Conveyed Fluid Nature of Fluid Valve Function Type of Disc

Liquid Neutral  On/Off Gate

(Water, Oil, etc) Rotary ball
Plug
Diaphragm
Butterfly
Plug gate
Control valve, Globe
modulating Butterfly
Plug gate
Diaphragm
Needle
Corrosive  On/Off Gate
(Acid, alkaline etc.) Plug gate
Rotary ball
Plug
Diaphragm
Butterfly
Control valve, Globe
modulating Diaphragm
Butterfly
Plug gate
Hygienic On/Off Butterfly
(Food, beverages, Diaphragm
drugs etc)
Control valve, Butterfly
modulating Diaphragm
Squeeze
Pinch
Slurry On/Off Rotary ball
Butterfly
Diaphragm
Plug
 Pinch
Squeeze
Control valve, Butterfly
modulating Diaphragm
Squeeze
Pinch
Gate
Fibrous Suspensions On/Off, Gate
Control valve, Diaphragm
modulating
Squeeze
Pinch
Gas Neutral  On/Off Gate
(Air, Steam etc) Globe
Rotary ball
Plug
Diaphragm
Control valve, Globe
modulating Needle
Butterfly
Diaphragm
Gate
Corrosive  On/Off Butterfly
(Acid vapors, Rotary ball
chlorine etc.)
Diaphragm
Plug
Control valve, Butterfly
modulating Globe
Needle
Diaphragm
Vacuum On/Off Gate
Globe
Rotary ball
 Butterfly
Solids Abrasive Powder  On/Off, Pinch
(Silica, etc) Control valve, Squeeze
modulating
Spiral sock
Lubricating powder On/Off, Pinch
(graphite, talcum, etc Control valve, Gate
modulating
Spiral sock
Squeeze
API - Valve Standards

An overview of the American Petroleum Institute - API - valve standards

ASME - Valve Standards

An overview of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - ASME - valve

standards

ASTM - Valve Standards

An overview of ASTM International - American Society for Testing and Materials -

valve standards

BSi - British Standard Valves

An overview of BSi - British Standard institute valve standards

Chinese and International Valve Standards

Chinese valve standards compared with the international ISO, ASTM , ASME, ANSI,
MSS, API and JIS standards

Chinese Valve Standards

Chinese standards for steel, cast iron and metal valves

Comparing American and British Piping Standards

Comparing US American (ASTM) and British (BSi) piping standards - specifications,

grades and material descriptions

DIN - Valve Standards

An overview of DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung - valve standards

ISO Valve Standards

An overview of International Organization for Standardization - ISO - valve standards

JIS - Flanges, Bolts, Nuts, and Gaskets Standards

Japanese industrial flanges, bolts, nuts, and gaskets standards and specifications from
JAS - the Japanese Standards Association

JIS - Valve Standards

Japanese industrial valve standards and specifications from JAS - the Japanese Standards
Association

MSS - Valve Standards

Manufacturers Standardization Society - MSS - of the Valve and Fittings Industry - valve
standards

Common valve standards from American Society of Mechanical Engineers - ASME:

 ASME A105/105M
Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for piping applications
 ASME A181/181M
Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for General purpose piping
 ASME A182/182M
Standard Specification for forged or rolled alloy-steel pipe flanges, forged fittings
and valves and parts for high-temperature service
 ASME A727/727M
Standard specification for carbon steel forgings for piping components with
inherent notch toughness
 ASME A961
Standard Specification for Common Requirements for Steel Flanges, Forged
Fittings, valves, and Parts for Piping Applications
 ASME B16.10
Face to Face and End-to-End Dimensions of Valves
 ASME B16.34
Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
 ASME B462
Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled UNS N08020, UNS N08024, UNS
N08026, UNS N08367, and UNS R20033 Alloy Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings,
and Valves and Parts for Corrosive High-Temperature Service
 ASME B834
Standard Specification for Pressure Consolidated Powder Metallurgy Iron-Nickel-
Chromium-Molybdenum (UNS N08367) and Nickel- Chromium Molybdenum
Columbium (Nb) (UNS N06625) Alloy Pipe Flanges, Fittings, Valves, and Parts
 ASME D5500
Standard Test Method for Vehicle Evaluation of Unleaded Automotive Spark-
ignition Engine Fuel for Intake Valve Deposit Formation
 ASME F885
Standard Specification for Envelope Dimensions for Bronze Globe Valves NPS
1/4 to 2 El-1996 R(1996)
 ASME F992
Standard Specification for Valve Label Plates El-1997 R(1997)
 ASME F993
Standard Specification for Valve Locking Devices El-1997 R(1997)
 ASME F1020
Standard Specification for Line-Blind Valves for marine Applications El-1996
RI'1996)
 ASME F1098
Standard Specification for Envelope Dimensions for Butterfly Valves - NPS 2 to
24 EI-1993 R(1993)
 ASME F1271
Standard Specification for Spill Valves for Use in Marine Tank Liquid
Overpressure Protections Applications EI-1995 R (1995)
 ASME F1370
Standard Specification for Pressure Reducing valves for Water Systems,
Shipboard
 ASME F1508
Standard Specification for Angle Style, Pressure Relief Valves for Steam, Gas,
and Liquid Services
 ASME F1565
Standard Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Steam Service
 ASME F1792
Standard Specification for Special Requirements for Valves Used in Gaseous
Oxygen Service
 ASME F1793
Standard Specification for Automatic Shut-Off Valves (Also Known as Excess
Flow Valves, EFV) for Air or Nitrogen Service
  ASME F1794
Standard Specification for Hand operated, Globe-Style Valves for Gas (Except
Oxygen Gas), and Hydraulic Systems
 ASME F1795
Standard specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Air or Nitrogen Systems
 ASME A230
Standard specification for steel wire oil - tempered carbon valve spring quality
 ASME A232
Standard specification for chromium - vanadium alloy steel valve spring quality
 ASME A350
Standard specification for forged or rolled carbon and alloy steel flanges forged
fittings and valves and parts for low - temperature service
 ASME A338
Standard specification for ultrasonic examination of heavy steel forgings
 ASME A694
Standard specification for forgings carbon and alloy steel for pipe flanges fittings
valves and parts for high - pressure transmission service
 ASME A404
Standards specification for forged or rolled alloy - steel pipe flanges forged
fittings and valves and parts specially heat treated for high temperature service
 ASME A522
Forged or rolled 8% and 9% nickel alloy steel flanges fittings valves and parts for
low - temperature service

Valve standards from API - the American Petroleum Institute:

