AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

This American National Standard is one of more than 10,000 standards approved as
American National Standards by the American National Standards Institute. On 24 August
1966, the ASA was reconstituted as the USA Standard Institute; on October 1969, the
USASI changed its name to the American National Standards Institute. Standards formerly
designated as ASA or USASI are now designated as ANSI Standards. There is no change
in their index identification or technical content.
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with
its scope and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the
manufacturer, the consumer and the general public. The existence of an American National
Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have approved the
standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using products, processes or
procedures not conforming to the standard. An approved ANSI Standard does not
constitute or indicate a warranty of any sort, express or implied, including but not limited to
a warranty or representation as to quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular use or
purpose. American National Standards are subject to periodic review and users are to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National
Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising, promotional
material or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular
American National Standards.
NOTICE: An approved ANSI standard does not express or imply any judgment, certification
or endorsement of or with respect to, the safety, design or performance of any product,
component, or its use.
NFPA does not examine, investigate, test, recommend, or certify the design, use of safety
of any product or component, even those which may incorporate one or more ANSI
standards. Approved ANSI standards therefore have no application to and do not express
or imply any recommendation, representation or warranty, with respect to the safety,
design, use, performance, or functional interchangeability of components or products which
incorporate ANSI standards.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any
time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be
taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five (5) years from the date
of publication. Information on this and other FLUID POWER standards may be obtained by
calling or writing the National Fluid Power Association, 3333 North Mayfair Road,
Milwaukee, WI 53222-3219, (414) 778-3344.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this standard will be welcome. They
should be sent to the National Fluid Power Association, 3333 North Mayfair Road,
Milwaukee, WI 53222-3219.
Any part of this standard may be quoted. Credit lines should read: Extracted from American
National Standard Hydraulic fluid power — Directional control valve — Method for
determining the metering characteristics, ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997.
Published by
NATIONAL FLUID POWER ASSOCIATION, INC.
Copyright 1997 by the National Fluid Power Association, Inc.
Printed in USA
Foreword

This Forward is not part of American National standard Hydraulic fluid power — Directional
control valve — Method for determining the metering characteristics, ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14
R1-1997, (Revision and redesignation of ANSI/B93.66M-1983).

The Hydraulic Valve Section, T3.5, met on 21 September 1994 and a recommendation was
made to revise this standard. The document will be updated to revise the references and
add other information.

At the 8 February 1995 meeting of T3.5 the proposed Title, Scope and Purpose (TSP) was
reviewed and approved. David Prevallet (Dana Corp.) agreed to serve as project chairman.

The TSP was approved by the Technical Board at their 13 April 1995 meeting.

Draft No. 1 was prepared by NFPA's Technical Staff and forwarded to Mr. Prevallet for his
review.

At the 20 September 1995 meeting of T3.5 a recommendation was made to send this
document out for General Review. NFPA Technical Staff prepared the document for
General Review on 29 September 1995.

The General Review closed with comments from six companies. At the 14 February 1996
meeting of T3.5, the comments were incorporated into the document. Headquarters
received the marked up draft on 27 February 1996. The changes were incorporated into the
document and T3.5 was mail balloted for approval to put this document on the 11 April 1996
Technical Board agenda for approval to ballot. At the 11 April 1996 Technical Board
meeting this document was approved for Ballot.

The document was updated at Headquarters and sent out for Ballot on 13 May 1996.
Balloting closed with no negative votes and six approval votes with editorial comments. All
of the editorial comments were taken care of before Balloting closed.

This document was granted final approval at the 15 August 1996 Technical Board meeting
contingent upon an favorable report from Richard McAfee, the T3.5 new Chairman. A
favorable report was received on 11 September 1996.

Project Group Members who developed this standard:

David Prevallet Thomas Weinkauf

Project Chairman Section Vice Chairman
Dana Corp. Daman Products Co., Inc.

Richard McAfee Paul Moots

Section Chairman Technical Auditor
Vickers Inc. Caterpillar, Inc.

