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Multi-Standard vs Regular Gate Valves: Key Differences

A multi-standard gate valve is a specially designed industrial valve engineered to comply with two or more international or industry standards. Its primary purpose is to enable seamless integration across different pipeline systems—offering a “one-valve-fits-many” solution. This makes it particularly suitable for international projects, export-oriented applications, and systems involving mixed standards.

Key features include:

  • Flange dimensions and bolt patterns compatible with multiple standards
  • Structural and performance specifications that meet various standard requirements
  • Greater flexibility for use in global engineering projects and multi-standard environments.

Design Concept and Technical Features

1.Flange Compatibility Design

The flange face is engineered to accommodate multiple international standards, such as:

ANSI B16.5 /Class 150
DIN EN 1092-1 /PN10/16

Flange drilling can be configured with multiple bolt patterns or elliptical holes, allowing a single valve to connect with pipeline systems from different countries.

2. Cross-Standard Nominal Size and Pressure Rating

For example, a nominal diameter of DN100 corresponds to:

NPS 4” under ANSI standards
DN100 under DIN/GB standards

Multi-standard gate valves are typically designed to support both dimensions, ensuring compatibility across systems.

3. Optimized Face-to-Face Length

The structural (face-to-face) length of the valve is often chosen as a balanced or intermediate value, enabling compatibility between different standards.

4. Multi-Standard Markings on Valve Body

Valve bodies are usually marked with multiple standard references, such as:

“DN100 / NPS 4”
“PN16 / Class 150”
“EN / ANSI / GB Compatible”

5. Cross-Standard Materials and Testing

Materials can comply with multiple international standards like ASTM, EN, or GB.
Testing protocols—such as pressure and sealing tests—can follow combined standards, for example: API 598 + GB/T 13927.

Detailed Comparison with Regular Gate Valves

Comparison Aspect

Multi-Standard Gate Valve

Regular Gate Valve

Compatibility

Compatible with multiple global standards; ideal for export and international projects

Supports only a single standard

Flange Design

Multi-standard flange drilling (e.g., ANSI + DIN + GB)

Fixed flange drilling; matches only one standard

Inventory Management

One model fits various systems, reducing inventory burden

Multiple standards require multiple models, increasing inventory load

Installation Flexibility

Easily matches regional equipment without valve replacement

Valve must be replaced when switching systems or standards

Manufacturing Complexity

More complex design and processing; slightly higher cost

Mature design and simpler manufacturing

Markings

Multi-standard markings for global identification

Typically marked with only one standard

Price

Generally more expensive

More affordable

Is a Gate Valve Marked Only with PN10/PN16 Considered Multi-Standard?

If a gate valve body is marked with both PN10 and PN16—but without other standards such as Class (ANSI) or NPS—it is classified as a dual-pressure valve within the European (EN) standard system, not a true multi-standard gate valve that spans different systems like ANSI or GB.

Its core value lies in extending compatibility within a single standard family, specifically by covering both 10-bar and 16-bar pressure systems under the EN framework.

Multi-standard-universal-gate-valve

Fundamental Differences Between PN10/16 Valves and True Multi-Standard Gate Valves

Feature

PN10/PN16 General Gate Valve

Multi-Standard Gate Valve (e.g., PN16 / Class 150)

Standards Compatibility

Limited to European (EN) standards

Cross-compatible with EN, ANSI, and GB standards

Flange Design

Fixed EN 1092-1 bolt pattern

Elliptical or multi-pattern design for EN + ANSI + GB

Pressure Range Logic

Covers multiple pressures within the same standard (PN10 → PN16)

Maps pressure ratings across different systems (PN16 ↔ Class 150)

Global Applicability

Suitable only for EN-standard systems

Ideal for mixed-standard or multi-country export projects

Can a PN10/PN16 Valve Be Used with CLASS Standard Systems?

Gate valves marked only with PN10/PN16—without any Class designation—are strictly built to European (EN) standards and cannot be directly used in ANSI CLASS-based pipeline systems.

Here are the main reasons:

  • Flange Dimension Mismatch:
    EN standard flanges follow EN 1092-1, while ANSI CLASS systems follow ASME B16.5. The bolt hole patterns differ and cannot be aligned.
  • Different Pressure Rating Logic:
    PN ratings are based on working pressure at room temperature (~20°C), whereas CLASS ratings are defined by pressure resistance at elevated temperatures (up to 425°C). The two are not directly interchangeable.
  • Structural Length Differences:
    EN-standard valves typically follow EN 558 (shorter face-to-face length), while ANSI CLASS valves follow API 600 or ASME B16.10, which are longer. The difference makes direct replacement or connection impossible in many cases.
Multi-standard-universal-gate-valve-2

Advantages of PN10/PN16 General Gate Valves

  1. Dual Compatibility with Strong Versatility
    Fully compatible with both PN10 and PN16 flange systems—no need to distinguish between pressure classes during selection or installation.
  2. Reduced Inventory Pressure
    A single model covers two mainstream pressure levels, simplifying inventory management and purchasing processes.
  3. Improved On-Site Efficiency
    If project drawings change or system pressure needs to be adjusted, the valve does not need to be replaced—offering greater flexibility during construction.
  4. Standardized Manufacturing with Reliable Quality
    Typically made with high-strength materials such as QT500-7, these valves meet PN16 working conditions and ensure long-term durability and safety.
  5. Advanced Structural Design
    Multi-hole flange configurations are available, and some designs even support Class 125/150 bolt patterns, making them both practical and widely compatible.
  6. Enhanced User Experience
    Buyers no longer need to worry about matching pressure classes or flange standards. One model solves multiple compatibility issues with ease.

Conclusion

With their wide compatibility and structural advantages, multi-standard gate valves are rapidly becoming the preferred solution for international projects and systems involving mixed standards. Compared to traditional valves, they offer greater flexibility in design, installation, inventory management, and long-term maintenance.

If you're looking for a gate valve that supports multiple international standards, delivers stable performance, and adapts easily to varied requirements, Union Valve is your trusted partner. With extensive experience in global projects, we are committed to providing high-quality, multi-standard compatible valve solutions to help your engineering operations run faster, smoother, and more reliably.

Feel free to contact us anytime for tailored recommendations and expert technical support.

 

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