 API SPEC 6D
Specification for Pipeline Valves. API Specification 6D is an adoption of ISO
14313: 1999, Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries-Pipeline Transportation
Systems-Pipeline Valves. This International Standard specifies requirements and
gives recommendations for the design, manufacturing, testing and documentation
of ball, check, gate and plug valves for application in pipeline systems.
 API 526
Flanged Steel Pressure Relief Valves. The standard is a purchase specification for
flanged steel pressure relief valves. Basic requirements are given for direct spring-
loaded pressure relief valves and pilot-operated pressure relief valves as follows:
orifice designation and area; valve size and pressure rating, inlet and outlet;
materials; pressure-temperature limits; and center-to-face dimensions, inlet and
outlet.
 API 527
Seat Tightness of Pressure Relief Valves R(2002). Describes methods of
determining the seat tightness of metal- and soft-seated pressure relief valves,
including those of conventional, bellows, and pilot-operated designs.
 ANSI/API STD 594
Check Valves: Flanged, Lug, Wafer and Butt-welding. API Standard 594 covers
design, material, face-to-face dimensions, pressure-temperature ratings, and
examination, inspection, and test requirements for two types of check valves.
 API 598
Valve Inspection and Testing. The standard covers inspection, supplementary
examination, and pressure test requirements for both resilient-seated and metal-to-
metal seated gate, globe, plug, ball, check, and butterfly valves. Pertains to
inspection by the purchaser and to any supplementary examinations the purchaser
may require at the valve manufacturer's plant.
 ANSI/API 599
Metal Plug Valves - Flanged, Threaded and Welding Ends. A purchase
specification that covers requirements for metal plug valves with flanged or butt-
welding ends, and ductile iron plug valves with flanged ends, in sizes NPS 1
through NPS 24, which correspond to nominal pipe sizes in ASME B36.10M.
Valve bodies conforming to ASME B16.34 may have flanged end and one butt-
welding end. It also covers both lubricated and nonlubricated valves that have
two-way coaxial ports, and includes requirements for valves fitted with internal
body, plug, or port linings or applied hard facings on the body, body ports, plug,
or plug port.
 ANSI/API 600
Bolted Bonnet Steel Gate Valves for Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries -
Modified National Adoption of ISO 10434:1998.
 API 602
Compact Steel Gate Valves - Flanged, Threaded, Welding, and Extended-Body
Ends. The standard covers threaded-end, socket-welding-end, butt-welding-end,
and flanged-end compact carbon steel gate valves in sizes NPS4 and smaller.
 ANSI/API 603
Corrosion-Resistant, Bolted Bonnet Gate Valves - Flanged and Butt-Welding
Ends. The standard covers corrosion-resistant bolted bonnet gate valves with
flanged or butt-weld ends in sizes NPS 1/2 through 24, corresponding to nominal
pipe sizes in ASME B36.10M, and Classes 150, 300, and, 600, as specified in
ASME B16.34.
 ANSI/API 607
Fire Test for Soft-Seated Quarter Turn Valves. The standard covers the
requirements for testing and evaluating the performance of straightway, soft-
seated quarter-turn valves when the valves are exposed to certain fire conditions
defined in this standard. The procedures described in this standard apply to all
classes and sizes of such valves that are made of materials listed in ASME
B16.34.
 API 609
Butterfly Valves: Double Flanged, Lug- and Wafer-Type. The standard covers
design, materials, face-to-face dimensions, pressure-temperature ratings, and
examination, inspection, and test requirements for gray iron, ductile iron, bronze,
steel, nickel-base alloy, or special alloy butterfly valves that provide tight shutoff
in the closed position and are suitable for flow regulation.
 API 6FA
Specification for Fire Test for Valves. The standard covers the requirements for
testing and evaluating the performance of API Spec 6A and Spec 6D valves when
exposed to specifically defined fire conditions.
 API 6FC
Fire Test for Valve with Automatic Backseats. The standard covers the
requirements for testing and evaluating the performance of API Spec 6A and Spec
6D valves with automatic backseats when exposed to specifically defined fire
conditions.
 API 6RS
Referenced Standards for Committee 6, Standardization of Valves and Wellhead
Equipment.
 API 11V6
Design of Continuous Flow Gas Lift Installations Using Injection Pressure
Operated Valves. The standard sets guidelines for continuous flow gas lift
installation designs using injection pressure operated valves.
 ANSI/API RP 11V7
Recommended Practice for Repair, Testing, and Setting Gas Lift Valves. The
standard applies to repair, testing, and setting gas lift valves and reverse flow
(check) valves.
 API 520-1
Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Devices in Refineries:
Part I - Sizing and Selection. The recommended practice applies to the sizing and
selection of pressure relief devices used in refineries and related industries for
equipment that has a maximum allowable working pressure of 15 psig (1.03 bar g
or 103 kPa g) or greater.
 API 520-2
Recommended Practice 520: Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-
Relieving Devices in Refineries-Part II, Installation. The recommended practice
covers methods of installation for pressure-relief devices for equipment that has a
maximum allowable working pressure of 15 psig (1.03 bar g or 103 kPa g) or
greater. It covers gas, vapor, steam, two-phase and incompressible fluid service.
 ANSI/API 574
Inspection Practices for Piping System Components. The standard covers the
inspection of piping, tubing, valves (other than control valves) and fittings used in
petroleum refineries.
 ANSI/API 576
Inspection of Pressure Relieving Devices. The recommended practice describes
the inspection and repair practices for automatic pressure-relieving devices
commonly used in the oil and petrochemical industries.
 ANSI/API 608
Metal Ball Valves - Flanged and Butt-Welding Ends. The standard covers Class
150 and Class 300 metal ball valves that have either butt-welding or flanged ends
and are for use in on-off service.
ASTM International - American Society for Testing and Materials - valve standards:

 ASTM A126-04
Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves, Flanges, and Pipe
Fittings
 ASTM A182/A182M-04
Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy-Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged
Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
 ASTM A338
Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts
for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650?
F (345?C)
 ASTM A522/A522M-01
Standard Specification for Forged or Rolled 8 and 9% Nickel Alloy Steel Flanges,
Fittings, Valves, and Parts for Low-Temperature Service
 ASTM A694/A694M-03
Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Pipe Flanges,
Fittings, Valves, and Parts for High-Pressure Transmission Service
 ASTM A961-04
Standard Specification for Common Requirements for Steel Flanges, Forged
Fittings, Valves, and Parts for Piping Applications
 ASTM A988/A988M
Standard Specification for Hot Isostatically-Pressed Stainless Steel Flanges,
Fittings, Valves, and Parts for High Temperature Service
 ASTM A989/A989M
Standard Specification for Hot Isostatically-Pressed Alloy Steel Flanges, Fittings,
Valves, and Parts for High Temperature Service
 ASTM B61-2
Standard Specification for Steam or Valve Bronze Castings
 ASTM B763
Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for Valve Application
 ASTM B834
Standard Specification for Pressure Consolidated Powder Metallurgy Iron-Nickel-
Chromium-Molybdenum (UNS N08367) and Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-
Columbium (Nb) (UNS N06625) Alloy Pipe Flanges, Fittings, Valves, and Parts
 ASTM C1129
Standard Practice for Estimation of Heat Savings by Adding Thermal Insulation
to Bare Valves and Flanges
 ASTM F885
Standard Specification for Envelope Dimensions for Bronze Globe Valves NPS
1/4 to 2
 ASTM F992
Standard Specification for Valve Label Plates
 ASTM F993
Standard Specification for Valve Locking Devices
 ASTM F1020
Standard Specification for Line-Blind Valves for Marine Applications
 ASTM F1030
Standard Practice for Selection of Valve Operators
 ASTM F1098
Standard Specification for Envelope Dimensions for Butterfly Valves-NPS 2 to
24
 ASTM F1271
Standard Specification for Spill Valves for Use in Marine Tank Liquid
Overpressure Protections Applications
 ASTM F1370
Standard Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Water Systems,
Shipboard
 ASTM F1394
Standard Test Method for Determination of Particle Contribution from Gas
Distribution System Valves
 ASTM F1565
Standard Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Steam Service
 ASTM F1792
Standard Specification for Special Requirements for Valves Used in Gaseous
Oxygen Service
 ASTM F1793
Standard Specification for Automatic Shut-Off Valves (Also Known as Excess
Flow Valves, EFV) for Air Or Nitrogen Service
 ASTM F1794
Standard Specification for Hand-Operated, Globe-Style Valves for Gas (Except
Oxygen Gas), and Hydraulic Systems
 ASTM F1795
Standard Specification for Pressure-Reducing Valves for Air or Nitrogen Systems
 ASTM F1802
Standard Test Method for Performance Testing of Excess Flow Valves
 ASTM F1970
Standard Specification for Special Engineered Fittings, Appurtenances or Valves
for use in Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
(CPVC) Systems
 ASTM F1985
Standard Specification for Pneumatic-Operated, Globe-Style, Control Valves
 ASTM F2138
Standard Specification for Excess Flow Valves for Natural Gas Service
 ASTM F2215
Standard Specification for Balls, Bearings, Ferrous and Nonferrous for Use in
Bearings, Valves, and Bearing Applications
 ASTM F2324
Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves
The table below can be used to compare different British (BSi) and American (ASTM)
piping standards.

