# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications
Introduction
When it comes to industrial valves, safety and performance standards are critical. Two important standards in the valve industry are API 607 and API 608. While both relate to fire safety testing, they serve different purposes and apply to different types of valves. Understanding the differences between these standards is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and safety professionals working with industrial valves.
What is API 607?
API 607 is a standard that specifies fire testing requirements for quarter-turn valves and actuators. This standard applies to soft-seated valves (those with non-metallic seating materials) that are intended to provide tight shut-off in normal service conditions.
The key aspects of API 607 include:
- Fire test duration of 30 minutes
- Testing at temperatures up to 1400°F (760°C)
- Evaluation of external leakage and operability after fire exposure
- Focus on quarter-turn valves like ball valves and butterfly valves
What is API 608?
API 608 covers metal-seated ball valves for petroleum and natural gas industries. While it includes some fire testing requirements, its scope is broader than just fire safety. API 608 specifies design, materials, dimensions, testing, and inspection requirements for ball valves.
Key features of API 608 include:
- Applies to flanged, threaded, and welding end ball valves
- Includes pressure-temperature ratings
- Specifies design and manufacturing requirements
- Includes optional fire testing (based on API 607)
Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608
| Feature | API 607 | API 608 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Fire testing standard | Comprehensive ball valve standard |
| Valve Types | Quarter-turn valves with soft seats | Metal-seated ball valves |
| Testing Scope | Exclusively fire testing | Design, materials, dimensions, and testing |
| Fire Test Requirement | Mandatory | Optional (based on API 607) |
| Application | All industries requiring fire-safe valves | Primarily oil and gas industry |
Applications of API 607 and API 608 Valves
API 607 Valve Applications
API 607 compliant valves are typically used in:
- Chemical processing plants
- Refineries
- Power generation facilities
- Any application where fire safety is critical
API 608 Valve Applications
API 608 valves are primarily used in:
- Oil and gas production
- Pipeline systems
- Petrochemical plants
- Refinery applications
Choosing Between API 607 and API 608
The choice between these standards depends on your specific requirements:
Choose API 607 when: You need fire-tested quarter-turn valves with soft seats for critical applications where fire safety is paramount