Date of Issue: September 2024

Affected Publication: API Specification 6D, Specification for Valves, 25th Edition, November 2021

API Monogram Program Effective Date: March 5, 2025

Addendum 2

Section 1 (Scope): The first paragraph shall be changed to the following:

This specification defines the requirements for the design, manufacturing, materials, welding, quality
control, assembly, testing, marking, documentation, and process controls of axial, ball, check, gate, and
plug valves for application in the petroleum and natural gas industries, and hydrogen gas service.

The fourth paragraph shall be changed to the following:

Annexes A, B, D, E, F, J, L, and M are informative and contain optional requirements used in this
specification.

Section 2 (Normative References): The following references shall be added:

API Standard 6ACRA, Age-hardened Nickel-based Alloys for Oil and Gas Drilling and Production
Equipment

ISO 23936-1, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries—Non-metallic materials in contact with
media related to oil and gas production—Part 1: Thermoplastics

ISO 23936-2, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries—Non-metallic materials in contact with
media related to oil and gas production—Part 2: Elastomers

Section 3.2 (Acronyms and Abbreviations): The following acronyms shall be added:

FAT factory acceptance test

SLH specification level for hydrogen

Section 4.2: The fifth paragraph shall be changed to the following:

The supplemental requirements in Annex L and Annex M shall apply when specified by the manufacturer
and/or purchaser.

NOTE 3 shall be changed to the following:

NOTE 3 Annex L and Annex M identify allowable additions or supplements to the requirements in Section 4
through Section 14 that may be applied to valves when specified by the manufacturer or purchaser. Valves
manufactured with any allowed addition or supplement in accordance with Annex L and/or Annex M conform to this
specification.
Table 2: The table shall be changed to the following:

Table 2—Process Control Requirements

Performed by:
Item No. Process Control Activity
Manufacturer1 Outsourced2
1 Product design and validation X X
2 Material procurement X X
3 Verification of externally provided products or activities X Not permitted
4 Machining X X
5 In-process inspection X X
6 Welding X X
7 Assembly X Not permitted
8 Factory acceptance testing (Section 10) X Not permitted
9 Additional specified requirements per Annexes I, J, K, or L3 X X3
10 Marking/tagging/nameplate X Not permitted
11 Coating/painting4 X X
12 Corrosion protection and preparation for transport X X
13 Final inspection X Not permitted
FOOTNOTES
1
See 3.1.21.
2
See 3.1.28.
3
Requirements of L.9, L.10, L.11, and L.12 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be outsourced.
4
See Annex G.
X = when performed

Section 5.4.1: NOTE 1 shall be changed to the following:

NOTE 1 See K.15 for operating temperatures other than the minimum allowable temperature.

Section 5.6.1: The first paragraph shall be changed to the following:

All double-seated valves that provide a seal against the pressure source with the upstream seat shall be
equipped with a drain or vent connector except when specified in conformance with M.3.2.

Section 8.1: The section shall be changed to the following:

Pressure boundary bolting shall conform to:

— API 20E, BSL-1 for alloy and carbon steel bolting or API 20F, BSL-2 for corrosion-resistant bolting if
the specified bolting materials are listed in API 20E or API 20F; or

— the manufacturer’s documented material specification and design code listed in 5.1 if the specified
bolting materials are not listed in API 20E or API 20F.

NOTE 1 Use of bolting that conforms to API 20E and API 20F does not require that the bolting be supplied from
a facility that has been licensed to API 20E or API 20F.

NOTE 2 Use of bolting that conforms to API 20E and API 20F includes identification of the bolts in accordance
with the specified marking requirements.

NOTE 3 See API 21TR1 for guidance on the selection of bolting materials.

Low-temperature carbon and alloy steel bolting shall conform to ASTM A320/A320M for the specific grade
of material.
Section 9.6: NOTE 2 shall be changed to the following:

NOTE 2 See K.12 for guidance on restriction of assembly lubricant.

Section 10.1.1: The first NOTE shall be changed to the following:

NOTE 1 See K.13 for testing one-piece bodies in non-assembled condition.

Section 10.4.1: The NOTE shall be changed to the following:

NOTE See K.14 for guidance on performing alternate seat testing.

Section 10.4.4: The following sentence shall be added as the last paragraph in the section:

The testing specified in L.9, L.10, L.11, and L.12 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be
outsourced.