BSi - British Standards

ASTM International Material
institute
A120 1387 Carbon Steel
A53 Gr. A 3601/23 Carbon Steel
A53 Gr. B 3601/27 Carbon Steel
A106 Gr. A 3602/23 Carbon Steel
API 5L Gr. A 3602/27 Carbon Steel
A106 Gr. B 2602/27 Carbon Steel
API 5L Gr. B 3602/27 Carbon Steel
A333 Gr. 1 3063/LT50 Killed Carbon Steel
A333 Gr. 3 3603/503LT100 3.5% nickel
A335 Gr. P1 3604/240 1/2% molybdenum
A335 Gr. P12 3604/620 1% Cr 1/2% Mo
A335 Gr. P11 3604/621 1 1/4% Cr 1/2% Mo
A335 Gr. P22 3604/622 2 1/4% Cr 1% No
A335 Gr. P5 3604/625 5% Cr 1/2% Mo
A335 Gr. P7 3604/627 7% Cr 1/2% Mo
A335 Br. P9 3604/629 9% Cr 1% Mo
A312 Gr. Tp304 3605/304 S18 (EN58E) Austenitic chromium nickel
Austenitic chromium nickel
A312 Gr. Tp304L 3605/304 S14
(extra low carbon)
Austenitic chromium nickel
A312 Gr. Tp316 3605/316 S18 (EN58J)
molybdenum bearing
Austenitic chromium nickel
A312 Gr.Tp316L 3605/316 S14 molybdenum bearing (extra
low carbon)
Austenitic chromium nickel
A312 Gr. Tp321 3605/321 S18 (EN58B)
titanium stabilized
Austenitic chromium nickel
A312 Gr. Tp347 3605/347 S18 (EN58G)
nobelium stabilized

Country Standard No. Description

 A. D. Merkblatt Pressure Vessel Equipment safety devices against
A2 excess pressure - safety valves
Technical Equipment for Steam Boilers Safeguards
TRD 421 against excessive pressure - safety valves for boilers of
Germany
groups I, III & IV
Technical Equipment for Steam Boilers Safeguards
TRD 721 against excessive pressure- safety valves for steam
boilers group II
Part 1 specification for safety valves for steam and hot
water
United
BS 6759 Part 2 specification for safety valves for compressed air
Kingdom, UK
and inert gas
Part 3 specification for safety valves for process fluids
AFNOR NFE-E
Safety and relief valves
France 29-411 to 416
NFE-E-29-421 Safety and relief valves
Spring loaded safety valves for steam boilers and
Korea KS B 6216
pressure vessels
Steam boilers and pressure vessels - spring loaded
Japan JIS B 8210
safety valves
Safety valves, other valves, liquid level gauges and
Australia SAA AS1271
other fittings for boilers and unfired pressure vessels
ASME I Boiler applications
USA
ASME III Nuclear applications
ASME VIII Unfired Pressure Vessel Applications
ANSI/ASME
Safety and Relief Valves - performance test codes
PTC 25.3
Sizing selection and installation of pressure relieving
API RP 520
devices in refineries, Part 1 Design, Part 2 Installation
Guide for pressure relieving and depressurizing
API RP 521
systems
API STD 526 Flanged steel pressure relief valves
API STD 527 Seat tightness of pressure relief valves
Europe EN ISO 4126 Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure
International ISO 4126 Safety valves - general requirements

Country Standard No. Description

Germany A. D. Merkblatt Pressure Vessel Equipment safety devices against
A2 excess pressure - safety valves
Technical Equipment for Steam Boilers Safeguards
TRD 421 against excessive pressure - safety valves for boilers of
groups I, III & IV
TRD 721 Technical Equipment for Steam Boilers Safeguards
against excessive pressure- safety valves for steam
 boilers group II
Part 1 specification for safety valves for steam and hot
water
United
BS 6759 Part 2 specification for safety valves for compressed air
Kingdom, UK
and inert gas
Part 3 specification for safety valves for process fluids
AFNOR NFE-E
Safety and relief valves
France 29-411 to 416
NFE-E-29-421 Safety and relief valves
Spring loaded safety valves for steam boilers and
Korea KS B 6216
pressure vessels
Steam boilers and pressure vessels - spring loaded
Japan JIS B 8210
safety valves
Safety valves, other valves, liquid level gauges and
Australia SAA AS1271
other fittings for boilers and unfired pressure vessels
ASME I Boiler applications
ASME III Nuclear applications
ASME VIII Unfired Pressure Vessel Applications
ANSI/ASME
Safety and Relief Valves - performance test codes
PTC 25.3
USA Sizing selection and installation of pressure relieving
API RP 520
devices in refineries, Part 1 Design, Part 2 Installation
Guide for pressure relieving and depressurizing
API RP 521
systems
API STD 526 Flanged steel pressure relief valves
API STD 527 Seat tightness of pressure relief valves
Europe EN ISO 4126 Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure
International ISO 4126 Safety valves - general requirements

Some common abbreviations used with valves in US drawings and documentation:

Abbreviation Type of Valve

BB Bolted Bonnet
BC Bolted Cap
BV Ball Valve
BWE Butt Weld End
CV Check Valve
CWP Cold Working Pressure
DD Double Disc
DI Ductile Iron
DWV Drainage, Waste, Vent
 Fitting
FE Flanged End
FF Flat Face
FLG Flange
FTTG Fitting
FW Flexible Wedge
HF Hard Faced
HW Handwheel
Iron Body Bronze
IBBM
Mounted
IPS Iron Pipe Size
ISRS Inside Screw RS
GV Gate Valve
MJ Mechanical Joint
NPS Nominal Pipe Size
National Pipe Taper
NPT
Thread
NRS Non-Rising Stem
OWG Oil, Water, Gas Pressure
PRV Pressure Reducing Valve
RF Raised Face
RJ Ring Type Joint
RS Rising Stem
RWD Resilient Wedge Disc
SB Silver Brazed
SE Solder End
SOV Shut Off Valve
SW Solid Wedge Disc
SWE Socket Weld End
TB Threaded Bonnet
TE Threaded End
TC Threaded Cap
SWP Steam Working Pressure
UB Union Bonnet
UC Union Cap
WOG Water, Oil, Gas Pressure
WWP Water Working Pressure

ACTUATOR: A fluid-powered or electrically powered device that supplies force and

motion to a VALVE CLOSURE MEMBER. 
AIR SET: Also SUPPLY PRESSURE REGULATOR. A device used to reduce plant air
supply to valve POSITIONERS and other control equipment. Common reduced air
supply pressures are 20 and 35 psig. 

