Specifications for Industrial Gate Valves By API 602 and API 600 Series

Jan 9, 2024 | news

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has published specifications known as API 602 and API 600, which outline the design, manufacturing, and testing requirements for industrial valves, including gate valves. As a leading gate valve manufacturer in China, we ensure that our valves adhere to these standards. Let’s take a closer look at the API 600 and 602 series.

API 602 pertains to small forged steel gate, globe, and check valves with sizes up to 4 inches (100 mm). It covers important parameters such as:

• Valve body material: Specific grades of forged steel required.
• Body dimensions: Minimum wall thickness, bore size, and connection types.
• Stem specifications: Minimum stem dimensions based on pressure class.
• Seal requirements: Approved sealing methods and materials.

On the other hand, API 600 applies to cast steel gate valves larger than 4 inches. It specifies design criteria for:

• Rising stem and non-rising stem valve types.
• Allowable materials: Cast iron, cast steel, and stainless steel.
• Body dimensions: Minimum wall thickness and bore size.
• Extension bonnet specifications.
• Seal design parameters.

The main difference between API 602 and API 600 is that API 602 is applicable to smaller forged steel valves up to 4 inches, while API 600 covers larger cast steel valves above 4 inches.

Both specifications establish critical design parameters to ensure that valves can withstand the pressure, temperature, and cycling requirements in oil and gas production applications. Adhering to API 602 or API 600 helps manufacturers produce high-quality valves, while purchasers can verify the suitability of the valves they are acquiring.

API 602 and API 600 also define test procedures to verify the valves’ emissions performance and sealing capability throughout their lifecycle. These “type tests” establish a baseline for valve performance and establish acceptable leakage rates.