The HN60 and HN68 are both EN/DIN bellow seal globe valves from the same product family. They share similar specifications in size range, pressure rating, and available material options. The main defining difference is face-to-face design: the HN60 follows a standard face-to-face dimension, while the HN68 uses an extended, long-type face-to-face layout. This one difference determines which valve fits your project — and choosing the wrong type can mean a valve that physically will not fit in your pipeline.
This article breaks down how HN60 and HN68 compare, when to specify each, and what to check before placing an order.
What HN60 and HN68 Have in Common
Before diving into the difference, here is what these two valves share. HN60 and HN68 are fundamentally the same valve design, built to the same standards.
Shared specifications:
- **Bellow seal stem sealing**: Both use a stainless steel bellow welded to the stem and bonnet, designed to help prevent stem leakage. A secondary graphite packing ring serves as backup containment.
- **Globe valve function**: Both provide shut-off and throttling capability. The conical seat design delivers reliable closure and flow regulation.
- **EN/DIN standards**: Both conform to EN/DIN design and testing standards. Flange drilling follows EN 1092-1.
- **Size range**: DN15 through DN400 on both models.
- **Pressure ratings**: PN16, PN25, and PN40 available for both.
- **Connection options**: Flanged (EN 1092-1) or butt-welded ends available on both HN60 and HN68.
- **Material grades**: Carbon steel (A216 WCB), stainless steel (A351 CF8M), and alloy steel (A217 WC6) options exist across both product lines. Bellow materials include SS304 and SS316L.
- **Temperature range**: Material and pressure-rating dependent for both models.
In practical terms, if you placed HN60 and HN68 side by side with the same DN, PN, and material specification, you would see nearly identical valves. The bodies, bonnets, bellow assemblies, discs, and seats would be equivalent. The key selection difference is the length from flange face to flange face.
Looking for the full [bellow seal valves](https://honiks.com/product-category/bellow-seal-valves/) product range? Browse all available configurations including EN/DIN and ANSI options.
Main Difference: Standard Type vs Long Type
The face-to-face dimension is the distance between the two flange faces of a valve. It determines whether the valve physically fits between two fixed pipe flanges in an existing or planned pipeline.
HN60 — Standard face-to-face: The HN60 bellow seal globe valve conforms to a standard EN 558 face-to-face dimension. This is the default choice for most new pipeline projects where the piping is being designed and installed from scratch. Standard face-to-face means a more compact installation footprint — useful when valve station space is limited or when following conventional EN/DIN piping layouts. For general steam, thermal oil, chemical, and industrial pipeline applications, the HN60 is typically the correct starting point.
HN68 — Extended face-to-face (long type): The HN68 long-type bellow seal globe valve uses an extended face-to-face dimension. This matters most in two scenarios:
1. Replacement projects: When an old valve of a specific length is being removed, the new valve must match that exact face-to-face dimension. Many older EN/DIN installations used longer face-to-face dimensions that differ from current standard practice.
2. Existing pipeline layouts: Some projects — particularly district heating networks and chemical plants — were built with extended face-to-face valve stations. Installing a standard-length valve would require cutting and re-welding pipe spools, adding cost and downtime beyond the valve replacement itself.
Quick Comparison: HN60 vs HN68
| Feature | HN60 | HN68 |
|---|---|---|
| Valve type | Standard bellow seal globe valve | Long-type bellow seal globe valve |
| Standard | EN/DIN | EN/DIN |
| Size range | DN15-DN400 | DN15-DN400 |
| Pressure rating | PN16-PN40 | PN16-PN40 |
| Connection | Flanged or butt-welded | Flanged or butt-welded |
| Face-to-face design | Standard (EN 558) | Extended / long-type (EN 558) |
| Typical applications | New projects, standard installations | Replacement projects, extended layouts, district heating |
| Best for | General steam, thermal oil, chemical pipelines | Projects requiring longer installation length or existing layout matching |
When to Choose HN60
The HN60 is the straightforward choice for most new-build projects. If you are designing a pipeline from scratch and there is no existing valve to match against, HN60 is likely the right call.
Consider HN60 when:
- **New pipeline projects** where face-to-face dimensions are being specified for the first time
- **Standard EN/DIN layouts** following conventional piping design practice
- **Limited installation space** where a more compact valve footprint is beneficial
- **General steam, thermal oil, and chemical pipelines** requiring reliable bellow seal shut-off
- **Cost-conscious standard selection** where the standard face-to-face design meets all technical requirements without paying for unnecessary length
For the majority of industrial valve applications, HN60 covers the requirement. There is no performance penalty in choosing standard face-to-face over extended — the bellow seal, shut-off capability, and pressure containment are identical.
When to Choose HN68
HN68 exists for projects where the standard face-to-face dimension will not physically fit. This is not a performance decision — it is a dimensional compatibility requirement.
