Dec. 02, 2024
API 623
With competitive pricing and timely delivery, LEFLOW genuinely seeks to be your supplier and partner.
Traditionally, gate valves follow API 600, while check valves are delineated under API 594. Prior to the establishment of API 623, it was common in the refining and petrochemical sectors to reference API 600 wall thicknesses in globe valve specifications, despite the fact that API 600 only pertains to gate valves. The wall thickness was essentially the only component of API 600 that could be somewhat applied to globe valves, as other aspects such as stem diameters, packing sizes, and gasket designs did not correlate.
One significant issue faced by the API 623 task force was the stem diameter. Globe valves require a greater force to close compared to gate valves, meaning their stem diameter dimensions should be larger. While different manufacturers had their own sizing needs, a unified minimum standard for globe valve stem diameters was absent. API 623 has now established that standard.
Moreover, globe valves are frequently equipped with stems made from austenitic stainless steels like 304ss, 316ss, or 347ss. These materials generally lack the strength of the conventional 410 stainless-steel stem material; therefore, if austenitic stems are utilized, they must be larger in diameter to prevent bending or buckling. The new standard rectifies this issue by including minimum stem diameters compatible with austenitic stainless steels.
Before the creation of API 623, the minimum wall thickness for globe valves was determined based on American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B16.34 guidelines. The new standard adopts a minimum wall thickness that aligns with API 600's specifications and exceeds those of ASME B16.34. This enhanced wall thickness contributes to a heavier globe valve design, providing added resistance to corrosion and erosion. It also mitigates deflection issues within the bonnets of larger-diameter globe valves—this deflection often leads to leakage as the disc can lift off the seat due to upward bonnet expansion.
The updated heavy-pattern globe valve is set to be beneficial across various sectors including refineries, power generation, and the chemical industry. Especially in an age where casting quality can be inconsistent, many end users are likely to appreciate the additional wall thickness.
This standard applies to a range of body materials categorized by ASME B16.34 Groups 1 and 2, covering plain carbon steels, stainless steels, and chrome-molly alloys. However, it intentionally excludes ductile or cast iron valves.
As a comprehensive valve design standard, API 623 influences all facets of globe valve production. Since these valves primarily serve to throttle and regulate flow, it’s crucial that flow rates from various manufacturers are closely aligned with the API 623 specifications. Although globe valves possess a convoluted flow path that can impact fluid friction and flow rate, minimum seat diameters have been established to standardize this vital component in the flow rate equation.
Similar to other API valve standards, API 623 contains a trim materials table resembling that of API 600. These materials encompass, but are not limited to, 410, 316, 304, and Alloy 20.
A variety of options are available for gaskets and their materials, including:
One commonly seen valve on the discharge side of steam boilers is the stop-check valve, which merges the functionality of both a globe and check valve into a single body. Stop-check and angle valves fall within the purview of API 623 and are covered under this new standard; however, pressure-seal valves are not included.
For further details, please visit Cast Steel Globe Valve-API.
Establishing any standard is an intricate process, requiring extensive collaboration. The formulation of API 623 took approximately three years, led by Steve McJones of BP Global and supported by countless hours from the standards team.
The outcome provides unparalleled guidance that merits appreciation from those seeking optimally designed globe valves for various applications.
Javier Vergara, the director of global quality at Industrial Valco, actively contributed to the development of this new standard. For inquiries, please get in touch.
When preparing for a check valve installation, the main objective is to create a valve and piping system that ensures the longest service life at the minimal cost.
In many applications, the globe valve demonstrates superior performance compared to other designs, ensuring a bright future for these enduring favorites in the flow control industry.
This section addresses strategies to resolve and prevent field failures of knife gate and slurry valves.
Previous: Which is better, metal seat or soft seat ball valve?
Next: Key Questions to Ask When Ordering High Quality Mini Ball Valve
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )