Automatic Control Valve Standards Summary
Automatic control valves are used in many industries to regulate the flow of fluid materials. They are used in residential, commercial and industrial applications to help control the flow of liquids, gases and steam. Because the application of such valves varies in different industries, a range of standards have been developed to ensure proper operation and safety.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is an international multi-disciplinary organization of engineers and researchers who develop and promote codes, standards, education and research to ensure public safety and the advancement of the profession.
The ASME Performance Test Code PTC-25 is known as the general standard for automatically controlled valves. This standard covers design requirements such as valve performance, safety requirements and installation guidelines. PTC-25 includes several other standards that apply to valves used in more specialized applications such as cryogenic temperatures, nuclear plants, and ships.
American Petroleum Institute API: The American Petroleum Institute is a trade association representing oil and natural gas industry members. API develops multiple standards for a variety of different applications, such as valves and seals used in the production and distribution of oil and natural gas. API 593, API 598, API 599 and API 600 are four of the most commonly used standards related to control valves.
API 593 details requirements for the design, manufacture, installation and testing of automatic control valves. API 598 is a standard applicable to the testing of valves for leakage; API 599 is a standard for steel valve flanges, and API 600 covers the material requirements for valves as well as special features such as self-closing devices, environmental protection requirements, and special requirements for installations where valves are designed for a minimum pressure of 250 psi.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO): The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops open and transparent standards to influence the development of sound industrial practices. Several of their standards are applicable to the design, manufacture and testing of control valves. The most commonly referenced standard is ISO 5208, which is the minimum requirements for designing, manufacturing and testing control valves used in industrial services. ISO 5208 includes sections regarding the design, production and testing of control valves, as well as requirements for in-service operation and component parts.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international, independent organization that develops standards related to electrical and electronic equipment and systems. IEC 60534 is the primary standard applicable to control valves. This standard details requirements for the design, manufacture and performance testing of control valves.
Conclusion:
The use of control valves is widespread across industries and applications. To ensure the safety and performance of these valves, a wide range of standards have been developed and are regularly updated. For the design, manufacture and performance testing of control valves, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME, the American Petroleum Institute API, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) each have standards which are applicable. Following the recommended standards and guidelines for control valves helps to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these valves.