Consider HN68 when:
- **Replacement projects** where the existing valve being removed has a specific, longer face-to-face dimension
- **Longer installation length required** to match existing pipe flange spacing
- **District heating networks** where extended face-to-face valve stations are common in older EN/DIN infrastructure
- **Existing EN/DIN pipeline layouts** built with longer-than-standard valve dimensions
- **Chemical plants** with specified face-to-face requirements in the project piping specification or isometric drawings
If you are replacing a valve and you know the face-to-face dimension of the old unit, measure it. If it matches HN68 dimensions, order HN68. If it matches HN60, order HN60. The decision is driven entirely by the installation dimension — not by any performance difference between the two models.
Selection Checklist: What to Confirm Before Ordering
Before requesting a quotation for either HN60 or HN68, confirm the following parameters. Missing any one of these can result in a valve that does not fit or is not suitable for the service.
- **DN size** (DN15 to DN400): Confirm the nominal diameter from the pipe specification or existing valve nameplate.
- **PN pressure rating** (PN16, PN25, or PN40): Match to the system design pressure and applicable pressure-temperature rating table.
- **Medium**: Steam, thermal oil, chemicals, gas, or other — this drives material selection.
- **Operating temperature**: Determines body and bellow material grade requirements.
- **Body material**: Carbon steel (WCB), stainless steel (CF8M), or alloy steel (WC6) — select based on medium and temperature.
- **Connection type**: Flanged (EN 1092-1) or butt-welded — confirm from the piping specification.
- **Face-to-face length requirement**: This is the critical differentiator between HN60 and HN68. Measure the existing installation or confirm from the project piping isometric drawing.
- **EN/DIN standard requirement**: Confirm which edition of EN 558 and EN 1092-1 applies to your project.
- **Quantity and documentation needs**: Specify the number of valves and any required test certificates, material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), or inspection documentation.
Going through this checklist before contacting a supplier saves time on both sides. It also reduces the risk of receiving a quotation for the wrong valve configuration.
Related Honiks Products
Honiks is a factory-backed industrial valve supplier in China, working with qualified partner factories for EN/DIN and ANSI industrial valve projects.
Within the Honiks bellow seal valve lineup, HN60 and HN68 cover the EN/DIN globe valve requirements:
- **HN60**: Standard face-to-face bellow seal globe valve, DN15-DN400, PN16-PN40. Suitable for new-build steam, thermal oil, and chemical pipelines with conventional EN/DIN layouts. Flanged to EN 1092-1 or butt-welded.
- **HN68**: Long-type face-to-face bellow seal globe valve, DN15-DN400, PN16-PN40. Designed for replacement projects, district heating networks, and installations requiring extended face-to-face dimensions.
Both product series target EN/DIN projects with EN 1092-1 flanges and EN 558 face-to-face dimensions. ANSI bellow seal globe valve models are available separately through the Honiks product range.
FAQ
Are HN60 and HN68 interchangeable?
Not directly. HN60 and HN68 have different face-to-face dimensions. If your pipeline is built for a standard-length valve, an HN68 may be too long to fit between the flanges. If your pipeline requires an extended face-to-face dimension, an HN60 may be too short. The two models are not dimensionally interchangeable — always confirm the required face-to-face length before specifying one or the other.
Is HN68 always better than HN60?
No. HN68 is not a higher-performance version of HN60. It is a dimensional variant: similar bellow seal design, comparable shut-off function, and overlapping pressure-temperature ranges depending on material and rating. The only difference is face-to-face length. If standard face-to-face fits your installation, HN60 is the correct choice. HN68 exists solely for projects that require the extended dimension.
Can both valves be used for steam?
Yes. Both HN60 and HN68 are suitable for saturated and superheated steam service. The material grade should be selected according to the steam temperature and pressure — carbon steel (WCB) for moderate steam conditions, alloy steel (WC6) for elevated-temperature steam. The bellow seal design in both models helps prevent stem leakage, which is particularly important in steam systems where fugitive emissions and maintenance access are ongoing concerns.
What information should I provide before requesting a quote?
Provide the DN size, PN pressure rating, medium type and temperature, required body material, connection type (flanged or butt-welded), and — critically — the face-to-face dimension required. If replacing an existing valve, include the make, model, and face-to-face measurement of the unit being removed. Quantities and any documentation requirements (test certificates, material certificates) should also be included in the initial inquiry.
Are ANSI bellow seal valves available separately?
Yes. Honiks offers ANSI bellow seal globe valves in a separate product series. ANSI models follow ASME B16.10 for face-to-face dimensions and ASME B16.5 for flanged ends. These are separate from the EN/DIN HN60 and HN68 product lines and should be specified under the applicable ANSI standards.
Conclusion
Choosing between HN60 and HN68 is not about which valve performs better. It is about which valve fits.
HN60 is the standard face-to-face bellow seal globe valve for new EN/DIN projects. HN68 is the long-type variant for replacement projects and existing installations that demand extended face-to-face dimensions. Both are designed for bellow seal stem sealing in EN/DIN pipeline projects, the same DN15-DN400 coverage, and the same PN16-PN40 pressure range.
Before you order, measure the face-to-face dimension you need. That measurement is your answer.
For technical data sheets, dimensional drawings, or a quotation for either HN60 or HN68, contact us with your project specifications.