Table 11: The table shall be changed to the following:

Table 11—Valve Marking on Body

Item
Marking Section Format Example
No.
a, c e
1 Manufacturer’s name  Per manufacturer requirements
b
2 Unique serial number 14.1 Per manufacturer requirements
b
ASME Pressure Class Rating 4.3.1 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, or 2500
3 or
Intermediate Pressure Rating
b 4.3.2 PN155, 2250 psi
b, f, g, j
4 Body/end-connector material designation 6 Material grade
fg e
5 Body/end-connector melt identification  Cast or heat number
Full-opening valves: nominal
6a 4.4.2 8 or DN 200
valve size

b d Reduced-opening valves with 8 × 6 or DN 200 ×150 or

6b Nominal valve size d 4.4.3
circular opening: 8R x bore or DN 200R x bore

Reduced-opening valves with

6c 4.4.4 8R (DN200R)
noncircular opening
h
7 SMYS (units) of valve ends 5.1 SMYS 40 KSI or SMYS 276 MPa
i e
8 Ring joint groove number  R49
9 Flow direction (for check valves only) 12.1 Flow → or ← Flow
FOOTNOTES
a Shall be on either the body or the nameplate at a minimum; may be on both.
b Shall be on both the body and the nameplate.
c Additional use of trademark/brand names with the manufacturer's name is optional.
d Bore may be marked in in. or (mm).
e No specific document reference identified.
f When the body is manufactured from more than one type of material, all materials of the body and end connector shall be

identified—MSS SP-25 gives guidance on marking.

g Body includes body/end connector.
h On body weld ends only.
i On flange OD for flanged connectors conforming to 5.2.3.1.1.
j Where the grade and class does not uniquely identify the material specification, the material specification, grade, and class

shall be marked. Example: A516-70 or A537 CL2.

Table 13: The table shall be changed to the following:

Table 13—Valve Marking on Nameplate

Item
Marking Section Format Example
No.

1 Manufacturer’s name a, c e Per manufacturer requirements

2 Specification e “6D” or “API 6D”

3 Unique serial number b 14.1 Per manufacturer requirements

4 Date of manufacture e MM-YY (e.g. 05-18 is for May 2018)

5 Manufacturer country 12.3 NL; Made in Italy; Made in U.K.

ASME Pressure Class Rating b 4.3.1 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500 or 2500
6 or
Non-standard valve pressure rating b 4.3.2 PN155, 2250 psi
Pressure–temperature rating: 1480 psi at 250 °F;
a) maximum allowable working pressure at maximum 10.2 MPa or 102 bar at 121 °C
7 temperature and
4.3 1500 psi at –20 °F;
b) maximum allowable working pressure at minimum
temperature 10.4 MPa or 104 bar at –29 °C
Face-to-face/end-to-end dimensions, if not shown in or
8 5.2 11.26 in. or 286 mm
does not conform to Table C.1 to Table C.6

9 Body/end connector material designation a, f 6.1 Material grade

Trim identification g : material grade symbols indicating

metallic materials for stem, sealing faces of closure Stem 13Cr; Disc 13Cr;
10 6.1
members, non-metallic seat to closure member seal Seat 13Cr/PEEK; Seals FKM
materials
Full-opening valves: nominal
11a 4.4.2 8 or DN 200
valve size
Nominal valve size b 8 × 6 or DN 200 ×150 or
11b Reduced-opening valvesd 4.4.3
8R x bore or DN 200R x bore

11c Non-standard opening valves 4.4.4 8R (DN200R)

Supplemental double block or isolation tests (if

12 L.9, L.10, or L.11 DBB, DIB-1, or DIB-2
applicable)

13 QSL, when specified Annex I QSL2, QSL3, QSL3G, QSL4, or QSL4G

14 SLH, when specified Annex M SLH1, SLH2, SLH3, or SLH4

FOOTNOTES
a
Shall be on either the body or the nameplate, at a minimum; may be on both.
b
Shall be on both the body and the nameplate.
c
Additional use of trademark/brand names with the manufacturer's name is optional.
d
Bore may be marked in in. or (mm).
e
No specific document reference identified.
f
When the body is manufactured from more than one type of material, all materials of the body and end connector shall be identified.
g
MSS SP-25 gives guidance on marking.
Section 14.2.2: In the second paragraph, item 6) shall be changed to the following:

6) additional requirements when specified by the manufacturer or purchaser in Annex F, Annex I, Annex
J, Annex K, Annex L, and Annex M;

Annex I, Section I.1: The section shall be changed to the following:

This annex shall apply to requirements for QSL in accordance with I.1 through I.4 and supplemental
testing in I.5 through I.10, when QSL2, QSL3, QSL3G, QSL4, or QSL4G is specified. If any of the QSLs
are specified, all requirements of a specific QSL shall apply.

NOTE 1 The QSLs increase in stringency of requirements with the QSL numbers 2, 3, 3G, 4, and 4G.

NOTE 2 In earlier editions of this specification, QSL1 was required to be applied to valves that conformed to the
requirements of Sections 4–14 only. For this edition, reference to QSL1 has been removed entirely, and therefore is
no longer a designation for valves, even for valves that only conform to the requirements of Sections 4–14.

This annex specifies the requirements for NDE, documentation, and pressure testing, and other
supplemental requirements that shall be performed by the manufacturer if specified for a given QSL.

The results of testing or other requirements performed to satisfy requirements in Sections 4–14 shall also
satisfy all or part of identical requirements of this annex.

