Views: 0 Author: J-VALVES Publish Time: 2025-05-24 Origin: Site
In the procurement of industrial valves, it is crucial to ensure the quality and performance of valves. The API 598 standard provides clear guidance for the inspection and testing of valves, helping purchasers make informed decisions when choosing TRUNNION BALL VALVES, GATE VALVES and BUTTERFLY VALVES. This article will compare in detail the API 598 testing costs and acceptance procedures of these three types of valves to help you better understand and choose suitable valve products.
I. OVERVIEW OF THE API 598 STANDARD
The API 598 standard stipulates the requirements for the inspection, examination, supplementary inspection and pressure testing of valves. IT IS APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS TYPES OF VALVES SUCH AS GATE VALVES, GLOBE VALVES, PLUG VALVES, BALL VALVES, CHECK VALVES AND BUTTERFLY VALVES.This standard ensures that valve products meet the highest industry standards during the design, manufacturing and testing processes, thus guaranteeing their reliability and safety in practical applications.
II. COMPARISON OF API 598 TESTING COSTS AND ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES FOR TRUNNION BALL VALVES, GATE VALVES AND BUTTERFLY VALVES
(1) Comparison of Testing Costs
Items |
Trunnion Ball Valves |
Gate Valves |
Butterfly Valves |
Shell Test |
Due to the complex structure of trunnion ball valves, the shell test requires higher pressure and more complex equipment, resulting in higher costs. |
The shell test of gate valves is relatively simple and has a lower cost. |
The cost of the shell test for butterfly valves is moderate, mainly depending on the size and pressure rating of the valves. |
Low-pressure Sealing Test |
It is necessary to conduct a strict inspection of the sealing surfaces, and the test cost is relatively high. |
The test cost is low, mainly involving the cleaning of the sealing surfaces and pressure testing. |
The cost is moderate, especially for large-diameter butterfly valves, where the costs of test equipment and time are relatively high. |
High-pressure Sealing Test |
The high-pressure sealing test requires higher pressure equipment and stricter inspection standards, resulting in higher costs. |
The cost is moderate, but the test cost of gate valves with large diameters or high pressure ratings will increase. |
The cost is relatively low because the sealing structure of butterfly valves is relatively simple. |
Supplementary Inspection |
Such as magnetic particle inspection, radiographic inspection, etc., the cost is relatively high, especially for trunnion ball valves with large diameters or high pressure ratings. |
The cost is moderate, but it is necessary to select inspection items according to specific requirements. |
The cost is relatively low, mainly depending on the detection methods and the size of the valves. |
Total Cost |
Higher, suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for sealing performance and pressure resistance. |
Moderate, suitable for conventional industrial applications. |
Lower, suitable for scenarios that are cost-sensitive and have moderate requirements for sealing performance. |
(2) Comparison of Acceptance Procedures
Items |
Trunnion Ball Valves |
Gate Valves |
Butterfly Valves |
Shell Test |
It is carried out with the two ends of the valve closed, partially opened and the gland tightened, and it is necessary to ensure that there is no visible leakage |
It is also carried out in the closed state, but special attention needs to be paid to the sealing of the valve cover |
For API 609 Class A butterfly valves, only a one-way sealing test is required; for Class B butterfly valves, a two-way sealing test is required |
Low-pressure Sealing Test |
The sealing surfaces need to be kept clean, free of grease and sealing grease, and leakage needs to be strictly detected during the test |
The test is carried out after the sealing surfaces are cleaned, and the leakage detection method is similar to that of trunnion ball valves |
The test is carried out after the sealing surfaces are cleaned, and special attention needs to be paid to the integrity of the sealing surfaces |
High-pressure Sealing Test |
The test pressure is 110% of the maximum allowable pressure, and leakage needs to be strictly detected |
The test pressure is 110% of the maximum allowable pressure, and leakage at the valve seat and valve cover needs to be detected |
The test pressure is 110% of the maximum allowable pressure, and leakage at the sealing surfaces needs to be detected |
Supplementary Inspection |
Magnetic particle inspection, radiographic inspection, etc. may be required, depending on the procurement requirements |
Usually, appearance inspection and dimensional inspection are required, and non-destructive testing is carried out when necessary |
Usually, appearance inspection and sealing surface inspection are required, and non-destructive testing is carried out when necessary |
Certificate of Conformity |
It is necessary to provide a certificate of conformity that complies with the API 598 standard to prove that the valve has passed all tests |
It is necessary to provide a certificate of conformity to prove that the valve complies with the API 598 standard |
It is necessary to provide a certificate of conformity to prove that the valve complies with the API 598 standard |
III. SELECTION SUGGESTIONS
• Trunnion Ball Valves:If your application scenarios have extremely high requirements for sealing performance and pressure resistance, such as in oil and gas transmission or chemical pipeline systems, trunnion ball valves are the ideal choice. Although the testing cost is relatively high, their high performance and reliability can ensure long-term stable operation.
• Gate Valves: For conventional industrial applications, gate valves are a highly cost-effective choice. Their testing cost is moderate, and the acceptance procedure is relatively simple, which can meet the needs of most industrial scenarios.
• Butterfly Valves:If your application scenarios are cost-sensitive and have moderate requirements for sealing performance, butterfly valves are the best choice. The testing cost of butterfly valves is relatively low, and the acceptance procedure is simple, which is especially suitable for pipeline systems with large flow and low pressure.
IV. SUMMARY
The API 598 standard provides clear guidance for the testing and acceptance of valves, ensuring the reliability and safety of valves in practical applications. By comparing the testing costs and acceptance procedures of TRUNNION BALL VALVES, GATE VALVES and BUTTERFLY VALVES, you can choose the most suitable valve products according to specific application scenarios and budgets. No matter which type of valve you choose, ensuring that it complies with the API 598 standard is the key to guaranteeing the quality and performance of the product.
