ipc valves

Valve Standards that matter….and the organisations that decide the standards.

Valve Standards have evolved for over 130 years.

Read the previous blog in this series – The story of Valve Standards…
 
In the past, a number of bodies were formed to regulate valve construction and design to ensure safety and efficiency in operations. Some of these major bodies still exist, and standards developed by them are used across specific industries.
 
Here’s a brief look at some of the major standardising organisations and their focus sectors.
 

American Petroleum Institute (API) | Founded in 1919

Valve standards developed by American Petroleum Institute are mainly used in oil and natural gas industry. Formed in 1919, the API has developed over 700 standards for various aspects of the industry, including Gate, Globe and Check valves. The API valve standards for steel gate valves lay down specifications for design, dimensions and material of valves. One of the key documents governing these standards is API 600. Drafted in 1939, the document has been revised regularly, with the most recent revision being in 2015.

 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) | Founded in 1880

Valve standards developed by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers are mostly used across general purpose piping industry. The ASME was founded in 1880 to tackle various safety-related problems during industrial revolution. It developed the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (B&PVC), which also covers valves. By mid 20th century as nuclear power generation emerged, ASME also developed a code to regulate valves and other aspects of nuclear power generation industry. ASME standards also govern valves used in marine applications.

 

The Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) | Founded in 1924

The Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry (MSS) played a vital role in bringing interchangeability among valves. Today, MSS standards are used across various industries such as petroleum, petrochemical, food, beverage and utility industries for products such as valves, pipe fittings, flanges and seals.

 

 

 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | Founded in 1987

BIS was established in 1987 by the government of India. In 2017, it was made the central standardization body of the country. The BIS certifications schemes provide third party assurance of safety and reliability to the users of products. The organisation works to certify various commodities including valves in India.

 

(the erstwhile) GOST| Founded in 1925

GOST is a Russian standardization agency that was founded in 1925. After the dissolution of Soviet Union, GOST standards evolved into regional benchmarks. They are now administered by the Euro-Asian Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (EASC) and used across a host of Easter European nations that constitute Commonwealth of Independent States. 

 

British Standards Institution (BSI Group) | Founded in 1901

Originally founded as an Engineering Standards Committee, the BIS Group began to provide standardisation services across various businesses and adapted the name BSI group. Valve standards of the BSI group vary according to the industry, material and design of valves. For example, BS 1873 Specification for Steel globe and globe stop and check valve are used in petrochemical industry. Similarly BS 1953 is the standard certificate for Copper alloy check valves for general purposes.

 

Japanese Industrial Standards | Founded in 1946

Japanese Industrial standards are are coordinated by Japanese Industrial Standards Committee and Japanese Standards Association. The JSA works to educate the public and provide various standardization services, while JISC represents Japan in International Standards Organisation.