If the valve was not previously tested, the QSL pressure testing and documentation requirements of this
annex shall apply in lieu of the related requirements of Sections 4–14. When NDE is performed as part
of Section 7 and Section 9, repeating of identical tests shall not be required per this annex.

Annex I, Section I.3: The section shall be changed to the following:

Production material requirements shall conform to Table I.3 for the specified QSLs and the use of the
following:

— API 20A for castings;

— API 20B for open die shaped forgings;

— API 20C for closed-die forging;

— API 20E for alloy and carbon steel bolting or API 20F for corrosion-resistant bolting when the specified
bolting materials are listed therein;

— The manufacturer’s documented material specification, design code listed in 5.1, and Section 5 of
API 20E for alloy and carbon steel bolting or API 20F for corrosion-resistant bolting when the specified
bolting materials are not listed in API 20E or API 20F, respectively.

NOTE 1 Use of materials or services that conform to API 20A, API 20B, API 20C, API 20E, or API 20F does
not require the material or service to be provided by a facility that is specifically licensed to API 20A, API 20B, API
20C, API 20E, or API 20F, respectively.

NOTE 2 Use of materials or services that conform to API 20A, API 20B, API 20C, API 20E, or API 20F includes
identification of resulting products in accordance with the specified marking requirements of the API standard used.
 Table I.3: The table shall be changed to the following:

Table I.3—Production Materials Requirements

Level Applicable Reference Applicable BSL-CSL-FSL

QSL 2 Section 6 N/A

Section 8.1 (see 8.1 for details)
API 20A CSL 2
API 20B FSL 2
API 20C FSL 2
QSL3/3G
API 20Ea,b, c BSL 2
API 20Fa,b, c BSL 2
API 20A CSL 3
API 20B FSL 3
API 20C FSL3
QSL4/4G
API 20Ea,b, c BSL 3
API 20Fa,b, c BSL 3
FOOTNOTES
a When materials listed in API 20E or API 20F are used, the bolts shall conform fully to the

BSL and be marked in accordance with API 20E or API 20F.

b When non-listed materials are used, requirements per BSL level in Section 5 of API 20E or

Section 5 of API 20F shall apply.

cBolts used from materials not listed in the API 20E or API 20F bolting specification cannot be
marked 20E or 20F.

Annex I, Section I.4: The section shall be changed to the following:

Testing for QSL2, QSL3, QSL3G, QSL4, and QSL4G shall conform to the sequence shown in Table I.4.

Table I.4—Testing Sequence for Quality Specification Levels

Sequence Test Activity QSL2 QSL3 a, b QSL3G a, b QSL4 a, b, c QSL4G a, b, c

Hydrostatic backseat (if provided)
1 One test One test One test One test One test
test per 10.2
2 Hydrostatic shell test per 10.3 or I.5 One test Two tests Two tests Three tests Three tests
3 Torque or thrust test per I.6 N/R All All All All

4 Hydrostatic seat test per 10.4 or I.5 One test Two tests N/R d Three tests N/R d
1 valve per
5 Seat cavity relief test per I.7 All All All All
lot e
6 High-pressure gas shell test per I.8.2 N/R N/R Two tests N/R Three tests

7 High-pressure gas seat test per I.8.3 N/R N/R Two tests N/R Three tests

8 Low-pressure gas seat test per I.9.1 One test Two tests Two tests Three tests Three tests
a For all QSL3, QSL3G, QSL4, and QSL4G shell tests: After each test, the pressure shall be reduced to zero.
b For all QSL3, QSL3G, QSL4, and QSL4G seat tests: After each test, the pressure shall be reduced to zero and the valve closure member shall
be moved off the seat and returned.
c For all QSL4 and QSL4G tests, the second pressure test shall have an extended duration of four times (4x).
d As per the manufacturer’s requirement, a hydrostatic seat test per 10.4 may be performed.
e One lot refers to valves of the same purchase order and design, manufactured in the same manufacturing location.

N/R = not required

Annex I, Section I.8.2.1: The first dashed item shall be changed to the following:

— Method 1: Valves shall have a high-pressure gas shell test performed using air or nitrogen, with the
valve submerged in a water bath during testing.

Annex K, Section K.12: The section shall be deleted and all subsequent sections shall be renumbered.

Annex L, Section L.9: The following sentence shall be added as the last paragraph:

Requirements of L.9 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be outsourced.

Annex L, Section L.10: The following sentence shall be added as the last paragraph:

Requirements of L.10 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be outsourced.

Annex L, Section L.11: The following sentence shall be added as the last paragraph:

Requirements of L.11 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be outsourced.

Annex L, Section L.12: The following sentence shall be added as the last paragraph:

Requirements of L.12 shall be performed by the manufacturer and shall not be outsourced.

