Question 1

What is a ball valve's maximum pressure rating for API 608?

Accepted Answer

API 608 specifies ball valves in Class 150, 300, and 600 ratings for sizes 1/4 inch to 24 inches. The maximum pressure rating depends on temperature: at 38°C, Class 150 is rated to 275 PSI, Class 300 to 720 PSI, and Class 600 to 1440 PSI. For higher pressures up to 5000 PSI, special severe service ball valves with reinforced seats and trunnion mounting are used. For Saudi Arabian high-pressure gas pipelines, Class 600 and Class 900 forged steel ball valves (A105, F22) are specified.

Question 2

What's the difference between floating and trunnion mounted ball valves?

Accepted Answer

In floating ball valves, the ball is not mechanically constrained and floats downstream against the seat seal when pressure is applied, relying on system pressure to maintain tightness. This design is limited to smaller sizes (up to 8 inches) and lower pressure ratings (Class 150-300). Trunnion mounted ball valves have a bearing-supported ball with fixed stem, preventing axial movement. This design handles higher pressures (Class 600 and above) and larger sizes without excessive seat wear. For UAE petrochemical and ADNOC projects, trunnion design is specified for sizes above 4 inches.

Question 3

Why use SS316L trim in sour gas (NACE) applications?

Accepted Answer

SS316L (Low Carbon 316 Stainless Steel) is specified for sour gas service per NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 because it contains minimum 2.5% molybdenum, providing excellent resistance to hydrogen sulfide stress corrosion cracking. The low carbon content (max 0.03%) prevents sensitization during welding, maintaining corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone. For severe sour service in Saudi Arabian oil fields, 316L trim with specific hardness limits (HRC 22 max for soft parts) is mandatory. We supply NACE-compliant ball valves with material certifications for ARAMCO and SABIC projects.

Question 4

What is fire-safe ball valve design per API 607?

Accepted Answer

API 607 fire-safe testing verifies that a ball valve maintains seat sealing capability after exposure to fire. The test heats the valve to 760°C (1400°F) for 30 minutes, then cools and reapplies pressure. Fire-safe designs use graphite-based stem seals and fire-resistant seat materials (graphite or metal) that maintain integrity when standard PTFE seats would melt. After fire exposure, slight leakage may occur ( allowable up to 0.5 L/min per API 607) but the valve must still provide shut-off. All Supreme Valves fire-safe ball valves carry API 607 certification for Saudi Aramco and UAE ADNOC specifications.

Parameter	Value
Size Range	1/2" to 24"
Pressure Rating	150# to 2500#

API 6D Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve in Dallas

Download Full Technical Specifications

Request Documentation

Technical Specifications

Materials of Construction

Carbon Steel

Stainless Steel

Alloy Steel

Purchase Options

Features & Benefits

Feature 1

Feature 2

Request Detailed Enquiry