Wayland Tenkku Linda E. Gasso

Past Section Chairman Technical Coordinator
Sun Hydraulics Corp. National Fluid Power Association
Shirley C. Seal
Manager of Standards Development
Industry/National
National Fluid Power Association
On 16 September 1996, ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1 was submitted to ANSI Committee B93
for Ballot. Balloting closed with no negative comments. ANSI granted final approval to this
document on 24 January 1997.

The membership roster of Standards Committee B93 at the time of Ballot:

Jack C. McPherson National Fluid Power Association

Chairman John Berninger
David Prevallet
Daniel B. Shore Paul Schacht
Vice Chairman William Wilkerson

Shirley C. Seal National Machine Tool Builders'

Secretary Association
Anthony Bratkovich
American Society of Agricultural
Engineers US Department of Defense
W. L. Snyder Wayne K. Wilcox

Compressed Air & Gas Institute Company Members

John Wiskamp Dennis Bonacorsi
John Addington (alternate) John Welker (alternate)
Logan Mathis
Fluid Controls Institute, Inc.
Jude Pauli Individual Members
John Addington (alternate) John Eleftherakis
Russ Henke
Fluid Power Society Richard Pettibone
Probir K. Chatterjea A. O. Roberts
Art DesMarais III Daniel B. Shore
Greg Gordon Vince Torrusio
Ray Hanley Jack Walrad
Bernard Larson Tom Wanke
Paul Prass (alternate) James C. White
N. Pliny Smith Frank Yeaple
James J. Staczek

Fluid Sealing Association

Stephen B. Chapman /leg
Robert Ecker (alternate)

Material Handling Institute

Jack C. McPherson
Introduction

In hydraulic fluid power systems, power is transmitted and controlled through a liquid under
pressure within an enclosed circuit. Some hydraulic valves are required to modulate flow or
pressure with some specific relationship between the valve control input and resultant
output. The relationships between the valve control input and the output flows for a given
inlet pressure and output pressure are the metering characteristics of the product. The
metering characteristics of a hydraulic directional control valve may be an important
consideration when selecting a valve as part of a system.
 ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

Hydraulic fluid power — Directional control valve —

Method for determining the metering characteristics

1 Scope

This standard is intended to:

– include the determination of the metering characteristics of a fluid power directional control valve;

– provide a uniform procedure for obtaining and reporting the metering characteristics of a fluid power directional control
valve.

2 Normative references

The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this document.
At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All documents are subject to revision, and parties to
agreements based on this document are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions
of the documents indicated below. NFPA maintains registers of currently valid NFPA/ANSI standards.

ANSI/B93.2-1986, Fluid power systems and products — Glossary.

ANSI/(NFPA)T2.12.1-1993, Hydraulic fluid power — Systems and products — Method of measuring average steady-
state pressure.

ANSI/(NFPA)T2.12.10-1993, Recommended practice — Hydraulic fluid power — Systems and products — Testing
general measurement principles and tolerances.

ANSI/IEEE 268-1992, Metric Practice.

ISO 1000:1992, SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other units.

ISO 1219-1:1991, Fluid power systems and components — Graphic symbols and circuit diagrams — Part 1: Graphic
symbols.

ISO 3448:1992, Industrial liquid lubricants — ISO viscosity classification. Technical corrigendum 1:1993.

ISO 4411:1986, Hydraulic fluid power — Valves — Determination of pressure differential/flow characteristics.

ASTM/D 445-1988, Standard Test Methods for Kinematic Viscosity and Opaque Liquids.

3 Definitions

For definitions of other terms used, see ANSI/B93.2.

control variable(s): The variables(s) which cause the controlled flow characteristic(s) of the valve to change.

displacement control variable: Mechanical displacement, volume or electrical current used to control valve output.

1
ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

pressure load: Pressure which is measured at the work port when a circuit is working.

specified flow rate (Qs): steady-state flow rate for the component.

specified pressure (Ps): Rated steady-state operating pressure for the component.

work port: The port normally connected to the component(s) being controlled, e.g., cylinder, motor, etc.

4 Units

4.1 Units of measurement are used in accordance with ISO 1000.

4.2 Approximate conversions to Customary US units are shown in parentheses after their metric counterpart.

5 Graphic symbols

Graphic symbols are used in accordance with ISO 1219-1.