AIR-TO-CLOSE: An increase in air pressure to the ACTUATOR is required to cause

the valve to close. This is another way of saying the valve is Fail Open or Normally
Open. 

AIR-TO-OPEN: An increase in air pressure to the ACTUATOR is required to cause the

valve to open. This is another way of saying the valve is FAIL CLOSED or
NORMALLY CLOSED. 

ANSI: An abbreviation for the American National Standards Institute. 

ANTI-CAVITATION TRIM: A special trim used in CONTROL VALVES to stage the

pressure drop through the valve, which will either prevent the CAVITATION from
occurring or direct the bubbles that are formed to the center of the flow stream away from
the valve BODY and TRIM. This is usually accomplished by causing the fluid to travel
along a torturous path or through successively smaller orifices or a combination of both. 

API: An abbreviation for the American Petroleum Institute. 

ASME: An abbreviation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 

ASTM: An abbreviation for the American Society for Testing and Materials. 

BALANCED TRIM: A trim arrangement that tends to equalize the pressure above and
below the valve plug to minimize the net static and dynamic fluid flow forces acting
along the axis of the stem of a GLOBE VALVE. Some regulators also use this design,
particularly in high pressure service. 

BELLOWS SEAL BONNET: A BONNET which uses a BELLOWS for sealing against
leakage around the valve plug stem. 

BENCH SET: The proper definition for bench set is the INHERENT DIAPHRAGM
PRESSURE RANGE, which is the high and low values of pressure applied to the
diaphragm to produce rated valve plug travel with atmospheric pressure in the valve
body. This test is often performed on a work bench in the instrument shop prior to
placing the valve into service and is thus known as Bench Set. 

BODY: The body of the valve is the main pressure boundary. It provides the pipe
connecting ends and the fluid flow passageway. It can also support the seating surface
and the valve CLOSURE MEMBER. 

BONNET: The bonnet or bonnet assembiy is that portion of the valve pressure retaining
boundary which may guide the stem and contains the PACKING BOX and STEM SEAL.
The bonnet may be integral to the valve body or bolted or screwed. The bonnet, if it is
detachable, will generally provide the opening to the valve body cavity for removal and
replacement of the internal TRIM. The bonnet is generally the means by which the
actuator is connected to the valve body. 

BOOSTER: A pneumatic relay that is used to reduce the time lag in pneumatic circuits
by reproducing pneumatic signals with high-volume and or high-pressure output. These
units may act as volume boosters or as amplifiers. A 1:2 booster will take a 3 to 15 psig
input signal and output a 6 to 30 psig signal. It has also been shown that a booster may
improve the performance of a control valve by replacing a positioner. It can provide the
same stroking speed and can isolate the controller from the large capacitive load of the
actuator. 

BUBBLE TIGHT: A commonly used term to describe the ability of a control valve or
regulator to shut off completely against any pressure on any fluid. Unfortunately, it is
completely unrealistic. Control valves are tested to ANSI B16.104 and FCI 70-2-1976
which is the American National Standard for Control Valve Seat Leakage. This standard
uses 6 different classifications to describe the valves seat leakage capabilities. The most
stringent of these is Class VI which allows a number of bubbles per minute leakage,
depending on the port size of the valve. The correct response to the question "Will that
valve go "Bubble Tight"? is to say this valve is tested to meet Class VI shutoff
requirements. 

BUTTERFLY VALVE: A valve with a circular body and a rotary motion disk closure
member which is pivotally supported by its stem. Butterfly valves come in various styles
including eccentric and high-performance valves. Butterfly valves are HIGH
RECOVERY valves and thus tend to induce CAVITATION in liquid services at much
lower pressure drops and fluid temperatures than the globe style valve. Due to instability
problems with the older design butterfly valves, many people will limit the travel of the
valve at 60 degrees of rotation on throttling services. This can also help keep the valve
out of CAVITATION problems. 

CAGE: A hollow cylindrical trim element that is sometimes used as a guide to align the
movement of a VALVE PLUG with a SEAT RING. It may also act to retain the seat ring
in the valve body. On some types of valves, the cage may contain different shaped
openings which act to characterize the flow through the valve. The cage may also act as a
NOISE ATTENUATION or ANTI-CAVITATION device. 

CAGE GUIDED VALVE: A type of GLOBE STYLE valve trim where the valve plugs
with the seat. 

CAVITATION: Occurs only in liquid service. In its simplest terms cavitation is the two-
stage process of vaporization and condensation of a liquid. Vaporization is simply the
boiling of a liquid, which is also known as FLASHING. In a control valve this
vaporization takes place because the pressure of the liquid is lowered, instead of the more
common occurrence where the temperature is raised. As fluid passes through a valve just
downstream of the orifice area, there is an increase in velocity or kinetic energy that is
accompanied by a substantial decrease in pressure or potential energy. This occurs in an
area called the VENA CONTRACTA. If the pressure in this area falls below that of the
vapor pressure of the flowing fluid, vaporization (boiling) occurs. Vapor bubbles then
continue downstream where the velocity of the fluid begins to slow and the pressure in
the fluid recovers. The vapor bubbles then collapse or implode. Cavitation can cause a
Choked Flow condition to occur and can cause mechanical damage to valves and piping. 

CHOKED FLOW: Also known as CRITICAL FLOW. This condition exists when at a
fixed upstream pressure the flow cannot be further increased by lowering the downstream
pressure. This condition can occur in gas, steam, or liquid services. Fluids flow through a
valve because of a difference in pressure between the inlet (Pl) and outlet (P2) of the
valve. This pressure difference (Delta-P) or pressure drop isessential to moving the fluid.
Flow is proportional to the square root of the pressure drop. Which means that the higher
the pressure drop is the more fluid can be moved through the valve. If the inlet pressure
to a valve remains constant, then the differential pressure can only be increased by
lowering the outlet pressure. For gases and steam, which are compressible fluids, the
maximum velocity of the fluid through the valve is limited by the velocity of the
propagation of a pressure wave which travels at the speed of sound in the fluid. If the
pressure drop is sufficiently high, the velocity in the flow stream at the VENA
CONTRACTA will reach the velocity of sound. Further decrease in the outlet pressure
will not be felt upstream because the pressure wave can only travel at sonic velocity and
the signal will never translate upstream. Choked Flow can also occur in liquids but only if
the fluid is in a FLASHING or CAVITATING condition. The vapor bubbles block or
choke the flow and prevent the valve from passing more flow by lowering the outlet
pressure to increase the pres-sure drop. A good Rule Of Thumb on Gases and Steam
service is that if the pressure drop across the valve equals or exceeds one half the absolute
inlet pressure, then there is a good chance for a choked flow condition. 
Example: 

P1 100 psig 
P2 25 psig 
_________ 
Delta P = 75 
P1 (ABS) = 100 + 14.7 or 114.7 1/2 of 114.7 = 57.35 
Actual pressure drop = 75 
Choked Flow is probable. 

