Pressure Reducing Valves - Standards
Pressure reducing valves are one of the most important components in any large-scale industrial process. They are used to ensure process safety and quality control by preventing system pressure from exceeding acceptable levels. It is essential that these valves adhere to a set of industry standards to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
The ANSI/ASME B16.34 Standard
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have set a standard for pressure reducing valves that must be met by all manufacturers. The ANSI/ASME B16.34 standard is the most widely-recognized pressure reducing valve standard in the world, used in more than 30 countries. This standard applies to the design, materials, manufacturing process, testing, safety, and pressure ratings of pressure reducing valves.
API Standard 641
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a global leader in the oil and gas performing equipment industry. The API Standard 641 covers the specific requirements for pressure reducing valves used in oilfields. This standard strictly enforces the same design and safety requirements of ANSI/ASME B16.34, but also provides additional requirements specific to oilfield applications. Testing, use, and maintenance are all covered in this standard.
GOST Standard
The GOST Standard, or Russian State Standard, covers the design, testing, and performance requirements for pressure reducing valves used in the Russian industrial market. This standard is the most widely used standard for pressure reducing valves in Russia and the other Russian Republics, and it is based on the design principles outlined in ANSI/ASME B16.34.
ISO Standard
The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, is a global organization that develops international standards for a range of products and services, including pressure reducing valves. The ISO Standard for pressure reducing valves specifies the design, materials, testing, safety, and performance requirements, and it is accepted by a number of countries around the world.
Whilst these are the four most widely-recognized standards for pressure reducing valves, there are additional region-specific standards that are adopted in certain countries where pressure reducing valves are widely used. These standards are designed to ensure optimal performance and safety of these components, and all manufacturers of pressure reducing valves must adhere to these standards.
