IP 3-12-9

General Requirements for Valves

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 1 of 5
(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 2

June 2000

Changes shown by

SCOPE
I

1.1

1.2

This practice covers general requirements governing the design, inspection, testing, and preparation
for shipment of valves.
An asterisk () indicates that a decision by the Purchaser is required or that additional information is
furnished by the Purchaser.

SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

I

2.1

Table 1 lists the practices and standards which shall be used with this practice.
TABLE 1
PRACTICES
IP 3-12-8
IP 20-1-1

Block Valve Packing Systems

Inspection of Equipment and Materials
STANDARDS

API Standard
598
Valve Inspection and Testing
ASME
B16.34

2.2

Valves, Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End

Table 2 lists the practices, code, and standards that shall be used with this practice as specified by the
Purchaser.

TABLE 2
PRACTICES
IP 3-16-1
IP 15-9-2
IP 18-3-4
IP 18-4-1
IP 18-7-1
IP 18-10-1
IP 18-12-1

Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting

Motor Actuators for Valves
Casting Quality for Valves in Hydrogen Service and High Pressure Service
Postweld Heat Treatment of Equipment Handling Alkaline Solutions
Welding Procedures
Additional Requirements for Materials
Positive Materials Identification
CODE AND STANDARDS

ASME Code
B31.3
Process Piping
API Standards
600
Steel Gate Valves, Flanged and Buttwelding Ends
602
Compact Steel Gate Valves - Flanged, Threaded, Welding and Extended-Body Ends
607
Fire Test for Soft-Seated Quarter-Turn Valves
ASME Standard
B16.5
Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
B16.47
Large Diameter Steel Flanges (Series B)

MATERIALS
R

3.1

Austenitic stainless steel and nickel alloy valves (body, bonnet, cover, and cap):
a. Trim including stem and seats, gland assemblies including bolting, and trunnion support
materials shall be of the same nominal chemistry as the body. Hard facing equal to CoCr-A shall be
provided for seating surfaces when specified, and is always an acceptable alternative for seating
surfaces.
Note: Hard facing (equal to CoCr-A) includes such trademarked materials as Stellite 6, Stoody 6 and
Wallex 6.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-12-9

General Requirements for Valves

Page 2 of 5
Rev. 2

June 2000

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

b. Bonnet and cover bolting material for valves NPS 3 and larger will be specified and shall be of the
same material specification as the bolting used for connecting piping.

DESIGN
O

4.1

When chainwheels are specified, they shall be of the direct mounted adjustable sprocket rim type.
Chain guides shall be included. Clamp-on type chainwheels are not permitted unless specified.

4.2

All pressure containing welds, and welds made on pressure containing components shall meet the
requirements of IP 18-7-1. Hardfacing welds on components that are not part of the pressure boundary may
be exempted from this requirement if weld adequacy is demonstrated by an appropriate mockup.
Valve stems and check valve/butterfly valve shafts shall be blow-out proof if the stem or shaft becomes
separated from the closure device, if the stemnut becomes detached from the yoke, or if the packing gland is
removed. Valve stems shall be designed such that the weakest link is outside of the pressure boundary.

4.3

O,M

4.4

Counterweight designs for check valves shall be submitted to the Purchaser for approval by the Owners
Engineer. Drawings for counterweighted check valves shall clearly indicate whether the counterweights
are provided to assist quick closure or to provide damping. They shall also indicate the weight and center
of gravity of all components attached to the hinge pin, and the required counterweight location.

4.5

When horizontal stem orientation is required or specified for gate valves NPS 10 or greater in horizontal
lines, valve internals shall be designed to avoid wedge jamming and the design shall be approved by the
Owner's Engineer.

O,R

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW ALLOY VALVES IN HYDROGEN SERVICE

AND AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL VALVES IN HIGH PRESSURE SERVICE
R
R

5.1
5.2

When hydrogen service is specified, low alloy valve castings (P-numbers 3, 4, and 5 materials) shall
be magnetic particle and radiographically examined per IP 18-3-4.
Austenitic stainless steel valve castings, with a rating of Class 1500 or 2500 shall be liquid penetrant and
radiographically examined per IP 18-3-4.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VALVES IN WET H2S SERVICE

R

6.1

PWHT is required for all carbon and ferritic alloy steel pressure-containing components that are welded
and/or weld repaired, except as specifically exempted in a. through c. below. The PWHT procedure
outlined in ASME B31.3, Par. 331.1 shall be followed; however, the exceptions provided in Table 331.1.1,
based on wall thickness, are not permitted. The minimum PWHT temperature shall be per ASME B31.3
for the material used, but not less than 1150F (620C).
The specific types of welds listed in a. through c. below are exempt from the special PWHT requirements of
this paragraph. However, this does not exempt these welds from PWHT which may be required for other
reasons.
a. Multipass girth welds, welded from the outside surface only.
b. External attachment welds, when the weld is not in contact with wet H2S.

