# Comparison of ASME B16.34 and API 600 Standards for Valve Design
## Introduction
When it comes to valve design and manufacturing, two standards dominate the industry: ASME B16.34 and API 600. These specifications provide critical guidelines for pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, and testing requirements for valves used in various industrial applications. While both standards serve similar purposes, they have distinct differences that engineers and procurement specialists must understand when selecting valves for specific applications.
## Overview of ASME B16.34
Scope and Application
The ASME B16.34 standard covers pressure-temperature ratings, dimensions, tolerances, materials, nondestructive examination requirements, testing, and marking for valves of all types. It applies to flanged, threaded, and welding end valves made of cast, forged, or fabricated materials.
Key Features
ASME B16.34 provides:
- Pressure-temperature ratings for various material groups
- Wall thickness requirements for valve bodies
- Minimum material requirements
- Testing procedures for shell and seat leakage
- Marking requirements for valve identification
## Overview of API 600
Scope and Application
API Standard 600 specifically covers bolted bonnet steel gate valves for petroleum and natural gas industries. It’s more specialized than ASME B16.34, focusing on a particular valve type for specific applications.
Key Features
API 600 includes requirements for:
- Design and construction of steel gate valves
- Material specifications
- Face-to-face and end-to-end dimensions
- Pressure testing procedures
- Inspection and examination requirements
## Key Differences Between ASME B16.34 and API 600
Scope and Coverage
While ASME B16.34 applies to all valve types, API 600 is specifically for bolted bonnet steel gate valves. This makes ASME B16.34 more general, while API 600 is more specialized.
Keyword: two commonly asme b16 34 and api 600
Pressure-Temperature Ratings
Both standards reference similar pressure-temperature ratings, but API 600 includes additional requirements for gate valve design that consider the specific challenges of oil and gas applications.
Material Requirements
API 600 has more stringent material requirements, particularly for components in contact with the fluid. It specifies acceptable material grades and their required properties more precisely than ASME B16.34.
Testing Requirements
API 600 generally requires more rigorous testing than ASME B16.34, including extended duration tests and more comprehensive documentation of test results.
## When to Use Each Standard
ASME B16.34 Applications
ASME B16.34 is appropriate when:
- Working with various valve types beyond gate valves
- The application isn’t specific to oil and gas
- General industrial valve requirements are sufficient
API 600 Applications
API 600 should be specified when:
- Dealing specifically with steel gate valves
- The valves will be used in petroleum or natural gas service
- Higher reliability and more stringent requirements are needed
## Conclusion
Both ASME B16.34 and API 600 play crucial roles in valve design and manufacturing. While ASME B16.34 provides broad requirements applicable to all valve types, API 600
