API 607 Fire-Safe Valve Testing Procedure

Introduction

In industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, and power generation, fire safety is a critical concern. Valves installed in pipelines must not only control the flow of media but also maintain their integrity during fire incidents. To ensure this, the API 607 Fire Test was established as the international benchmark for fire-safe valves.

This article explains the API 607 fire-safe valve testing procedure, its importance, and how YIXIN VALVE ensures compliance with this rigorous standard.

What Is API 607?

API 607 is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that specifies the testing requirements for quarter-turn valves (such as ball valves and butterfly valves) to evaluate their fire resistance.

The goal of the test is to confirm that valves:

• Maintain pressure containment during and after exposure to fire.

• Prevent excessive external leakage.

• Minimize leakage past the valve seat to protect downstream equipment.

• Remain operable after fire exposure.

Scope of API 607

• Applies mainly to quarter-turn valves (ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves).

• Covers both metal-seated and soft-seated valves.

• Fire testing applies to valves up to Class 2500 pressure rating.

API 607 Fire Test Procedure

The API 607 test is divided into sequential phases:

1. Preparation

• Valve is mounted on a test rig.

• Valve cavity is filled with water or another suitable medium.

• Pressure is applied per the rating class.

2. Pre-Fire Leak Test

• Before the fire, leakage is measured to ensure the valve is in normal condition.

3. Fire Exposure

• The valve is directly exposed to controlled flame temperatures between 750°C and 1000°C (1382°F – 1832°F).

• Duration: 30 minutes (depending on valve size).

• Pressure is maintained inside the valve during the fire.

4. During Fire Leakage Measurement

• Leakage through the valve seat and body joints is monitored.

• Must not exceed allowable limits defined by API 607.

5. Cooling Phase

• The valve is rapidly cooled using water spray to simulate firefighting conditions.

• Pressure is maintained inside the valve.

6. Post-Fire Leak Test

• Leakage past the seat and through external seals is measured again.

• Acceptable leakage is defined by the standard.

7. Operational Test

• Valve must be operated (open/close) after the test.

• Demonstrates that the valve remains functional after fire exposure.

Acceptance Criteria

To pass API 607, the valve must meet the following conditions:

• No catastrophic failure of body or bonnet.

• Leakage within allowable limits (through seat and body seals).

• Operability maintained after the fire and cooling cycle.

Importance of API 607 Compliance

• Safety Assurance: Protects people, facilities, and the environment.

• Regulatory Requirement: Many industries mandate API 607 certified valves.

• Reliability: Guarantees that valves will not fail during emergencies.

• Global Standardization: Recognized worldwide as the benchmark for fire-safe valves.

YIXIN VALVE and API 607 Fire-Safe Valves

At YIXIN VALVE, we design and manufacture industrial valves that comply with API 607 fire-safe testing standards.

Our advantages:

• Full range of fire-safe ball valves and butterfly valves.

• Tested under internationally accredited laboratories.

• Certified compliance with API 607, API 6FA.

• Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, and alloy materials.

• Options for manual, gear, pneumatic, or electric actuators.

By choosing YIXIN VALVE, you ensure fire-safe performance, global standard compliance, and long-term reliability in your critical pipeline systems.

Conclusion

The API 607 fire-safe valve testing procedure ensures that industrial valves can withstand fire exposure, maintain sealing performance, and protect both people and facilities. For industries handling flammable or hazardous fluids, choosing API 607-certified valves is not optional—it is essential.

YIXIN VALVE is committed to delivering reliable, fire-tested solutions for global industries. Contact us today to learn more about our API 607-certified fire-safe valves and technical support for your projects.