Annex L, Section L.20.2.1: The first dash shall be changed to the following:

— Method 1: Valves shall have a high-pressure gas shell test performed using air or nitrogen, with the
valve submerged in a water bath during testing.
New annex: The following shall be added as Annex M:

Annex M
(informative)

Valves in Hydrogen (H2) Gas Service

M.1 General

A valve designated for use in hydrogen gas (H2) service shall conform to both the applicable requirements
from Section 4 through Section 14 and Annex M. Modifications or supplements to some of the requirements in
Section 4 through Section 14 may be necessary for hydrogen service valves but shall be limited to those
specified in Annex M only.

M.2 Specification Level for Hydrogen

The specification level for hydrogen (SLH) for valves for hydrogen service shall be specified. The requirements
of Table M.1 shall apply to the specified SLH and shall be performed in the order of the sequence (A–D for
validation and 1–5 for FAT) listed therein.

NOTE The following can influence the determination of the desired SLH:

1) location of valve (confined space, buried, open air, rural/remote);

2) percentage H2 in gas;

3) chemical elements in gas that could impact materials;

4) design pressure;

5) cyclic pressure service.

Table M.1—Summary of Specification Level Requirements for Hydrogen

Item Sequence Requirement SLH1 SLH2 SLH3 SLH4

1 — Minimum QSL level a QSL2 QSL3G QSL4G
2 — Validation 5.10.4 5.10.4 M.3.3.4 M.3.3.4
Validation: High-pressure gas
3 A
shell test
M.3.3.2 M.3.3.2 M.3.3.4 M.3.3.4
Validation: High-pressure gas
4 B
seat test
M.3.3.3 M.3.3.3 M.3.3.4 M.3.3.4
Validation: Dynamic gas pressure
5 C
test
N/R M.3.3.5 M.3.3.4 M.3.3.4
6 D Validation: Antistatic test N/R M.3.3.7 M.3.3.7 M.3.3.7
Validation: Fugitive emission test
7 —
(ISO 15848-1)
N/R M.3.3.6 M.3.3.6 M.3.3.6
8 — Validation: Fire safe design M.3.3.8 M.3.3.8 M.3.3.8 M.3.3.8
Supplemental Acceptance
9 1
Testing: Antistatic test
M.8.6 M.8.6 M.8.6 M.8.6
Supplemental Acceptance
10 2 Testing: Pressure tests with N/R N/R N/R M.8.5
hydrostatic end load
 Supplemental Acceptance
per QSL per QSL
11 3 Testing: High-pressure gas shell N/R M.8.2
and M.8.2 and M.8.2
test
Supplemental Acceptance
per QSL per QSL
12 4 Testing: High-pressure gas seat N/R M.8.3
and M.8.3 and M.8.3
test
Supplemental Acceptance
13 5 Testing: Fugitive emissions N/R N/R M.8.4 M.8.4
production test
14 - SLH marking (see M.9) SLH1 SLH2 SLH3 SLH4
FOOTNOTES
a
For SLH1, the applicable quality requirements of Sections 4-14 apply.
N/R = not required

M.3 Design

M.3.1 Plug Valve Sealant/Lubricant

Lubricated plug valves shall be furnished with sealant/lubricant validated for the rated design temperature
range of the valve in hydrogen service.

The sealant/lubricant shall be capable of maintaining viscosity for tight sealing and lubricity for ease of
operation in hydrogen service.

M.3.2 Body Penetrations

If specified, body penetrations (see 5.6), including ports provided for test purposes, shall be blocked by plug,
weld, flange, or as otherwise specified.

If the body penetration is blocked and cavity venting is no longer possible, the valve shall not be marked DBB
or DIB-1 or DIB-2.

M.3.3 Design Validation

M.3.3.1 General

Design validation shall be performed as specified in Table M.1 for all valves conforming to Annex M.

NOTE Valve designs validated in conformance with Annex F may not satisfy the requirements of Table M.1. Additional
validation may be required for those designs to qualify for conformance to Annex M.

M.3.3.2 High-pressure Gas Shell Test

For SLH1 and SLH2, a high-pressure gas shell test shall conform to I.8.2, with the following exceptions:

a) Valves NPS 24 and smaller shall be tested with and satisfy the acceptance criteria of Method 1 only.

b) Valves larger than NPS 24 shall be tested and satisfy the acceptance criteria of either Method 1 or Method
2.

c) The test duration shall be two times the minimum duration that is specified in Table I.5.

M.3.3.3 High-pressure Gas Seat Test

For SLH1 and SLH2, a high-pressure gas seat test shall conform to I.8.3, with the following exceptions:
a) The test duration shall be two times the minimum duration that is specified in Table 10.

b) The acceptance criteria for metal-seated valves, except metal-seated check valves, shall not exceed
ISO 5208 Rate C.

c) The acceptance criteria for metal seated check valves shall not exceed five times ISO 5208 Rate D.

NOTE See I.8.3.2 for the acceptance criteria for other valve types not identified in M.3.3.3.

