API 600 is the key standard for bolted bonnet steel gate valves in the petroleum and natural gas industries. It sets stringent requirements for the design, materials, manufacturing, and testing of valves intended for severe, high- pressure/temperature hydrocarbon service (refineries, pipelines).

The standard mandates robust construction, specific material grades, rigorous shell and seat leak testing exceeding typical codes, and dimensional consistency.

While designed for toughness, specific fire testing requirements are covered under separate standards (API 607/6FA).

API 600 ensures valves meet high reliability and durability benchmarks for critical applications where failure is unacceptable.