# Comparison of ASME B16.34 and API 600 Standards in Valve Design
## Introduction
When it comes to valve design and manufacturing, two standards stand out as the most commonly referenced in the industry: ASME B16.34 and API 600. While both standards provide guidelines for valve construction, they differ in their scope, application, and specific requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for engineers, designers, and procurement specialists working with industrial valves.
## Scope and Application
ASME B16.34
The ASME B16.34 standard covers the design, materials, dimensions, testing, and inspection requirements for valves with flanged, threaded, and welding end connections. It applies to a wide range of valve types including gate, globe, check, ball, and butterfly valves for various pressure classes.
API 600
API 600 specifically focuses on bolted bonnet steel gate valves for petroleum and natural gas industries. It’s more specialized than ASME B16.34 and includes additional requirements for materials, design, and testing that are particularly relevant to the oil and gas sector.
## Key Differences
Pressure-Temperature Ratings
ASME B16.34 provides comprehensive pressure-temperature ratings for valves based on material groups and classes. API 600 references ASME B16.34 for pressure-temperature ratings but adds specific requirements for gate valves used in hydrocarbon services.
Material Requirements
While both standards specify material requirements, API 600 has more stringent requirements for materials used in oil and gas applications, including additional testing and certification requirements.
Testing Requirements
API 600 includes more rigorous testing requirements than ASME B16.34, particularly for high-pressure applications. This includes extended shell test durations and more comprehensive seat leakage tests.
## Design Considerations
Body-Bonnet Joints
ASME B16.34 allows various types of body-bonnet joints, while API 600 specifically requires bolted bonnet construction for gate valves, with detailed requirements for bolting and gasketing.
Stem Design
API 600 has specific requirements for stem design, including minimum stem diameters and requirements for rising stems, which are not as detailed in ASME B16.34.
Fire Safety
API 600 includes optional fire-safe design requirements (API 607/6FA), while ASME B16.34 doesn’t specifically address fire safety for valves.
Keyword: two commonly asme b16 34 and api 600
## Industry Applications
ASME B16.34 is more widely applicable across various industries including power generation, chemical processing, and general industrial applications. API 600 is primarily used in the oil and gas industry, particularly for upstream and midstream applications where gate valves are commonly specified.
## Conclusion
While there is some overlap between ASME B16.34 and API 600, they serve different purposes in valve design and selection. ASME B16.34 provides a broader framework for various valve types across multiple industries, while API 600 offers specialized requirements for gate valves in hydrocarbon service. Engineers must carefully consider which standard is most appropriate for their specific application, and in many cases, valves may need to comply with both standards to meet project requirements.