The style of valve (that is whether it is a HIGH RECOVERY or a LOW RECOVERY

style) will also have an effect on the point at which a choked flow condition will occur. 

CLOSURE MEMBER: The movable part of the valve which is positioned in the flow
path to modify the rate of flow through the valve. Some of the different types of closure
members are the Ball, Disk, Gate, and Plug. 
COEFFICIENT FLOW: A constant (Cv) that is used to predict the flow rate through a
valve. It is related to the geometry of the valve at a given valve opening. See Cv. 

CONTROL VALVE: Also known as the FINAL CONTROL ELEMENT. A power-

operated device used to modify the fluid flow rate in a process control system. It usually
consists of a BODY or VALVE and an ACTUATOR, which responds to a signal from
the controlling system and changes the position of a FLOW CONTROLLING
ELEMENT in the valve. 

CONTROL VALVE GAIN: The relationship between valve travel and the flow rate
through the valve. It is described by means of a curve on a graph expressed as an
INSTALLED OR INHERENT CHARACTERISTIC. 

CONTROLLER: A device which tells a CONTROL VALVE what to do. Controllers

can be either pneumatic or electronic. There are pressure, temperature, ph, level,
differential, and flow controllers. The job of the controller is to sense one of the above
variables and compare it to a set point that has been established. The controller then
outputs a signal either pneumatic or electronic to the control valve, which then responds
so as to bring the process variable to the desired set point. 

CRITICAL FLOW: See the definition for CHOKED FLOW. 

CV: The VALVE FLOW COEFFICIENT is the number of U.S. gallons per minute of 60
degree F water that will flow through a valve at a specified opening with a pressure drop
of 1 psi across the valve. 

DELTA-P: Differential Pressure. The inlet pressure (Pl) minus the outlet pressure (P2). 
Example: 

P1 = 100 psig 
P2 = 25 psig. 
___________ 
Delta-P = 75 
DIAPHRAGM: A flexible pressure-responsive element that transmits force to the
diaphragm plate and actuator stem. 

DIAPHRAGM ACTUATOR: Is a fluid (usually pneumatic) pressure-operated, spring-

opposed diaphragm assembly which positions the valve stem in response to an input
signal. 

DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE: See Bench Set. 

DIAPHRAGM VALVE: A valve with a flexible linear motion CLOSURE MEMBER

that is forced into the internal flow passageway of the BODY by the ACTUATOR. Pinch
or Clamp valves and Weir-type valves fall into this category. 
DIRECT ACTING: This term has several different meanings depending upon the
device it is describing. A DIRECT-ACTING ACTUATOR is one in which the actuator
stem extends with an increase in diaphragm pressure. A DIRECT-ACTING VALVE is
one with a PUSH-DOWN-TO-C LOSE plug and seat orientation. A DIRECT-ACTING
POSITIONER or a DIRECT-ACTING CONTROLLER outputs an increase in signal in
response to an increase in set point. 

DIRECT ACTUATOR: Is one in which the actuator stem extends with an increase in
diaphragm pressure. 

DUAL SEATING: A valve is said to have dual seating when it uses a resilient or
composition material such as TFE, Kel-F, or Buna-N, etc. for its primary seal and a
metal-to-metal seat as a secondary seal. The idea is that the primary seal will provide
tight shut-off Class VI and if it is damaged the secondary seal will backup the primary
seal with Class IV shut-off. 

DYNAMIC UNBALANCE: The total force produced on the valve plug in any stated
open position by the fluid pressure acting upon it. The particular style of valve, i.e.
single-ported, double-ported, flow-to-open, flow-to-close, has an effect on the amount of
dynamic unbalance. 

EFFECTIVE AREA: For a DIAPHRAGM ACTUATOR, the effective area is that part
of the diaphragm area that is effective in producing a stem force. Usually the effective
area will change as the valve is stroked - being at a maximum at the start and at a
minimum at the end of the travel range. Flat sheet diaphragms are most affected by this;
while molded diaphragms will improve the actuator performance, and a rolling
diaphragm will provide a constant stem force throughout the entire stroke of the valve. 

ELECTRIC ACTUATOR: Also known as an Electro-Mechanical Actuator uses an

electrically operated motor-driven gear train or screw to position the actuator stem. The
actuator may respond to either a digital or analog electrical signal. 

END CONNECTION: The configuration provided to make a pressure-tight joint to the

pipe carrying the fluid to be controlled. The most common of these connections are
threaded, flanged, or welded. 

EQUAL PERCENTAGE: A term used to describe a type of valve flow characteristic

where for equal increments of valve plug travel the change in flow rate with respect to
travel may be expressed as a constant percent of the flow rate at the time of the change.
The change in flow rate observed with respect to travel will be relatively small when the
valve plug is near its seat and relatively high when the valve plug is nearly wide open. 

EXTENSION BONNET: A bonnet with a packing box that is extended above the body
to bonnet connection so as to maintain the temperature of the packing above (cryogenic
service) or below (high-temp service) the temperature of the process fluid. The length of
the extension depends on the amount of temperature differential that exists between the
process fluid and the packing design temperature. 

FACE-TO-FACE: Is the distance between the face of the inlet opening and the face of
the outlet opening of a valve or fitting. These dimensions are governed by ANSI/ISA
specifications. 

The following Uniform Face-to Face Dimensions apply. 

SPECIFICATION VALVE TYPE 

ANSI/ISA S75.03 INTEGRAL FLANGED GLOBE STYLE CONTROL

VALVES 
ANSI/ISA S75.04 FLANGELESS CONTROL VALVES ANSUISA S75.20
SEPARABLE FLANGE GLOBE STYLE CONTROL VALVES 
FAIL-CLOSED: Or NORMALLY CLOSED. Another way of describing an AIR-TO-
OPEN actuator. Approximately 80% of all spring return diaphragm operators in the field
are of this construction. 

FAIL-IN-PLACE: A term used to describe the ability of an actuator to stay at the same
percent of travel it was in when it lost its air supply. On SPRING RETURN
ACTUATORS this is accomplished by means of a LOCK-UP VALVE. On PISTON
ACTUATORS a series of compressed air cylinders must be employed. 

FAIL-OPEN: Or NORMALLY OPEN. Another way of describing an AIR-TO-CLOSE

actuator. 

FAIL-SAFE: A term used to describe the desired failure position of a control valve. It
could FAIL-CLOSED, FAIL-OPEN, or FAIL-IN-PLACE. For a spring-return operator to
fail-in-place usually requires the use of a lock-up valve. 

FEEDBACK SIGNAL: The return signal that results from a measurement of the directly
controlled variable. An example would be where a control valve is equipped with a
positioner. The return signal is usually a mechanical indication of valve plug stem
position which is fed back into the positioner. 

