Hot Spot Task Group Launched to Revise API 607 Fire Testing of Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Non-metallic Seats

What is it?

API have announced that they intend to revise the API 607 Standard- Fire Test for Quarter-turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Non-metallic Seats and are forming a Task Group for the purpose. They are now seeking volunteers to actively participate in this Task Group with a target completion date before October 2027. Meetings will be held monthly using a hybrid format to minimise time and travel costs, lasting typically 2 hours they are likely to be held late afternoon UK time.

Members were asked if they were interested in actively contributing to the revision of this important standard to advise the BVAA secretariat, so that they can be nominated for the Task Group.

Why is it Important?

API 607 is a widely adopted fire testing standard covering quarter-turn valves with non-metallic or metallic seat(s) and other operated valves with non-metallic seating. However, it does not cover the testing requirements for valve actuators other than manually operated gear boxes when these form part of the normal valve assembly.

A new edition of API 6FA has recently completed its ballot process and is expected to be published soon. This API 6FA revision includes some significant changes, particularly related to qualification of untested valves, scaling and a test method for external leakage only qualifications. It is likely that the Task Group will consider making similar changes to API 607 which could potentially affect the validity of existing fire test qualified products.

Fire testing requirements for valves are becoming increasingly common in the oil and gas and process industry and they are also being specified for hydrogen valve applications. Fire qualification testing is costly, so it is desirable that the test requirements of all three commonly used fire testing standards-API 6FA, API 607 and ISO 10497 remain comparable in order to minimise the need for multiple tests of a given valve range. Participation in this Task Group will allow members to influence the development of API 607 and ensure that it remains fit for purpose for valve manufacturers.

Supersedes

When published this standard will supersede API 607:2022 Eighth Edition.

Continuous Improvement - Did we miss anything?

Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact jane@bvaa.org.uk. 

Search related valve / actuator articles:   British Valve and Actuator AssociationIssue 100Technical Hot Spots