Butterfly valves are widely used in industrial piping systems due to their compact structure, lightweight design, and quick operation. They are commonly applied in water treatment, chemical, power, oil, and gas industries. However, when dealing with industrial standards across different countries and regions, selecting a butterfly valve that meets the relevant specifications is crucial. This article provides a detailed analysis of butterfly valve design and selection requirements based on three key standards: API 609, ISO 5752, and GB/T 12238.

1. API 609 — American Petroleum Institute Standard

API 609 is the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard for metal-seated butterfly valves, primarily used in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. The standard defines valve structure, materials, dimensions, and pressure ratings to ensure reliable performance under high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media conditions.

Key points include:

● Pressure Ratings: Covers Class 150 to 1500, accommodating various service conditions.

● Body and Disc Design: Metal-to-metal sealing requires precise alignment between disc and seat to prevent leakage under high temperature or high pressure.

● Testing and Inspection: Includes shell tests, seat leakage tests, and operational performance checks to ensure valve safety and reliability.

For high-temperature steam or high-pressure oil and gas pipelines, selecting a butterfly valve compliant with API 609 can significantly reduce leakage risk and extend equipment lifespan.

2. ISO 5752 — International Standard Organization Standard

ISO 5752 is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard that specifies end dimensions and flange connection sizes for valves. It defines the face-to-face dimensions, flange sizes, and connection methods for butterfly valves, providing a consistent interface specification for industrial users worldwide.

Key points include:

● Face-to-Face Dimensions: Specifies valve lengths for different nominal diameters to ensure compatibility with piping systems.

● Flange Dimensions: Ensures valves match international standard pipe fittings, such as ANSI or DIN flanges.

● Interchangeability: Butterfly valves designed according to ISO 5752 can be replaced or serviced globally without redesigning the pipeline interface.

ISO 5752 is particularly suitable for multinational engineering projects, ensuring the universality of butterfly valves across different plants and systems.

3. JB/T8527 — Chinese National Standard

JB/T8527 is the Chinese national standard specifying the dimensions, structure, and testing requirements for metal hard-seal butterfly valves. It is widely applied in domestic industrial projects such as water conservancy, power, and petrochemical industries, serving as an important reference for procurement and acceptance.

Key points include:

● Nominal Diameter and Pressure Rating: Covers common ratings such as PN1.0 to PN16, suitable for water, steam, and industrial fluids.

● Body and Disc: Defines material and structural requirements to ensure valve sealing performance and mechanical strength.

● Testing Requirements: Includes shell strength, sealing performance, and operational reliability tests to guarantee factory quality.

In domestic projects, butterfly valves compliant with JB/T8527 ensure reliable performance and facilitate suppliers in providing after-sales service and spare parts.

Summary

When selecting a butterfly valve, understanding and adhering to the relevant standards is crucial to ensure reliable operation:

● API 609: Specifies metal hard-seal butterfly valves for high-temperature, high-pressure applications in the oil and gas industry.

● ISO 5752: Provides internationally standardized end dimensions and flange connections, facilitating cross-border project compatibility.

● JB/T8527: Meets the requirements of domestic industrial projects, ensuring performance and ease of after-sales service.

Choosing butterfly valves that comply with these standards helps guarantee sealing performance, pressure resistance, and operational reliability while supporting long-term system stability.

Q&A: Common Questions on Butterfly Valve Standards

Q1: What is the main difference between API 609 and JB/T8527?

A1: API 609 focuses on metal hard-seal designs for high-temperature, high-pressure conditions and oil & gas applications. JB/T8527 emphasizes domestic industrial project compatibility, standard dimensions, and generally covers lower pressure ratings.

Q2: Does ISO 5752 only specify dimensions?

A2: Yes. ISO 5752 mainly defines face-to-face lengths, structural lengths, and flange dimensions to ensure interchangeability. It does not cover material selection or pressure ratings.

Q3: Which standard should be prioritized when selecting a butterfly valve?

A3: It depends on the operating conditions and project location: domestic projects may prioritize JB/T8527; oil & gas or high-temperature/high-pressure applications should reference API 609; international projects or cases requiring equipment interchangeability should consider ISO 5752 as well.

Q4: Does standard compliance affect price?

A4: Yes. Valves that meet higher standards (e.g., API 609) are typically more expensive but ensure performance and safety, making them suitable for critical applications.