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

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.

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

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.