M.3.3.4 SLH3 and SLH4 Requirements

If SLH3 or SLH4 is specified, design validation shall be performed conforming to the requirements specified in
Annex F, using nitrogen as the test medium, and with the following exceptions:

a) Duration for tests shall be as follows:

1) Body pressure tests as per F.17.1, F.21, and F.24.3: minimum of two hours.

NOTE In F.24.3, the change to two hours applies to four different test stages.

2) Body pressure tests as per F.25: two times the minimum duration of Table I.5.

3) Seat tests as per F17.2, F.22, and F.23: minimum of two hours.

4) Seat tests as per F.26 and F.27: two times the minimum duration of Table 10.

b) Acceptance criteria for seat test per F.17.2, F.22, and F.23 shall be in accordance with M.8.3.

c) Acceptance criteria for seat test per F.26 and F.27 shall be as follows:

1) For metal-seated valves, the leakage shall not exceed ISO 5208, five times Rate C.

2) For metal-seated check valves, the leakage shall not exceed ISO 5208, five times Rate E.

Actual leakage shall be recorded for all seat tests.

M.3.3.5 Dynamic Pressure Test

For SLH2, cycle testing shall be performed in conformance with F.19 followed by seat testing in conformance
with F.26 and F.27. The test medium shall conform to F.7.

M.3.3.6 Fugitive Emissions Test

For valves with a potential external leak path to the environment and without an external stem or shaft, the
fugitive emissions test shall:

1) include thermal cycles required by ISO 15848-1; and

2) not include the mechanical cycles required by ISO 15848-1.

For SLH2, valves with an external stem or shaft (e.g., ball valves, check valves with external shaft, gate valves,
or plug valves) shall conform to ISO 15848-1, minimum tightness of Class CH, and endurance class CO1 for
the design temperature range of the valve.
For SLH3, valves with an external stem or shaft (e.g., ball valves, check valves with external shaft, gate valves,
or plug valves) shall conform to ISO 15848-1, minimum tightness of Class BH, and endurance class CO1 for
the design temperature range of the valve.

For SLH4, valves with an external stem or shaft (e.g., ball valves, check valves with external shaft, gate valves,
or plug valves) shall conform to ISO 15848-1, minimum tightness of Class AH, and endurance class CO1 for
the design temperature range of the valve.

For valves with ancillary valves (e.g., vent valve, drain valve, relief valve), fugitive emissions testing shall be
performed on the ancillary valve separately or shall be included in the valve’s fugitive emissions testing.

For valves without external stem or shaft and with no external leak path to the environment (e.g., mono-block
axial check valve), fugitive emissions testing shall not be required.

M.3.3.7 Antistatic Test

For SLH2, SLH3, and SLH4, antistatic testing shall conform to L.5.

M.3.3.8 Fire Safe Design

Valves shall be fire safe tested in conformance with L.27.

M.3.3.9 Scaling

The scaling per Annex F shall be permitted.

The scaling of fire tests and fugitive emission tests shall be permitted in conformance with the relevant fire test
or fugitive emission test standard used.

M.3.3.10 Revalidation of Gaskets/Seals

A change in the material (including material grade), design or construction of the following seals;
independent of the size, shall require revalidation to M.3.3.2 through M.3.3.6, as applicable:

a) lip seal;

b) v-pack/chevron type;

c) delta seal;

d) bellows seal;

e) die formed graphite seal.

M.4 Materials

M.4.1 Requirements for Metallic Materials

M.4.1.1 General

The materials requirements shall conform to Annex M for a valve with a maximum allowable temperature up
to 347 °F (175 °C). For valves requiring a maximum allowable temperature greater than 347 °F (175 °C),
material requirements shall conform to Annex M and the additional requirements of API 941.
All metallic materials shall conform with one of the following:

a) NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 materials groups, which are listed in M.4.1.2; or

b) NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 and the requirements of M.4.1.3, including the results of performance testing
required therein.

NOTE The material groups of Annex M are as defined by NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

M.4.1.2 Materials Permitted

The following materials shall be permitted for pressure-containing parts, pressure-controlling parts, and drive
train parts in hydrogen service:

a) carbon steel per M.4.1.4; or

b) low-alloy carbon steel; or

c) austenitic stainless steel.

The following materials shall be permitted for pressure-controlling parts and drive train parts in hydrogen
service:

a) solution annealed or annealed nickel-based alloys; or

b) precipitation hardened nickel-based alloys in conformance with API 6ACRA.

M.4.1.3 Material Permitted with Additional Testing

CAUTION—Materials listed in M.4.1.3 may be susceptible to failure mechanisms under some service conditions.
Use of materials for manufacture that are suitable for the intended service of the valve is critical.

If materials are acceptable based on testing protocols and acceptance criteria as agreed between the
manufacturer and the purchaser, materials permitted for pressure-containing parts in hydrogen service shall
include but not be limited to the following:

a) solution annealed or annealed nickel-based alloys;

b) precipitation hardened nickel-based alloys in conformance to API 6ACRA.

