Visual Inspection vs API 609

The OG bug catcher meets the oil and gas industry's butterfly valve bible. Here's our take.

Visual Inspection

Nice Pick

The OG bug catcher. No fancy tools, just eyeballs and coffee.

Pros

• Catches subtle UI/UX issues automated tests miss
• Requires no setup or dependencies
• Encourages team collaboration and knowledge sharing

Cons

• Highly subjective and prone to human error
• Time-consuming and not scalable for large codebases

API 609

The oil and gas industry's butterfly valve bible. Because winging it with valves is a recipe for disaster.

Pros

• Ensures safety and reliability for critical fluid control applications
• Provides clear design and testing guidelines for lug-style and wafer-style valves
• Standardizes pressure ratings and temperature ranges across the industry

Cons

• Primarily focused on oil and gas, limiting broader applicability
• Requires compliance checks that can add to project timelines and costs

The Verdict

Use Visual Inspection if: You want catches subtle ui/ux issues automated tests miss and can live with highly subjective and prone to human error.

Use API 609 if: You prioritize ensures safety and reliability for critical fluid control applications over what Visual Inspection offers.

The Bottom Line

Visual Inspection wins

The OG bug catcher. No fancy tools, just eyeballs and coffee.