F1: Or PRESSURE RECOVERY FACTOR. A number used to describe the ratio between
the pressure recovery after the VENA CONTRACTA and the pressure drop at the vena
contracta. It is a measure of the amount of pressure recovered between the vena contracta
and the valve outlet. Some manufacturers use the therm Km to describe the pressure
recovery factor. This number will be high (0.9) for a GLOBE STYLE VALVE with a
torturous follow path and lower (0.8 to 0.6) for a ROTARY STYLE VALVE with a
streamlined flow path. On most rotary products the F1 factor will vary with the degree of
opening of the VALVE CLOSURE MEMBER. Note! F1 does not equal Km. 
FLANGELESS: A valve that does not have integral line flanges. This type of valve is
sometimes referred to as a Wafer Style valve. The valve is installed by bolting it between
the companion flanges with a set of bolts or studs called line bolting. Care should be
taken that strain-hardened bolts and nuts are used in lieu of all-thread, which can stretch
when subjected to tempera-ture cycling. 

FLANGELESS BODY: See FLANGELESS for a definition. This type of valve is very
economical from a manufacturing and stocking standpoint because a valve that is rated as
a 600# ANSI valve can also be used between 150# and 300# ANSI flanges thus
eliminating the need to manufacture three different valve bodies or stock three different
valve bodies. The down side is that valves with flangeless bodies are not acceptable in
certain applications - particularly in refinery processes. 

FLASHING: Is the boiling or vaporizing of a liquid. See the definition of

CAVITATION. When the vapor pressure downstream of a control valve is less than the
upsteam vapor pressure, part of the liquid changes to a vapor and remains as a vapor
unless the downstream pressure recovers significantly, in which case CAVITATION
occurs. Flashing will normally cause a CHOKED FLOW condition to occur. In addition
the vapor bubbles can also cause mechanical damage to the valve and piping system. 

FLOW CHARACTERISTIC: The relationship between valve capacity and valve

travel. It is usually expressed graphically in the form of a curve. CONTROL VALVES
have two types of characteristics INHERENT and INSTALLED. The INHERENT
characteristic is derived from testing the valve with water as the fluid and a constant
pressure drop across the valve. When valves are installed into a system with pumps,
pipes, and fittings, the pressure dropped across the valve will vary with the travel. When
the actual flow in a system is plotted against valve opening, the curve is known as the
INSTALLED flow characteristic. Valves can be characterized by shaping the plugs,
orifices, or cages to produce a particular curve. Valves are characterized in order to try to
alter the valve gain. 

Valve gain is the flow change divided by the control signal change. This is done in an
effort to compensate for nonlinearities in the control loop. 

FLOW COEFFICIENT: See the definition for Cv. 

GAIN: The relationship of input to output. If the full range of the input is equal to the
full range of the output, then the gain is 1. Gain is another way to describe the sensitivity
of a device. 

GLOBE VALVE: A valve with a linear motion, push-pull stem, whose one or more
ports and body are distinguished by a globular shaped cavity around the port region. This
type of valve is characterized by a torturous flow path and is also referred to as a LOW
RECOVERY VALVE because some of the energy in the flow stream is dissipated; and
the inlet pressure will not recover to the extent that it would in a more streamlined HIGH
RECOVERY VALVE. 
HANDWHEEL: A manual override device used to stroke a valve or limit its travel. The
handwheel is sometimes referred to as a hand jack. It may be top mounted, side mounted,
in-yoke mounted or shaft mounted and declutchable. 

HARD FACING: A material that is harder than the surface to which it is applied. It is
normally used to resist fluid erosion or to reduce the chance of galling between moving
parts. Hard facing may be applied by fusion welding, diffusion, or spray coating the
material. Alloy #6 or Stellite is a common material used for this purpose. 

HARDNESS: A property of metals that is discussed frequently when speaking of various

component parts used in valve construction, particularly valve trim. There are two
hardness scales which are commonly used, Rockwell & Brinell. 
 

HARDNESS COMPARISON
ROCKWELL BRINELL
316 SST 76B 137
17-4 PH 34-38C 352
Hardened Inconel X-750
38-42C 401
#6 Stellite (Alloy 6) 40-44C 415
Chrome Plating 59-67C 725

Note that 316 SST is on the Rockwell B scale which means it is a much softer material
than the others shown. 

HIGH RECOVERY VALVE: A valve design that dissipates relatively little flow
stream energy due to streamlined internal contours and minimal flow turbulence.
Therefore, pressure down stream of the valve VENA CONTRACTA recovers to a high
percentage of its inlet value. These types of valves are identifiable by their straight-th
rough flow paths. Examples are most rotary control valves, such as the eccentric plug,
butterfly, and ball valve. 

HYSTERESIS: The difference between up-scale and down-scale results in instrument

response when subjected to the same input approached from the opposite direction.
Example: A control valve has a stroke of 1.0 inch and we give the valve a 9 psig signal.
The valve travels 0.500 of an inch. We then give the valve a 12 psig signal, and the valve
travels to 0.750 of an inch. When the valve is then given a 9 psig signal, the stroke is
measured at 0.501. That represents hysteresis. Hysteresis can be caused by a multitude of
variables, packing friction, loose linkage, pressure drop, etc. If someone asks you what
the hysteresis of your control valve is, it is a bum question because hysteresis is more
aptly applied to an instrument than to a control valve. There are simply too many
variables in the valve and the system to answer the question properly. The control valve
only responds to the controller signal and will move to a position to satisfy the controller
- thus negating the effects of hysteresis. 

INCIPIENT CAVITATION: Is a term used to describe the early stages of

CAVITATION. At this point the bubbles are small, and the noise is more of a hiss, like
the sound of frying bacon. There is normally no mechanical damage associated with
incipient cavitation although it could have an effect on the corrosive properties of some
fluids. 

INHERENT DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE: The high and low values of pressure applied
to the diaphragm to produce rated valve plug travel with atmospheric pressure in the
valve body. This is more commonly referred to as BENCH SET. 

INHERENT FLOW CHARACTERISTIC: It is the relationship between valve

capacity and valve travel and is usually expressed graphically. It is derived from testing a
valve with water as the fluid and with a constant pressure drop across the valve. The most
common types of inherent flow characteristics are LINEAR, EQUAL PERCENTAGE,
MODIFIED PARABOLIC, and QUICK OPENING. 

INSTALLED DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE: The high and low values of pressure

applied to the diaphragm to produce rated travel with stated conditions in the valve body.
The "stated conditions" referred to here mean the actual pressure drops at operating
conditions. Example: A control valve may have an INHERENT DIAPHRAGM
PRESSURE or BENCH SET of 8 to 15 psig. But when subjected to a 600 psig. inlet
pressure, it may start to open at 3 psig. and be full open at 15 psig. It is because of the
forces acting on the valve plug and the direction of flow through the valve (FLOW-TO-
OPEN or FLOW-TO-CLOSE) that the installed diaphragm pressure will differ from the
inherent diaphragm pressure. 

INSTALLED FLOW CHARACTERISTIC: The flow characteristic when the pressure

drop across the valve varies with flow and related conditions in the system in which the
valve is installed. The purpose of characterizing a control valve is to help compensate for
nonlinearities in the control loop. 

INSTRUMENT PRESSURE: The output pressure from an automatic controller that is

used to operate a control valve. It is the input signal to the valve. 