NOTE Guidance on material testing in hydrogen service can be found in ASTM G142; NACE TM0198; ASTM G129;
ASTM G148; ASME BPVC VIII, Division 3, Section KD-10; ASME B31.12; and/or NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

M.4.1.4 Carbon Steel

In addition to weld ends, the chemical composition and carbon equivalent of carbon steel pressure-containing
parts shall conform to 6.3.

M.4.1.5 Springs

Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, materials used for springs shall be limited to the following alloy
designations:

a) UNS R30003; or
b) UNS R30035.

If specified by the purchaser, the following materials shall be permitted:

a) UNS N06625 (alloy 625) per API 6ACRA; or

b) UNS N07718 (alloy 718) per API 6ACRA; or

c) UNS N07750 (alloy X750).

M.4.2 Non-metallic Seals

M.4.2.1 General

The requirements of M.4.2 shall apply to all non-metallic seals used in valves for hydrogen service.

M.4.2.2 Rapid Gas Decompression

Rapid gas decompression testing of elastomeric materials shall be performed in conformance with L.6, except
that the testing medium shall be per the following:

a) 100% hydrogen gas; or

b) 100% CO2.

NOTE 1 Testing of elastomeric seals may be required using representative groove geometries at agreed test conditions.

NOTE 2 Optional blister resistance testing under high-pressure 100 % hydrogen gas for thermoplastics may be performed
for applications with elevated pressures, and temperatures at the upper and lower limits of the material. Test conditions
are typically representative of the valve application. Refer to API 17J and API 17B for guidance on blister resistance testing
of thermoplastics.

M.4.2.3 Compatibility/Aging

Elastomeric seal material shall be tested using the procedures and acceptance criteria specified in ISO 23936-
2, using 100 % hydrogen as the test gas, with minimum total test duration of 28 days.

A test temperature and test pressure shall be specified, based on the capabilities of the material and intended
use.

Aging samples shall be taken at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days, and properties evaluated for acceptance.

Thermoplastic seal material shall be tested using the procedures and acceptance criteria described in
ISO 23936-1, “Level 2 – Material Stability (short term)” using 100 % hydrogen as the test gas. Temperature
classification per ISO 23936-2 shall be specified.

M.4.3 Surface Treatments Plating, Coating, and Lining

Use of a metallic coating (electroplated or electroless plated), HVOF, conversion coatings, plastic coating,
and/or linings shall not be permitted to prevent hydrogen degradation of the base material or protect the base
material from hydrogen exposure.
M.5 Welding

M.5.1 General

The following materials shall not be used for pressure-containing welds in hydrogen service:

a) solid-solution nickel-based alloys; or

b) precipitation hardened nickel-based alloys.

The hardness of weld metal and HAZ shall conform to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

For austenitic stainless steel, filler metal shall have a maximum carbon content of 0.03 % mass fraction.

M.5.2 Overlay and Cladding

Use of overlay and cladding shall not be permitted for the purpose of prevention of hydrogen degradation of
the base material or to protect the base material from hydrogen exposure.

After application of the overlay or cladding material, the base materials shall conform to NACE
MR0175/ISO 15156.

M.5.3 Non-destructive Examination (NDE)

For all pressure-containing welds, surface NDE shall be performed using one of the following methods:

a) Magnetic particle testing on pressure-containing welds shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 7,
and acceptance shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 6.

b) Penetrant testing on pressure-containing welds shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 6, and
acceptance shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 8.

For all pressure-containing welds, volumetric NDE examination shall be performed using one of the following
methods:

a) Radiographic testing on 100 % of the welds in accordance with ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 2, and
acceptance shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, UW-51 for linear indications, and
ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 4 for rounded indications.

b) Ultrasonic testing on 100 % of the welds in accordance with ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 4, and
acceptance shall conform to ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix 12.

M.6 Bolting

All bolting (see 8.1 and 8.2) shall conform to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

Material for bolting shall be limited to one of the following:

a) carbon steel; or

b) low-alloy steel; or

c) austenitic stainless steel; or

d) precipitation hardened nickel-based alloys per API 6ACRA; or

e) other materials per M.4.1.3.

M.7 Quality Control

If SLH1 is specified, the applicable quality requirements of Section 4 through Section 14 shall apply.

If SLH2 is specified, QSL2 shall be applied at a minimum.

If SLH3 is specified, QSL3G shall be applied at a minimum.

If SLH4 is specified, QSL4G shall be applied.

M.8 Supplemental Acceptance Testing

M.8.1 General

Factory acceptance testing shall be performed in conformance with Table M.1.

NOTE Tests already completed in conformance with Section 10 are not required to be repeated per Table M.1.

M.8.2 High-pressure Gas Shell Test

If required, a high-pressure gas shell test shall conform to I.8.2, with the following exceptions:

a) Valves NPS 24 and smaller shall be tested with Method 1.

b) Valves larger than NPS 24 shall be tested using Method 1 or Method 2 .

c) The test duration shall be two times the minimum duration of Table I.5.