6 Letter symbols

The following letter symbols are used in this document:

∆P pressure differential psi (bar);

PL pressure, load psi (bar);

∆Pm pressure differential, measured psi (bar);

Ps pressure, specified psi (bar);

∆Pt pressure differential, tare psi (bar);

Q flow rate L/min (gpm);

Qs specified flow rate L/min (gpm).

7 General

7.1 Set up and maintain apparatus in accordance with clause 8.

7.2 Run all tests in accordance with clause 9.

7.3 Present data from clause 9 in accordance with clause 11.

8 Test equipment

8.1 Use a fluid power supply and circuitry as required similar to that in figure 1.

8.2 Maintain the following fluid characteristics throughout all tests:

8.2.1 Viscosity

2
 ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

a) Use a petroleum based fluid that conforms to ISO VG 32 per ISO 3448. Measure viscosity in accordance with
ASTM/D445.

b) Use a Newtonian fluid; that is, one that does not contain polymeric materials used as thickeners or viscosity index
improves.

c) Select ISO VG 46, ISO VG 68 or ISO VG 100 if nominal viscosity is not recommended by the valve manufacturer.

8.2.2 Aeration

Minimize fluid aeration by taking precautions such as proper system design which provides adequate removal of air
from the system before testing.

8.2.3 Filtration

Use a control filter which will limit the total number of particles greater than 10 mm (10 micrometre) to less than 1,000
particles per mL in the fluid.

8.2.4 Pressure

Use pressure tapping per ANSI/(NFPA)T2.12.1.

9 Test procedure

9.1 Test temperatures

9.1.1 Conduct all tests at one or both of the following fluid inlet temperatures unless otherwise specified:

a) 50 °C (122 °F);

b) 80 °C (176 °F). If 80 °C exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations, use 63 °C (149 °F).

9.2 Determine metering characteristics in desired flow path.

9.2.1 Inlet return;

9.2.2 Inlet work port;

9.2.3 Work return port.

9.3 Install in accordance with figure 1 by connecting appropriate ports.

9.4 Unused ports shall be blocked, drained to reservoir or appropriately pressurized depending on the circuitry and/or
intended use of the component.

9.5 Adjust the test system to deliver specified flow rate at the specified temperature and at specified pressure.

9.6 Measure in accordance with 8.2.4 and record on a chart similar to figure 2 the pressure drop (∆Pm) between the
desired ports and flow rate (Q) in the desired path as a function of the displacement control variable for the entire range
of the displacement control variable with the maximum work port pressures indicated in table 1.

9.7 Connect the lines used in 9.3 to complete the test circuit without the test valve as shown in figure 1 (schematic
example of tare hookup).

3
ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

9.8 Measure and record the tare pressure drop (∆Pt) at the same flow rate intervals and on the same chart used in 9.6.
The flow through the work port loop may vary with the displacement control variable in some types of valves, resulting
in a variable tare. A constant tare valve can be used for the "inlet return" valve pressure differential (∆P) calculation
which ignores the work port loop tare.

NOTE If the tare pressure drop is small compared to the valve differential pressure, it can be ignored and the "measured
pressure drop" can be reported as the "valve pressure differential."

9.9 Calculate the pressure differential (∆P) by subtracting the tare differential (∆Pt) from the measured pressure
differential (∆Pm).

9.10 Special metering characteristics

9.10.1 Tests may be run at additional increments of specified pressure, in any or all of the above mention (3) test
modes, in order to adequately define a valve's special metering characteristics.

10 Test conditions accuracy

Reference ANSI/(NFPA)T2.12.10 for testing conditions. Class B conditions apply unless otherwise specified.

11 Data presentation

11.1 Use metric units for all data presentation. If desired, also use "Customary US" units.

11.2 Plot the results on 9.9 on a graph similar to that shown in figure 3.

NOTE Optional method – an x-y plot of actual data can be used if desired.

11.2.1 Include the following information on the graph:

a) label the graph, Graph 1, Control (or Test) Number ____________;

b) indicate measured flow path including specified work ports where applicable;

c) valve identification;

d) date tested;

e) test facility and location;

f) instrument identification and calibration dates;

g) fluid viscosity; (record testing conditions)

h) specified temperature;

i) specified flow rate;

j) specified pressure;

k) maximum displacement control variable;

i) curves labels — Tables similar to tables 2, 3 and 4 may be used to identify the curves developed from the data
collected.

