What is a fire safe valve and what does API 607 certification mean?
A fire safe valve is a valve designed to maintain acceptable leakage rates — through the valve body and across the valve seat — during and after a fire event. API 607, 8th Edition (2016) is the primary fire test standard for soft-seated quarter-turn valves. The test exposes the valve to 760 °C for 30 minutes, then applies a water spray, and measures body and seat leakage. A fire safe ball valve uses a metal-to-metal backup seat behind the PTFE primary seat so that if the PTFE is destroyed, the metal backup seals under spring pressure. API 6FA covers fire testing of pipeline valves per API 6D. Both are accepted by Saudi Aramco.
When does Saudi Aramco require fire safe certified valves?
Saudi Aramco requires fire safe certified ball valves for all process hydrocarbon service per 04-SAMSS-035. The supplementary requirement mandates API 607 or API 6FA fire test certification, with the original third-party fire test certificate from an accredited laboratory included in the valve data book. Saudi Aramco also accepts BS 6755 Part 2 as equivalent to API 607. Gate valves (API 600) with metal seats are inherently fire safe and do not require separate API 607 certification in most applications.
What is the difference between API 607 and API 6FA fire test standards?
API 607, 8th Edition (2016) applies to soft-seated quarter-turn valves — primarily ball valves and butterfly valves with elastomeric or PTFE seats — used in process plant service. API 6FA, 3rd Edition (1999, reaffirmed 2010) applies to pipeline valves per API 6D, with different leakage acceptance criteria appropriate for pipeline isolation. For Saudi Aramco ball valve procurement under 04-SAMSS-035, API 607 is required. API 6FA applies to API 6D pipeline ball valves. Both require original third-party fire test reports from an accredited laboratory.
How do I identify a fire safe valve in a procurement specification?
In a valve datasheet or purchase order, fire safe valves are specified by: (1) stating the fire test standard — API 607, API 6FA, or BS 6755 Part 2; (2) requiring a 'fire safe' or 'fire tested' designation in the description; (3) requiring an original third-party fire test certificate in the documentation package — not just a manufacturer's declaration. In SAEP-347 Annex 4 ball valve material numbers, the fire safe requirement is embedded in the material description. Gulf Union Ozone provides original API 607 fire test certificates with all ball valves for Saudi Aramco hydrocarbon service.