6.2

c. Multipass seal and socket welds.

Hardness of the base metal of the body, bonnet, cap, stem, closure components (excluding locally
hardened seating surfaces), and butterfly valve seat retainer ring, and of the weld metal and related
heat affected zone (HAZ) of any pressure retaining welds, shall not exceed the limits given by Table 3.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-12-9

General Requirements for Valves

Page 3 of 5

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 2

June 2000

TABLE 3
HARDNESS REQUIREMENTS FOR VALVES IN WET H2S SERVICE
MATERIAL / P-NUMBER

HARDNESS (5)
Other than Stem

Stem

P-1 (2)(3)

200 HB (1)

Not Applicable

P-3, P-4, P-10, P-10 A&B, P-11, P11A

225 HB (1)

Not Applicable

P-5

235 HB (1)

Not Applicable

235 HB (1)(4)

22 HRC

310 HB (1)

33 HRC

Not Applicable

33 HRC

P-6, P-7
Inconel, precipitation hardened
17-4PH, double precipitation hardened

Notes:
(1)
For base metal use the value shown or the value given in the specific ASTM standard, whichever is lower.
(2)
No testing is required on the HAZ.
(3)
Testing is only required on the base metal if hot forming (forging) followed by water quenching is used.
(4)
Plugs or balls of 13 Cr material shall have a maximum Brinnell hardness of 225.
(5)
Except where noted, tests shall be made with a Brinell Testing Machine. A portable hardness tester may be
used providing the diameter of the indentation ball is not smaller than 7 mm and not larger than 10 mm, and the
hardness of the reference bar is within 12.5% of the maximum hardness required for the specific material.

6.3

The hardness test for the HAZ shall be made with the ball centered in the HAZ to represent a composite of
weld metal, HAZ and base metal. Tests on valve stems, including any integral components to stems, shall
be made with a Rockwell Testing Machine using the C" hardness scale.

VERIFICATION OF HARDNESS VALUES

R

6.4

Unless otherwise specified, examinations shall be made in the presence of the inspector to verify
compliance with the specified hardness requirements. The minimum number of hardness checks shall be as
follows:
VALVE
COMPONENTS

MINIMUM NUMBER OF HARDNESS TESTS

MATERIAL
P-1

Shell (4)

Closure Component and

Trim, including Stem

P-3, P-4, P-5, P-6

P-7, P-10, P-10 A&B,
P-11, P-11A
All

Base Metal

Weld Metal

HAZ

Minimum 5%
(minimum of one valve)
of each size, style and
material per order

NOTE (1)

NONE

10% of Welds

Minimum of one valve of each style and material per order (2)(3)

Notes:
(1)
Test 10% of the welds made by the:
(a)
SMAW process using ferritic filler metal other than Class E60-70XX per ANSI/AWS A5.1.
(b)
GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG or MAG) processes-using filler metal other than ER70S-2 through
ER70S-5 per ANSI/AWS A5.18.
(c)
FCAW process using filler metal other than E7XT-1,-5,-9,-12 with CO2 or E7XT-1M,-5M,-9M,-12M
with either CO2 or Ar/CO2 mixture.
(d)
SAW (submerged arc) process using filler-metal other than a combination ELX or EMX wires per
ANSI/AWS A5.17 and neutral flux approved by the Owner's Engineer.
(2)
Vendor may verify hardness by testing trim-components other than those in the order, which have been
manufactured (fabrication and thermal treatment) the same as those being furnished.
(3)
Vendor certification of materials is required.
(4)
Includes body, bonnet, cap, butterfly valve seat retainer ring.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-12-9

General Requirements for Valves

Page 4 of 5
Rev. 2

June 2000

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPACT

VALVES REQUIRING POST WELD HEAT TREATING

7.1

7.2

If socket welding valves with welded-in pipe stubs requiring PWHT are specified:
a. Pipe stubs shall be 6 in. (150 mm) long, unless otherwise specified.
b. Valve body and stub assembly shall be heat treated prior to finish machining of the valves.
If gusset stub (or pad) attachments to valves are specified:
a. Dimensions and configuration of the gusset stubs shall be as illustrated.
b. Gusset stub (or pad) location shall be on the upstream or downstream side of globe valves, as specified.

1/2 in. (13 mm)

3/16 in. (5 mm)

(38 mm)

1 1/2 in.

Stubs For
Two
Plane
1 Gusseting

2 in.

NPS

COMPACT BODY VALVE

Note:

2 in.
(50 mm)

(50 mm)
EXTENDED BODY VALVE

Gusset stub dimensions are minimum.