INTEGRAL SEAT: The flow control orifice and seat that is an integral part of the valve
body or cage. The seat is machined directly out of the valve body and is normally not
replaceable without replacing the body itself - although some can be repaired by welding
and remachining. 

INTEGRAL FLANGE: A valve body whose flange connection is an integral or cast

part of the body. Valves with integral flanges were traditionally known to have the ANSI
short FACE-TO-FACE dimension ANSI/ISA S75.03. However many manufacturers now
produce valve bodies with both integral and SEPARABLE FLANGES that will meet
both the ANSI short and long face-to-face dimensions. 

I/P: An abbreviation for current-to-pneumatic signal conversion. This term is commonly

used to describe a type of transducer that converts an electric (4-20 m.a) input signal to a
pneumatic (3-15 psig.) output signal. 

LANTERN RING: A rigid spacer used in the packing with packing above and below it.
The lantern ring is used to allow lubrication to the packing or allow access to a leak off
connection. On some of the new fugitive emission packing systems, it also acts as a stem
guide. 

LAPPED-IN: A term that describes a procedure for reducing the leakage rate on metal-
to-metal seated valves and regulators. The plug and seat are lapped together with the aid
of an abrasive compound in an effort to establish a better seating surface than would
normally be achieved by means of machining. 

LEAKAGE CLASSIFICATION: A term used to describe certain standardized testing

procedures for CONTROL VALVES with a FLOW COEFFICIENT greater then 0. 1
(Cv). These procedures are outlined in ANSI Standard d B16.104-1976, which gives
specific tests and tolerances for six seat leakage classifications. It should be remembered
that these tests are used to establish uniform acceptance standards for manufacturing
quality and are not meant to be used to estimate leakage under actual working conditions.
Nor should anyone expect these leakage rates to be maintained after a valve is placed in
service. There is no standard test for SELF-CONTAINED REGULATORS at this time.
Note! You will see many instances where regulators are specified using the above
criteria. 

LEAK-OFF: A term used to describe a threaded connection located on the BONNET of

a valve that allows for the detection of leakage of the process fluid past the packing area. 

LINEAR FLOW CHARACTERISTIC: A characteristic where flow capacity or (Cv)

increases linearly with valve travel. Flow is directly proportional to valve travel. This is
the preferred valve characteristic for a control valve that is being used with a distributive
control system (DCS) or programmable logic controller (PLC). 

LINEAR VALVE: Another name for a GLOBE VALVE. It refers to the linear or
straight-line movement of the plug and stem. 

LIQUID PRESSURE RECOVERY: See (F1). 

LOADING PRESSURE: The pressure used to position a pneumatic actuator. It is the

pressure that is actually applied to the actuator diaphragm or piston. It can be the
INSTRUMENT PRESSURE if a valve positioner is not used or is bypassed. 
LOCK-UP VALVE: A special type of regulator that is installed between the valve
POSITIONER and the valve ACTUATOR, where it senses the supply air pressure. If that
pressure falls below a certain level, it locks or traps the air loaded into the actuator
causing the valve to FAIL-IN-PLACE. 

LOW RECOVERY VALVE: A valve design that dissipates a considerable amount of

flow stream energy due to turbulence created by the contours of the flow path.
Consequently, pressure downstream of the valve VENA CONTRACTA recovers to a
lesser percentage of its inlet value than a valve with a more streamlined flow path. The
conventional GLOBE STYLE control valve is in this category. 

MODIFIED PARABOLIC: A FLOW CHARACTERISTIC that lies somewhere

between LINEAR and EQUAL PERCENTAGE. It provides fine throttling at low flow
capacity and an approximately linear characteristic at higher flow capacities. 

NORMALLY CLOSED: See AIR-TO-OPEN. 

NORMALLY OPEN: See AIR-TO-CLOSE. 

P1: Is used to designate Inlet Pressure. 

P2: Is used to designate Outlet Pressure. 

PACKING: A sealing system that normally consists of a deformable material such as

TFE, graphite, asbestos, etc. It is usually in the form of solid or split rings contained in a
PACKING BOX that are compressed so as to provide an effective pressure seal. 

PACKING BOX: The chamber located in the BONNET which surrounds the stem and
contains the PACKING and other stem-sealing components. 

PACKING FOLLOWER: A part that transfers a mechanical load to the PACKING

from the packing flange or nut. 

PISTON ACTUATOR: A fluid-powered, normally pneumatic device in which the fluid

acts upon a movable cylindrical member, the piston, to provide linear motion to the
actuator stem. These units are spring or air opposed and operate at higher supply
pressures than a SPRING RETURN ACTUATOR. 

PLUG: See CLOSURE MEMBER. 

PORT-GUIDED: A valve plug that fits inside the seat ring, which acts as a guide
bushing. Examples: Splined Plug, Hollow Skirt, and the Feather-Guide Plug. 

POSITION SWITCH: A switch that is linked to the valve stem to detect a single, preset
valve stem position. Example: Full open or full closed. The switch may be pneumatic,
hydraulic, or electric. 
POSITION TRANSMITTER: A device that is mechanically connected to the valve
stem and will generate and transmit either a pneumatic or electric signal that represents
the valve stem position. 

POSITIONER: A device used to position a valve with regard to a signal. The positioner
compares the input signal with a mechanical feed back link from the actuator. It then
produces the force necessary to move the actuator output until the mechanical output
position feedback corresponds with the pneumatic signal value. Positioners can also be
used to modify the action of the valve (reverse acting positioner), alter the stroke or
controller input signal (split range positioner), increase the pressure to the valve actuator
(amplifying positioner), or alter the control valve FLOW CHARACTERISTIC
(characterized positioner). 

POST GUIDE: A guiding system where the valve stem is larger in the area that comes
into contact with the guide busings than in the adjacent stem area. 

PUSH-DOWN-TO-C LOSE: A term used to describe a LINEAR or GLOBE STYLE

valve that uses a DIRECT ACTING plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located
above the seat ring. When the plug is pushed down, the plug contacts the seat, and the
valve closes. Note! Most control valves are of this type. 

PUSH-DOWN-TO-OPEN: A term used to describe a LINEAR or GLOBE STYLE

valve that uses a REVERSE ACTION plug and stem arrangement. The plug is located
below the seat ring. When the plug is pushed down, the plug moves away from the seat,
and the valve opens. 

PRESSURE RECOVERY FACTOR: See (F1). 

QUICK OPENING: A FLOW CHARACTERISTIC that provides maximum change in

flow rate at low travels. The curve is basically linear through the first 40% of travel. It
then flattens out indicating little increase in flow rate as travel approaches the wide open
position. This decrease occurs when the valve plug travel equals the flow area of the port.
This normally happens when the valve characteristics is used for on/off control. 

RANGEABILITY: The range over which a control valve can control. It is the ratio of
the maximum to minimum controllable FLOW COEFFICIENTS. This is also called
TURNDOWN although technically it is not the same thing. There are two types of
rangeability - inherent and installed. Inherent rangeability is a property of the valve alone
and may be defined as the range of flow coefficients between which the gain of the valve
does not deviate from a specified gain by some stated tolerance limit. Installed
rangeability is the range within which the deviation from a desired INSTALLED FLOW
CHARACTERISTIC does not exceed some stated tolerance limit. 

