As a manufacturer of high performance and engineered ball valves, we are often asked about what industry standards affect these products and what should be referenced when specifying and ordering. The answer to that question is not nearly as straightforward as with the gate, globe, and check valves that have historically been the primary go-to valves in refining.
With the more common ‘rising stem’ valve types, standards such as API 600, API 602, API 603, etc. have taken a lot of the guesswork out because much of the design and sealing methods are well defined. However, as ball valves become more prevalent due to better sealing and reduced emissions, reliance on standards alone is not sufficient. Assurance that the installed product meets process requirements relies on much more.
Have you read this guide to ball valve seat selection yet? Read it here.