An Essential Guide To ISO 17292 Vs API 6D

What Is ISO 17292

The specifications for many metal ball valves applicable for petrochemical, natural gas facilities, and related industrial uses are outlined in ISO 17292:2004. Flanged end class-designated valves in this standard feature flanges that adhere to ASME B16.5.

Flanged end flanges on PN-designated valves adhere to EN 1092-1 standard. Threads on valves with threaded ends can be ASME B1.20.1 or ISO 7-1. The lower of the shell rating or the seat rating has to be the service pressure or temperature rating appropriate to valves defined in this standard. 

There are pressure or temperature ratings that apply to the valve’s pressure comprising shell (i.e., the body, trunnion cap, cover, body cap, and body inserts). These must be in harmony with those listed in the pressure or temperature tables of either ASME B16.34, the typical class for class-nominated valves, or EN 1092-1 for PN-nominated valve models.

What Is API 6D 

The largest trade group representing the natural gas and oil industry is the American Petroleum Institute (API), which represents around 650 businesses. The American Petroleum Institute’s API 6D contains standards for pipeline valves. For pressure ratings up to ASME class 2500, API 6D includes the design, production, testing, and documentation of pipeline ball valves, plug valves, check valves, and gate valves. 

API 6D ball valves are used for long-distance pipeline transfers. This specification states that in addition to switching on or off the medium, the valve can also execute other functions such as blowdown, cleaning, overpressure service, lubricant insert, and leak inspection.

Ball valves made to API 6D have a largely set architectural design. It is more important to blow down or empty out the pipeline valve in terms of economy and environmental preservation. The most recent API 6D 2014 version of the QSL criteria has been implemented. There are particular QSL requirements for manufacturing technique documentation, pressure testing, and nondestructive testing.

ISO 17292 Vs. API 6D: Brief Comparison 

Here are the primary differences between the ISO 17292 and API 6D that everyone should be aware of. 

Main Purpose 

• ISO 17292

This International Standard’s objective is to establish fundamental requirements and practices for steel ball valves with butt-welded, socket-welded, threaded, and flanged ends that have flow passageways specified as a full bore, reduced bore, and double reduced bore seat openings. It applies to the valves that are used in petroleum, petrochemical, and related applications. 

• API 6D

API 6D is the principal standard for pipeline service valves, including ball valves, plug valves, gate valves, and check valves. Refinery and petrochemical clients sometimes go through the API 6D’s more stringent testing rules, even though the valve may have been produced in accordance with API 600, 602, 608, or 609 design criteria.

Testing And Inspection 

• ISO 17292 

It covers the following provisions for testing, inspection, and valve characteristics:

• Diameters 15 ≤ DN ≤ 600 (½ ≤ NPS ≤ 24) with flanged and butt-welded ends
• Sizes 8 ≤ DN ≤ 50 (¼ ≤ NPS ≤ 2) with socket welding and threaded ends.
• Full bore, reduced bore, and double reduced bore body seat holes 
• Body materials 

• API 6D

Under API 6D, three different tests are necessary: the hydrostatic seat test, the hydrostatic shell test, and the stem backseat test. The API 6D test medium for hydrostatic shell tests and backseat tests is freshwater (it may have a corrosion inhibitor). 

The test medium for API 6D’s low-pressure closure tests is either air or nitrogen. Freshwater (for hydrostatic testing) and inert gas (for pneumatic) are the test media for API 6D’s high-pressure closure tests.

What They Specify 

• ISO 17292

This ISO outlines the specifications for a number of metal ball valves appropriate for use in natural gas facilities, petrochemical plants, and other related industrial applications.

It includes valves with the following nominal sizes: 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 65, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, and 600.

Additionally, it covers the following nominal pipe sizes (NPS): ¼, ⅜, ½, ¾, 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½, 2, 2 ½, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 24. It refers to the following pressure classes: 150#, 300#, 600#, 800#, and PN 16, 25, 40, 63, and 100. Keep in mind that Class 800 only applies to valves with threaded and socket welding ends.

• API 6D

With lengthier pressure periods, more test items, and difficult operating procedures, API 6D specifies stricter criteria for the inspection and testing of pipeline valves. The rear seat test, shell test, and seat test each take around 120 seconds when the valve size is between 1/2 and 4 NPS. The rear seat test and seat test each need roughly 300 seconds if the valve size is identical to or more than 6 NPS.

The shell test takes roughly 300 seconds if the valve size is between 6 and 10 NPS. A total of 900 seconds are needed to complete the shell test on valves with sizes ranging from 12 to 18 NPS. If the valve size is identical to or more than 20 NPS, a shell test will last a total of 1800 seconds. 

Conclusion 

The ISO 17292 defines the provisions for metal ball valves ideal for petroleum, natural gas plants, petrochemical, and other associated industrial applications. Coming to the API 6D, they outline the provisions for pipeline valves.

Make sure to seek bids for large orders from a reputable  industrial valve manufacturer in order to purchase the highest quality models of various valves, such as industrial ball valves, check valves, globe valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, or plug valves.