The sampling size for SLH2 shall be a minimum of one valve per type, per size, and per pressure class in the
purchase order, and shall be randomly selected and tested.

M.8.3 High-pressure Gas Seat Test

If required, a high-pressure gas seat test shall conform to I.8.3, with the following exceptions:

a) The test duration shall be two times the minimum duration of Table 10.

b) The leakage for metal-seated valves, except metal-seated check valves, shall not exceed ISO 5208
Rate C.

c) The leakage for metal-seated check valves shall not exceed five times ISO 5208 Rate D.

The sampling size for SLH2 shall be a minimum of one valve per type, per size, and per pressure class in the
purchase order, and shall be randomly selected and tested.

M.8.4 Fugitive Emission Production Testing

M.8.4.1 Test Methods

For SLH3 and SLH4, all valves shall be subjected to a fugitive emission production test that shall:
a) conform to L.24.2 with acceptance criteria conforming to M.8.4.3; or

b) be tested using the method of ISO 15848-2 performed using forming gas (5 % hydrogen/95 % nitrogen)
as the test medium.

When testing with forming gas, the requirements of M.8.4.2 shall apply.

M.8.4.2 Alternative Method Using Forming Gas

M.8.4.2.1 General

The test fluid for the fugitive emissions test shall be forming gas.

The test shall be conducted using the helium sniffing method per ISO 15848-1, except as modified in
M.8.4.2.2.2.

At the beginning of each test, a calibrated leak, using forming gas, shall be measured to demonstrate that the
sensitivity of the instrument is calibrated correctly.

M.8.4.2.2 Test Equipment

M.8.4.2.2.1 General

Fugitive emissions shall be measured with a mass spectrometer (see M.8.4.2.2.2) or with a hydrogen leak
detector (see M.8.4.2.2.3).

Measuring equipment shall be capable of detecting a calibrated hydrogen leak in the magnitude of 10-6 mbar-
l/s.

M.8.4.2.2.2 Mass Spectrometers

Mass spectrometers shall have a nominal minimal sensitivity of 1 x 10-7 mbar-l/s for hydrogen in sniffer mode
and be calibrated for use with hydrogen as the test medium.

Mass spectrometers shall:

a) not be used in vacuum mode;

b) not be used if the ratio between the maximum allowable leak rate and the hydrogen content measured in
the atmosphere of the test area is smaller than 10;

c) be calibrated using an external calibrated leakage.

M.8.4.2.2.3 Hydrogen Leak Detectors

Hydrogen leak detectors shall have a nominal sensitivity of at least 5 x 10-7 mbar-l/s and be calibrated for use
with forming gas as the test medium.

Quantification of leakages shall be performed by placing the tracer probe tip against the point of leakage until
a stable reading is shown. This shall be repeated three times, where the highest measured value shall be
documented as the test result. Tracer probes shall be removed from the testing surface and allowed to stabilize
to a reading of zero (0) before repeating.

After connecting the detector probe to the instrument, the system shall be verified by passing the detector
probe tip across the orifice of a calibrated leak. The probe tip shall be kept within 1/8 in. (3 mm) of the orifice of
the calibrated leak. The speed of movement of the probe tip shall not exceed the speed at which the calibrated
leak can be detected.

M.8.4.2.3 Calibration

Mass spectrometers and hydrogen leak detectors shall be calibrated the day of the test, prior to testing, and
per the spectrometer or detector operation and maintenance manual, using a permeation type leak or a micro-
capillary leak.

Calibration shall be performed prior to the first leakage measurement being performed and be repeated until it
is accepted by the instrument.

The maximum deviation factor between current and previous calibrations shall be equal to or less than 1.1.

Mass spectrometer calibration shall be accepted only if the background and calibrated leak rate are stabilized
as per the device manufacturer’s specification.

If a micro-capillary leak detector is used, the setup shall:

a) be free of leakage to the atmosphere;

b) be flushed with the test medium to eliminate air from the setup;

c) be allowed to stabilize under pressure for a period of 10 minutes before calibration;

d) be measured using a calibrated pressure gauge or sensor;

e) not contain any fluoropolymer material.

M.8.4.3 Acceptance Criteria

M.8.4.3.1 General

Depending on the test gas used, the acceptance criteria of M.8.4.3.2 or M.8.4.3.3 shall apply.

