# Comparison of ASME B16.34 and API 600 Standards
## Introduction
When it comes to industrial valves, two commonly referenced standards are ASME B16.34 and API 600. While both standards play crucial roles in valve manufacturing and application, they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements. Understanding these differences is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance personnel working with industrial valves.
## Scope and Purpose
Keyword: two commonly asme b16 34 and api 600
ASME B16.34
The ASME B16.34 standard covers pressure-temperature ratings, dimensions, tolerances, materials, and testing 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.
API 600
API 600 specifically focuses on bolted bonnet steel gate valves for petroleum and natural gas industries. This standard provides more detailed requirements for design, materials, face-to-face dimensions, and testing of gate valves used in refinery and pipeline applications.
## Key Differences
1. Valve Coverage
ASME B16.34 is broader in scope, applying to multiple valve types across various industries. API 600 is specialized for gate valves in oil and gas applications.
2. Pressure-Temperature Ratings
Both standards reference pressure-temperature ratings, but API 600 includes additional requirements for extreme service conditions common in petroleum applications.
3. Material Requirements
API 600 has more stringent material specifications, particularly for components exposed to corrosive environments. It includes specific requirements for trim materials and hardness.
4. Testing Requirements
While both standards require pressure testing, API 600 mandates more rigorous testing procedures including extended duration tests and additional tests for high-pressure applications.
## When to Use Each Standard
For general industrial applications where various valve types are used, ASME B16.34 provides the fundamental requirements. In petroleum refining, pipeline, and similar applications specifically requiring gate valves, API 600 should be the primary reference.
Many manufacturers design valves to meet both standards when targeting the oil and gas market, ensuring compliance with ASME B16.34’s broad requirements while also satisfying API 600’s specialized criteria.
## Conclusion
Understanding the differences between ASME B16.34 and API 600 is crucial for proper valve selection and specification. While ASME B16.34 serves as a foundational standard for various valve types, API 600 provides the specialized requirements needed for gate valves in demanding petroleum applications. Engineers should carefully consider which standard applies to their specific needs when designing systems or specifying valves.