031209f1

c. PWHT shall be done after welding the attachments to the valve body.
d. Gusset stub material shall be of the same nominal chemistry as the valve body, except that carbon
steel may be used for P-1, P-3, P-4, and P-5 materials.
e. Filler metal shall match the chemistry of the valve body as closely as possible.

INSPECTION AND TESTING

R

8.1

High pressure closure tests shall be per API-598 except that all prototype designs shall be tested. A valve
shall be considered as a prototype if:
a. The manufacturer has made significant changes to the standard design.
b. The manufacturing facility has no previous experience with the particular valve model.

R
R

8.2
8.3

8.4

8.5

8.6

Quarter-turn valves shall be tested with the final gear operator installed.
Low pressure seat tests shall be conducted with the air discharge slightly below water to facilitate
determination of leakage rates.
All valves specified to have double block and bleed capability with body bleeds in the G or H position
(ASME B16.34) shall be tested per API-598 as a double block and bleed valve. Leakage shall be
measured through the open bleed.
For soft sealed gate valves, to verify the capability of the metal seat to provide positive shutoff, a
minimum of 5% (minimum of one valve) of each size in the order shall be High Pressure Closure and Low
Pressure Closure tested per API-598 without the soft seal in place. The test valve shall be stroked
open and shut at least one time prior to these tests. Leakage shall not exceed rates specified for metal
seated valves.
Closure torque during test. For handwheel and gear operated (manual) valves, closure torque shall not
be greater than that attainable by hand-tightening.
THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY
EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

General Requirements for Valves

IP 3-12-9
Page 5 of 5

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 2

June 2000

PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
M

9.1

Compact and extended body gate and globe valves, and soft-sealed wafer type butterfly valves, shall be in
the closed position during shipment and subsequent storage. Other soft-sealed valves shall be shipped in
the open position.

9.2

Valves shall be crated for shipment to protect against internal and external damage including operating
mechanisms.

PROTECTIVE COATINGS

M
M

9.3
9.4

The painting of unmachined exterior surfaces of valves shall be specified for marine or corrosive
chemical atmospheres.
Machined or threaded exterior surfaces of carbon steel, cast iron, ductile iron, and ferrous alloys
with a nominal chemistry of 12 Cr and below, shall be protected from corrosion during shipment and
subsequent storage by coating with a rust preventive of a type: (1) to provide protection during outdoor
storage for a period of twelve months exposed to a normal industrial environment, and (2) to be removable
with mineral spirits or any Stoddard solvent.

VALVE PROTECTION
M

9.5

9.6

9.7

Covers for the protection of gasket surfaces of end flanges or body facings, and for the protection of
welding ends, shall be either metal, hardboard, plastic or solid wood.
Valves with threaded or socketwelding ends shall have the ends protected with metal, wood or plastic caps
or plugs.
Austenitic stainless steel valves shall not be exposed to salt water or salt spray. Valves shall be
covered, or protected with a coating, and shall not be in contact with porous materials such as raw wood.

IDENTIFICATION AND LABELING

R

9.8

Valves which have passed the API 598 high pressure closure test with the body bleed open shall be
permanently marked or tagged Bleed-Tested."

9.9

Manufacturer's standard soft-sealed valves shall be permanently marked or tagged with the valve
temperature pressure rating at 100F (38C) and at minimum and maximum rated temperature. For
valves with a preferred flow direction, this data shall be given for both the preferred and non-preferred
directions.

9.10

Valves with a preferred flow direction shall have the direction of flow cast or steel stamped on the valve
body.

9.11

When check valves are provided with a drilled orifice hole in the plate, the size of the orifice shall be
stamped on the body with a low stress stamp.

9.12

All soft-seated quarter-turn valves that have passed the fire-tested" requirements of API-607 shall be
tagged fire-tested design."

9.13

Soft-sealed valves with welding ends, socket welding ends, or threaded ends requiring seal welds
shall be provided with a warning tag if removal of all soft-sealing materials from valve prior to welding is
required.

S
M

Revision Memo
12/91

Original Issue of Basic Practice

12/94
3/98
6/00

Revision 0 - Original Issue of International Practice

Revision 1
Revision 2
Par. 3.1b clarified that requirements apply to valves NPS 3 and larger. New Par. 4.5 added requirements for
horizontal stem orientation. Par. 8.1 revised to accept API 598 high pressure test requirements except for prototype
valves. New Par. 8.2 requires quarter turn valves to be tested with gear operator installed. Renumbered Pars. 8.28.5 to 8.3-8.6. Par. 8.4 clarified requirements for double block and bleed valves. Par. 8.5 deleted special test
pressure for soft sealed valves. Par. 8.6 deleted formula for stem closure torque for motor actuated valves. Par. 9.12
revised to accept valve tagging and clarifies tagging with "fire-tested design".

Exxon Research and Engineering Company, 1998, 2000

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.