Views: 0 Author: J-VALVES Publish Time: 2025-06-05 Origin: Site
I. Overview of API 6D and ASME B16.34 Standards
API 6D is the "Specification for PIPELINE AND PIPING VALVES" formulated by the American Petroleum Institute (API). It mainly focuses on the design, manufacturing, testing, and inspection of valves in the pipeline systems of the petroleum and natural gas industries. API 6D is applicable to long-distance oil and gas pipelines and various collection pipelines at all levels, emphasizing the reliability and durability of valves under high pressure, high flow, and harsh environments.
ASME B16.34 is the "Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End" standard issued by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is one of the basic standards for valve design and covers the design, manufacturing, and testing requirements of various types of valves. ASME B16.34 pays more attention to the universality and standardization of valves and is applicable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios.
II. Comparison of Design Standards
(1) Scope of Application
| Standard | Scope of Application |
API 6D | Mainly used in the pipeline systems of the petroleum and natural gas industries, including long-distance oil and gas pipelines and various collection pipelines at all levels |
ASME B16.34 | Applicable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios, including industries such as petroleum, chemical engineering, and electric power |
(2) Structural Design
| Standard | Structural Design Features |
API 6D | Usually adopts a fixed ball structure with inlet end sealing, suitable for large-diameter and high-pressure working conditions |
ASME B16.34 | Can adopt a floating ball or fixed ball structure, with flexible design, suitable for a variety of pressure and diameter ranges |
(3) Pressure Ratings
| Standard | Pressure Ratings |
API 6D | Has relatively high pressure ratings, with common pressure ratings of 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 pounds |
ASME B16.34 | Has diverse pressure ratings, covering Class 150 to Class 2500 |
(4) Testing Requirements
| Standard | Testing Requirements |
API 6D | Has strict requirements for inspection and testing, including longer pressure duration tests and more complex operating procedures |
ASME B16.34 | Testing requirements are relatively general, mainly based on standards such as API 598 |
(5) Material Requirements
| Standard | Material Requirements |
API 6D | Usually adopts high-strength materials, such as carbon steel, alloy steel, etc., to adapt to high-pressure working conditions |
ASME B16.34 | Has a wide range of material selection, including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, etc. |
(6) Flange Connections
| Standard | Flange Connection Specifications |
API 6D | Flange connection standards include ASME B16.5 (for 2 inches and below) and ASME B16.47 (for 26 inches and above) |
ASME B16.34 | Mainly refers to ASME B16.5 and ASME B16.47, but there are cases where some specifications are not covered |
(7) Wall Thickness Design
| Standard | Wall Thickness Design Features |
API 6D | Wall thickness design is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to actual working conditions |
ASME B16.34 | Wall thickness design is relatively conservative, which may lead to material waste |
III. Summary and Recommendations
API 6D and ASME B16.34 are the two main design standards for J-VALVES THREE-PIECE HIGH-PRESSURE BALL VALVES, each with its own characteristics and applicable scenarios. API 6D pays more attention to the reliability and durability of valves under high pressure, high flow, and harsh environments and is applicable to the pipeline systems of the petroleum and natural gas industries. While ASME B16.34 emphasizes the universality and standardization of valves and is applicable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios.
For users, the choice of which standard of valve should be determined according to specific working conditions and requirements. If the application scenario is the petroleum and natural gas pipeline system and there are relatively high requirements for the reliability and durability of valves, then the valve conforming to the API 6D standard is more appropriate. If the application scenario is a general industrial pipeline system and there are certain requirements for cost control, then the valve conforming to the ASME B16.34 standard may be more cost-effective.
As a professional valve manufacturer, J-VALVES CAN PROVIDE THREE-PIECE HIGH-PRESSURE BALL VALVES that comply with API 6D and ASME B16.34 standards according to the needs of users and provide reliable guarantees in terms of product quality and performance.
