Valve Fire Testing Standards: API 607 and API 6FA

Fire testing verifies that a valve can survive a fire event without catastrophic leakage. API 607 covers quarter-turn valves with soft seats; API 6FA covers wellhead and production equipment. Both standards define test sequence, temperature, and acceptance criteria.

API 607 Test Procedure

The valve is conditioned, then exposed to a flame producing a minimum 750 °C external surface temperature for 30 minutes. Leakage is measured through the seat and packing during and after the burn. Acceptance requires seat leakage below 100 ml/min liquid or 400 ml/min gas, and no uncontrolled leakage from the packing.

API 6FA Test Procedure

API 6FA applies to gate, globe, ball, and plug valves used in wellhead and production service. The fire test is conducted at rated working pressure with the valve in the closed position. Post-fire hydrostatic and seat leakage tests confirm structural and sealing integrity.

Fire-Safe Design Features

Secondary metal-to-metal seat engages when soft insert is destroyedGraphite or flexible metallic packing for stem seal during fireFire-safe body-bonnet and body-end gaskets (spiral wound or ring joint)Stainless steel or Monel bolting resists fire-induced embrittlement

Certification and Documentation

Fire test certificates from accredited third-party labs (Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Intertek) should be archived with valve documentation. Fire-safe valves must be clearly tagged in the field to distinguish them from standard soft-seat valves.

Verify fire test certificate applies to the actual valve size and pressure classCheck certificate validity—API 607 fifth edition superseded earlier versionsConfirm fire-safe seat design is not bypassed by improper actuator overridePeriodically exercise fire-safe valves to prevent seat freeze