Type Testing of Rising Stem Valves Equipped with Graphite Packing for Fugitive Emissions

API STANDARD 624

FIRST EDITION, FEBRUARY 2014

Special Notes

API publications necessarily address problems of a general nature. With respect to particular circumstances, local, state, and federal laws and regulations should be reviewed.

Neither API nor any of API's employees, subcontractors, consultants, committees, or other assignees make any warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained herein, or assume any liability or responsibility for any use, or the results of such use, of any information or process disclosed in this publication. Neither API nor any of API's employees, subcontractors, consultants, or other assignees represent that use of this publication would not infringe upon privately owned rights.

API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, the Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any authorities having jurisdiction with which this publication may conflict.

API publications are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineering and operating practices. These publications are not intended to obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these publications should be utilized. The formulation and publication of API publications is not intended in any way to inhibit anyone from using any other practices.

Any manufacturer marking equipment or materials in conformance with the marking requirements of an API standard is solely responsible for complying with all the applicable requirements of that standard. API does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that such products do in fact conform to the applicable API standard.

Users of this Standard should not rely exclusively on the information contained in this document. Sound business, scientific, engineering, and safety judgment should be used in employing the information contained herein.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Contact the Publisher, API Publishing Services, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Copyright © 2014 American Petroleum Institute

Foreword

Nothing contained in any API publication is to be construed as granting any right, by implication or otherwise, for the manufacture, sale, or use of any method, apparatus, or product covered by letters patent. Neither should anything contained in the publication be construed as insuring anyone against liability for infringement of letters patent.

Shall: As used in a standard, “shall” denotes a minimum requirement in order to conform to the specification.

Should: As used in a standard, “should” denotes a recommendation or that which is advised but not required in order to conform to the specification.

This document was produced under API standardization procedures that ensure appropriate notification and participation in the developmental process and is designated as an API standard. Questions concerning the interpretation of the content of this publication or comments and questions concerning the procedures under which this publication was developed should be directed in writing to the Director of Standards, American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. Requests for permission to reproduce or translate all or any part of the material published herein should also be addressed to the director.

Generally, API standards are reviewed and revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn at least every five years. A one-time extension of up to two years may be added to this review cycle. Status of the publication can be ascertained from the API Standards Department, telephone (202) 682-8000. A catalog of API publications and materials is published annually by API, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the Standards Department, API, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, standards@api.org.

iii

Contents

Page

1. Scope 1

2. Normative References 1

3. Terms and Definitions 1

4. Valve Selection and Test Preparation 3

5. Type Testing 3

6. Acceptance Criteria 5

7. Leak Test Equipment and Calibration 5

8. Post-test Inspection 7

9. Recording and Documentation 7

10. Valves Qualified 8

11. Valve Marking 8

Annex A (normative) Fugitive Emissions Test Report 9

Annex B (informative) Suggested Valves for Testing 11

Figures

1. Valve Cycling 4

2. Temperature Locations 6

3. Calibration Setup 7

Tables

1. Size and Class to be Tested for Each Gate Valve Made in Accordance with API 602 11

2. Size and Class to be Tested for Each Globe Valve Made in Accordance with API 602 11

3. Size and Class to be Tested for Each Gate Valve Made in Accordance with API 600 11

4. Size and Class to be Tested for Each Gate Valve Made in Accordance with API 603 12

5. Size and Class to be Tested for Each Globe Valve Made in Accordance with API 623 12

v

Introduction

The purpose of this standard is to establish a uniform procedure for the evaluation of emission performance of process valves. The testing program will provide a basis for the comparison of the emissions and performance of process valves.

Use of this standard assumes the execution of its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced personnel because it calls for procedures that can be injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. This standard refers only to technical suitability and does not absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and safety at any stage of the procedure.

vi

Type Testing of Rising Stem Valves Equipped with Graphite Packing for Fugitive Emissions

1. Scope

   This standard specifies the requirements and acceptance criteria (100 ppmv) for fugitive emission type testing of rising and rising-rotating stem valves equipped with packing previously tested in accordance with API 622. Packing shall be suitable for use at service temperatures –29 °C to 538 °C (–20 °F to 1000 °F). The type testing requirements contained herein are based upon elements of EPA Method 21.

   
   

   Valves larger than NPS 24 or valves greater than class 1500 are outside the scope of this standard.

   
   

2. Normative References

   The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

   
   

   API Standard 602, Steel Gate, Globe and Check Valves for Sizes DN 100 and Smaller for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries

   
   

   API Standard 622, Type Testing of Process Valve Packing for Fugitive Emissions

   
   

   ASME B16.34 1, Valves—Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End

   
   

   EPA Method 21 2, Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks

   
   

3. Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.

3.1

ambient temperature

Temperature that is between 15 °C to 40 °C (59 °F to 104 °F).

3.2

auxiliary connection

Drain(s), vent(s), or sealant injection port(s).

3.3

bolting torque

The amount of twisting or turning effort (expressed as N-m, ft-lb, or in.-lb) required to tighten a threaded fastener.

3.4

dynamic leak measurement

Measurement of leakage taken while the stem is traveling through an opening and closing cycle.

3.5

EPA Method 21

A leak check method established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for performing emissions measurements on equipment such as valves, pumps, and flanges.

1. ASME International, 3 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016-5990, www.asme.org.

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20460, www.epa.gov.

1