4
 ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

12 Summary of designated information

The following designated information is needed when applying this standard to a particular application or use:

12.1 valve identification;

12.2 specify flow paths required and identify intended ports;

12.3 fluid viscosity;

12.4 fluid temperature;

12.5 flow rate;

12.5.1 inlet to return;

12.5.2 inlet to work port;

12.5.3 work port to return;

12.6 pressure;

12.6.1 supply;

12.6.2 work port (load);

12.6.3 return;

12.7 displacement control variable;

12.8 special instructions.

13 Justification statement

This document formalizes practices and equipment requirements which are based on research conducted at Oklahoma
State University, and which are consistent industry practices.

14 Test/production similarity

Utilize managerial controls necessary to maintain substantial similarity between test and production components or
elements.

15 Identification statement

Use the following statement in sales literature when electing to comply with this standard:

“Metering characteristics determined in accordance with ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997, Hydraulic fluid power —
Directional control valve — Method for determining the metering characteristics.”

5
ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

Table 1 — Work port pressure values

Desired flow path Work port pressure

Inlet – Return Work ports looped

Inlet – Work port 25 %, 50 %, 75 % of

specified pressure

Work – Return 100 %, 75 % of specified

pressure

Table 2 — Inlet-return port graph — Curve labels

Curve Curve label

P (PL = o) A

@ Qs

Table 3 — Inlet — Work port graph — Curve labels

Curve Curve label

∆P(PL = PS/4) B

Flow (PL = PS/4) C

∆P(PL = PS/2) D

Flow (PL = PS/2) E

∆P(PL = 3PS/4) F

Flow (PL = 3PS/4) G

Table 4 — Work-return port graph — Curve labels

Curve Curve label

∆P(PL = PS) H

Flow (PL = PS) J

∆P(PL = 3PS/4) K

Flow (PL = 3PS/4) L

6
 ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

Differential pressure measuring device, or as an

alternate, upstream and downstream measuring
devices can be used.

Pressure taps

10 dia’s. min. Jumper 5

length pipe dia’s. min. 10 dia’s. min. 5 dia’s. 5 dia’s.
length pipe length pipe min. length min. length
pipe

Schematic example of tare hookup

Work port Work port 1

loop

Inlet port Return port

Work port 2

Schematic example of inlet-return test hookup

Work port 1

Inlet port

Schematic example of inlet-work port test hookup

Work port 1

Return port

Schematic example of work port-return test hookup

Figure 1 — Test circuit diagram

7
ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

Date tested: ___________________________________ Test facility

and location:________________________________

Valve: ________________________________________ Specified flow: ______________________________

_____________________________________________ Temperature: _______________________________

Specified pressure:______________________________ Fluid: _____________________________________

Comments: ____________________________________ Viscosity: __________________________________

Graph Displacement Flow Measured Tare Valve

number control rate pressure pressure pressure
variable L/min drop drop diff.
cm (in) (gpm) psi psi psi
A (bar) (bar) (bar)
(∆Pm – ∆Pt)
3
L(in ) (Q) (∆Pm) (∆P)
(∆P)

Figure 2 — Typical metering test data summary

8
 ANSI/(NFPA)T3.5.14 R1-1997

E G
C
1.0 Work port Work port 1.0

Metering characteristics
Flow path  Inlet to work port
Graph no.__________________
Control no. _________________
0.8
0.8

0.6 0.6

0.4 0.4

0.2 0.2

-1.0 -0.75 -0.50 -0.25 0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.0

Displacement control variable/maximum displacement control variable

Valve identification: ____________________ Date tested:__________________________

Test facility and location:_______________________________________________________

Viscosity: ____________________________ Specified temperature: _________________

Specified flow rate: ____________________ Specified pressure: ____________________

Maximum displacement control variable: __________________________________________

NOTE Curves are shown for style of presentation only. No specific or related values are intended.

Figure 3 — Typical plot of graph 1