# API 607 vs API 608: Key Differences and Applications

Introduction

When it comes to industrial valves, standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and performance. Two important standards in the valve industry are API 607 and API 608. While both relate to fire testing of valves, they serve different purposes and apply to different types of valves. Understanding the differences between API 607 and API 608 is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance personnel working with industrial valves.

What is API 607?

API 607 is a standard that specifies fire testing requirements for quarter-turn valves and actuators. Originally developed for soft-seated valves, it has evolved to cover various valve types. The standard evaluates a valve’s ability to maintain pressure integrity and operability after exposure to fire conditions.

Key characteristics of API 607:

• Applies to quarter-turn valves (ball, butterfly, plug valves)
• Tests both internal and external fire exposure
• Includes leakage rate requirements during and after fire testing
• Evaluates valve operation after fire exposure

What is API 608?

API 608 is a standard specifically for metal-seated ball valves. While it also includes fire testing requirements, its primary focus is on the design, materials, and testing of metal-seated ball valves for general application in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

Key characteristics of API 608:

• Specifically for metal-seated ball valves
• Covers design, materials, dimensions, and testing
• Includes fire testing requirements (similar to API 607)
• Focuses on general service applications

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

Feature	API 607	API 608
Scope	Fire testing for quarter-turn valves	Metal-seated ball valve specification
Valve Types	Ball, butterfly, plug valves	Metal-seated ball valves only
Primary Focus	Fire performance	General design and fire performance
Seat Material	Originally soft-seated, now includes metal	Metal seats only
Testing Requirements	Fire testing procedures	Design, materials, dimensions plus fire testing

Applications of API 607 and API 608 Valves

API 607 Valve Applications

API 607 valves are typically used in applications where fire safety is critical:

• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Chemical plants
• Refineries
• Offshore platforms
• Any location with high fire risk

API 608 Valve Applications

API 608 valves are used in general service applications in the petroleum industry:

• Pipeline systems
• Storage facilities
• Processing plants
• Applications requiring metal-seated ball valves

Choosing Between API 607 and API 608

When selecting between these standards, consider the following factors: