Valves, Welded Gate Valves, High Pressure Gate Valves, Globe Valves, Swing Check Valves, Double Disc Wafer Check Valves, Y Strainers , etc. For more information, please send us your email .
