APV vs Low-Cost Competitor Quality Gate/Globe Valve

APV specifies smoothness tolerances on the stem and the stuffing box to superior to our competitors. Many manufacturers are still producing in accordance much older versions of the API standard in relation to smoothness. Of course, even the API smoothness level themself is an absolute base level. For fugitive emission graphite packing, PTFE packing and v-type PTFE packing, a higher level of smoothness is required. APV specifies a high level of smoothness irrespective of the type of packing used.

The above photos show the difference between APV valve and a western branded low cost competitor supplying the base price list product as used for low cost country domestic market. However, many (brand names) simply rebadge their brand and add nothing to the quality of the product. Another issue as you can see from the low cost country photo is the stuffing box is drilled out, not machined out and the bottom of the of the stuffing box has not been re-machined to flat bottom to properly seat the packing. This is an issue with forged gate and globe valves, especially with austenitic gate and globe valves with no back seat ring.

APV uses v-type chevron style packing sets for PTFE and fugitive emission grade, die form moulded, Inconel wire reinforced packing sets for graphite. All our valves have been firesafe and fugitive emission prototype certified and the packing used also has full fugitive emission and firesafe certification in its own right.

For safety and the environment, check your insurance policy and don’t risk ordering valves that are not properly specified.

All APV forged and cast gate & globe valves and ball valves, high performance butterfly valves (double offset/triple offset) are also stocked full fugitive emission packing and to superior stem and stuffing box smoothness tolerances and firesafe certified.

 For further details on APV fugitive emission valves, view our other article here

Many manufacturers are still only making swing check valves to BS 1868 and BS 1873 for globe valves. Both standards have not been updated since 1975! By manufacturing only to these standards, manufacturers avoid the requirements mandated by API. 

BS 1873 & BS 1868 are redundant and not accepted for oil & gas refinery and associated activities where ANSI/ASME valves are specified. The old BS standards are only still used for light industrial steam applications and for the non ASME market such as the AS/BS table D to H.

API 594 is the governing standard for swing check valves and API 623 and API 600 is the governing standard for globe and gate valves. API 602, API 600, and API 623 standards have been upgraded to comply with modern fugitive emission requirements, but LCC manufacturers do not necessarily comply with the latest version, even if they do reference the standard.