M.8.4.3.2 Acceptance Criteria Helium

Maximum leakage when testing with helium gas with a minimum purity of 97 % by volume shall be in
accordance with Table M.2.
 Table M.2—Fugitive Emission Test Acceptance Criteria—Helium Gasa

Allowable Leakage Rate Allowable Leakage Rate

Emission Tightness Class Stem Seal b, d Body Seal c, d
mbar-l/s per mm diameter mbar-l/s per mm diameter
Ae ≤ 1.78 x 10-7 ≤ 1.78 x 10-8
Bf ≤ 1.78 x 10-6 ≤ 1.78 x 10-7
FOOTNOTES
a Helium gas shall have a minimum purity of 97 % by volume.

b For stem seals; diameter shall be the stem diameter in millimeters at the point of measurement.

c For body-to-bonnet or body-to-cover seals; mm diameter shall be the outer diameter of the gasket in millimeters at

the point of measurement. For non-circular gaskets, the equivalent diameter shall be taken as the perimeter divided
by (pi).
d To be measured with helium tracer gas in mbar-l/s per mm diameter using the sniffer technique.

e Due to the constraints of the sniffer technique, for stem seal diameters equal or smaller than 12 mm, the maximum

leakage shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s, and for body seal diameters equal or smaller than 120 mm, the maximum leakage
shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s.
f Due to the constraints of the sniffer technique, for stem seal diameters equal or smaller than 2 mm, the maximum

leakage shall be 2.0 x 10-6 mbar-l/s, and body seal diameters equal or smaller than 12 mm, the maximum leakage
shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s.

M.8.4.3.3 Acceptance Criteria Forming Gas

Maximum leakage when testing with forming gas shall be in accordance with Table M.3.

Table M.3—Fugitive Emission Test Acceptance Criteria—Forming Gas

Allowable leakage rate Allowable leakage rate

Emission Tightness Class stem seal a, c body seal b, c
mbar-l/s per mm diameter mbar-l/s per mm diameter
Ad ≤ 5.93 x 10-8 ≤ 5.93 x 10-9
Be ≤ 5.93 x 10-7 ≤ 5.93 x 10-8
FOOTNOTES
a For stem seals; diameter shall be the stem diameter in millimeters at the point of measurement.

b For body-to-bonnet or body-to-cover seals; diameter shall be the outer diameter of the gasket in millimeters at the

point of measurement. For non-circular gaskets, the equivalent diameter shall be taken as the perimeter divided by
(pi).
c To be measured with forming gas tracer gas in mbar-l/s per mm diameter.

d Due to the constraints of the sniffer technique, for stem seal diameters equal to or smaller than 34 mm, the maximum

leakage shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s, and for body seal diameters equal or smaller than 340 mm, the maximum leakage
shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s.
e Due to the constraints of the sniffer technique, for stem seal diameters equal or smaller than 4 mm, the maximum

leakage shall be 2.4 x 10-6 mbar-l/s, and for body seal diameters equal or smaller than 40 mm, the maximum leakage
shall be 2.1 x 10-6 mbar-l/s.
M.8.5 Pressure Testing Valves with Hydrostatic End Load

For SLH4, the valve shall be pressure tested with connectors that subject the valve to hydrostatic end loads
in conformance with L.28.

M.8.6 Antistatic Test

The valve shall undergo antistatic testing in conformance with L.5 to validate the criteria specified in 5.8.

M.9 Marking

The valve nameplate shall identify the SLH (see M.2) in addition to the applicable QSL and other marking
required by Section 4 through Section 14 in conformance with the requirements of Section 12.

M.10 Minimum Documentation and Retention

In addition to the requirements of Section 14, the following documents shall be maintained by the manufacturer
for a minimum of 10 years following the date of manufacture (see 3.1.12):

a) certificate of conformance to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 for applicable metallic materials and welds;

b) statement of conformance to fugitive emissions certificate as per ISO 15848-1;

c) documented evidence of compliance with local directives and regulations (e.g., including but not limited
to PED, ATEX, ASME, CRN certification) when applicable to the specific design;

d) fire safe certificate;

e) RGD certificate for non-metallic materials;

f) compatibility/aging certificate of non-metallic materials;

g) statement of conformance to antistatic requirements;

h) validation records;

i) certificates and/or material test records for material permitted with additional testing (see M.4.1.3);

j) fugitive emissions production test report.

NOTE Purchaser or regulatory requirements can specify additional records or a longer record retention period.

Bibliography: The following shall be added to the end of the Bibliography:

[30] ASME STP-PT-003, Hydrogen Standardization Interim Report for Tanks, Piping, and Pipelines

[31] Trautmann, Anton, et al. “Hydrogen Embrittlement of steels in High pressure H2 Gas and Acidified H2S
Saturated Aqueous Brine Solution”

[32] ASM International, Corrosion in the Petrochemical Industry, 2nd Edition (Section 17.8.2.6, Hydrogen
embrittlement)

[33] CEN/TR 17797: 2022, Gas infrastructure – Consequences of hydrogen in the gas infrastructure and
identification of related standardisation need in the scope of CEN/TC 234
[34] NASA/TM 2016-218602, Hydrogen Embrittlement

[35] API RP 941, Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum
Refineries and Petrochemical Plants

[36] API 21TR1, Materials Selection for Bolting

[37] ASME B31.12, Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines

[38] API 6J, Testing of Oilfield Elastomers

[39] API 17B, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe