# 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 safety testing of valves, 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. The full title is “Fire Test for Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Nonmetallic Seats.” This standard applies to:

• Ball valves
• Butterfly valves
• Plug valves
• Other quarter-turn valve designs

The purpose of API 607 is to evaluate the ability of these valves to maintain structural integrity and minimal leakage during and after exposure to fire. The test involves exposing the valve to flames at temperatures up to 1,400-1,800°F (760-980°C) for 30 minutes while maintaining pressure.

What is API 608?

API 608 is titled “Metal Ball Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End.” While this standard primarily covers design, materials, and testing requirements for metal ball valves, it also includes fire testing provisions in its Annex F. The fire test requirements in API 608 are similar to those in API 607 but specifically apply to metal ball valves.

Key aspects of API 608 include:

• Design requirements for metal ball valves
• Material specifications
• Pressure-temperature ratings
• Testing procedures
• Fire test requirements (Annex F)

Key Differences Between API 607 and API 608

Feature	API 607	API 608
Scope	Fire testing for all quarter-turn valves	Comprehensive standard for metal ball valves including fire testing
Valve Types	Ball, butterfly, plug, and other quarter-turn valves	Metal ball valves only
Primary Focus	Fire safety performance	Overall valve design and performance including fire safety
Testing Requirements	Mandatory fire testing	Fire testing is optional (Annex F)
Seat Materials	Focus on nonmetallic seats	Primarily metal-to-metal seats

Applications and Industry Usage

API 607 Applications

API 607 certified valves are commonly used in:

• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Petrochemical plants
• Refineries
• Power generation facilities
• Any application where fire safety is critical for quarter-turn valves

API 608 Applications

API 608 compliant valves are typically specified for:

• High-pressure oil and gas applications
• Pipeline systems
• Process plants requiring metal ball valves</