# Comparison of ASME B16.34 and API 600 Standards
## Introduction
When it comes to industrial valve standards, two commonly referenced specifications are ASME B16.34 and API 600. While both standards address valve design and manufacturing, they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements. This article explores the key differences between these two important standards in the valve industry.
## Overview of ASME B16.34
Scope and Application
ASME B16.34 is a comprehensive standard that 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.
Key Features
The standard specifies pressure-temperature ratings, wall thickness requirements, and material specifications for valves. It provides a unified approach to valve design across different materials and pressure classes.
## Overview of API 600
Scope and Application
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 specific to gate valves used in demanding service conditions.
Key Features
API 600 includes provisions for fire-safe design, extended body requirements, and specific testing procedures beyond what’s covered in ASME B16.34. It also addresses stem design, backseat requirements, and packing systems.
Keyword: two commonly asme b16 34 and api 600
## Main Differences Between the Standards
1. Scope and Valve Types
ASME B16.34 covers multiple valve types, while API 600 is exclusively for steel gate valves. This makes B16.34 more general and API 600 more specialized.
2. Industry Focus
API 600 is specifically tailored for the oil and gas industry, whereas ASME B16.34 has broader industrial applications across various sectors.
3. Additional Requirements
API 600 includes supplementary requirements like fire testing, extended body designs, and specific stem designs that aren’t covered in ASME B16.34.
4. Pressure-Temperature Ratings
While both standards reference similar pressure-temperature ratings, API 600 may have additional requirements for certain service conditions common in petroleum applications.
## When to Use Each Standard
ASME B16.34 Applications
This standard should be referenced when dealing with general industrial valve applications across various valve types. It’s particularly useful when working with multiple valve types or when industry-specific requirements aren’t critical.
API 600 Applications
API 600 is the preferred standard when specifying bolted bonnet steel gate valves for petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas services where additional reliability and safety features are required.
## Conclusion
Both ASME B16.34 and API 600 play important roles in valve specification and manufacturing. While ASME B16.34 provides broad requirements applicable to various valve types, API 600 offers specialized requirements for gate valves in demanding oil and gas applications. Understanding the differences between these standards helps engineers and specifiers make informed decisions when selecting valves for specific applications.
In many cases, valves may be designed to meet both standards, combining the general requirements of ASME B16.34 with the specialized provisions of API 600 for optimal performance in critical services.