REDUCED TRIM: Is an undersized orifice. Reduced or restricted capacity trim is used

for several reasons. (1) It adapts a valve large enough to handle increased future flow
requirement with trim capacity properly sized for present needs. (2) A valve with
adequate structural strength can be selected and still retain reasonable travel vs. capacity
relationships. (3) A valve with a large body using restricted trim can be used to reduce
inlet and outlet fluid velocities. (4) It can eliminate the need for pipe reducers. (5) Errors
in over sizing can be corrected by use of restricted capacity trim. 

REVERSE ACTING: This term has several deferent meanings depending upon the
device it is describing. A REVERSE-ACTING ACTUATOR is one in which the actuator
stem retracts with an increase in diaphragm pressure. A REVERSE-ACTING VALVE is
one with a PUSH-DOWN-TO-OPEN plug and seat orientation. A REVERSE-ACTING
POSITIONER or a REVERSE-ACTING CONTROLLER outputs a decrease in signal in
response to an increase in set point. 

REVERSE FLOW: Flow of fluid in the opposite direction from that normally
considered the standard direction. Some ROTARY VALVES are considered to be bi-
directional although working pressure drop capabilities may be lower and leakage rates
may be higher in reverse flow. 

ROTARY VALVE: A valve style in which the FLOW CLOSURE MEMBER is rotated
in the flow stream to modify the amount of fluid passing through the valve. 

SEAT LOAD: The contact force between the seat and the valve plug. When an actuator
is selected for a given control valve, it must be able to generate enough force to overcome
static, stem, and dynamic unbalance with an allowance made for seat load. 

SEAT RING: A part of the flow passageway that is used in conjuction with the
CLOSURE MEMBER to modify the rate of flow through the valve. 

SELF-CONTAINED REGULATOR: A valve with a positioning actuator using a self-

generated power signal for moving the closure member relative to the valve port or ports
in response and in proportion to the changes in energy of the controlled variable. The
force necessary to position the CLOSURE MEMBER is derived from the fluid flowing
through the valve. 

SEPARABLE FLANGE: Also known as a SLIP-ON FLANGE. A flange that fits over a
valve body flow connection. It is generally held in place by means of a retaining ring.
This style of flange connection conforms to ANSI/ISA 275.20 and allows for the use of
different body and flange materials. Example: A valve with a stainless steel construction
could use carbon steel flanges. This type of valve is very popular in the chemical and
petro-chemical plants because it allows the use of exotic body materials and low cost
flanges. 

SOFT SEATED: A term used to describe valve trim with an elastomeric or plastic
material used either in the VALVE PLUG or SEAT RING to provide tight shutoff with a
minimal amount of actuator force. A soft seated valve will usually provide CLASS VI
seat leakage capability. 
SPLIT BODY: A valve whose body is split. This design allows for easy plug and seat
removal. Split-bodied valves are made in both the straight-through and angle versions.
The Masoneilan 2600 or ANNIN is an example of a split body valve. 

SPRING RATE: A term usually applied to SELF-CONTAINED REGULATORS

describing the range of set point adjustment available for a particular range spring. 

STATIC UNBALANCE: The net force produced on the valve stem by the fluid pressure
acting on the CLOSURE MEMBER and STEM within the pressure retaining boundary.
The closure member is at a stated opening with a stated flow condition. This is one of the
forces an actuator must overcome. 

STELLITE: Also called #6 Stellite or Alloy 6. A material used in valve trim known for
its hardness, wear and corrosion resistance. Stellite is available as a casting, barstock
material and may be applied to a softer material such as 316 stainless steel by means of
spray coating or welding. 

STEM: The VALVE PLUG STEM is a rod extending through the bonnet assembly to
permit positioning of the plug or CLOSURE MEMBER. The ACTUATOR STEM is a
rod or shaft which connects to the valve stem and transmits motion or force from the
actuator to the valve. 

STEM GUIDE: A guide bushing closely fitted to the valve stem and aligned with the
seat. Good stem guiding is essential to minimizing packing leakage. 

SUPPLY PRESSURE: The pressure at the supply port of a device such as a controller,
positioner, or transducer. Common values of control valve supply pressures are 20 psig.
for a 3-15 psig. output and 35 psig. for a 6-30 psig. output. 

STROKE: See TRAVEL. 

THROTTLING: Modulating control as opposed to ON/OFF control. 

TRANSDUCER: An element or device which receives information in the form of one

quantity and coverts it to information in the form of the same or another quantity. (See
I/P) 

TRAVEL: The distance the plug or stem moves in order to go from a full-closed to a
full-open position. Also called STROKE. 

TRIM: Includes all the parts that are in flowing contact with the process fluid except the
body, BONNET, and body flanges and gaskets. The plug, seats, stem, guides, bushings,
and cage are some of the parts included in the term trim. 

TRUNNION MOUNTING: A style of mounting the disc or ball on the valve shaft or
stub shaft with two bushings diametrically opposed. 
TURNDOWN: A term used to describe the ratio between the minimum and maximum
flow conditions seen in a particular system. Example: If the minimum flow were 10
G.P.M. and the maximum flow were 100 G.P.M. the turndown would be 10:1. This term
is sometimes incorrectly applied to valves. See RANGEABILITY. 

VALVE: A device which dispenses, dissipates, or distributes energy in a system. 

VALVE BODY: See BODY. 

VALVE FLOW COEFFICIENT: See Cv. 

VALVE PLUG: See CLOSURE MEMBER. 

VENA CONTRACTA: The location where

cross-sectional area of the flow stream is
at its minimum size, where fluid velocity
is at its highest level, and where fluid
pressure is at its lowest level. The vena
contracta normally occurs just
downstream of the actual physical
restriction in a control valve. Cross
Reference of ASTM Material
Specifications
Fittings, Flanges, Unions and Cast and Forged Valves
A ASTM cross reference material specification of fittings, flanges, unions and cast and
forged valves can be found in the table below:

Wrought
Material Forgings Castings
Fittings
Carbon Steel A105 A216-WCB A234-WPB
Cold Temperature Service A350-LF2 A420-
WPL6
Carbon-1/2 Molybdenum Alloy Steel
High Temperature Service A182-F1 A217-WC1 A234-WP1
A352-LC1
3-1/2 Nickel Alloy Steel
Low Temperature Service A350-LF3 A352-LC3 A420-
WPL3
1/2 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel A182-F2
1/2 Cr-1/2 Mo-1 Ni Alloy A217-WC4
3/4 Cr-1 Mo-3/4 Ni Alloy Steel A217-WC5
1 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel A182-F12 A234-
CL2 WP12 CL2
1-1/4 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel A182-F11 A217-WC6 A234-
2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel CL2 A217-WC9 WP11 CL2
5 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel A182-F22 A234-
5 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel CL3 A217-C5 WP22 CL3
9 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel A182-F5 A217-C12 A234-WP5
13 Cr Alloy Steel A182-F5a A743-CA15
A182-F9 A234-WP9
A182-F6
Type 304 Stainless Steel (18 Cr-8 Ni)
Standard A182-F304 A351-CF3 A403-
Low Carbon A182-F304L WP304
High Temperature Service A351-CF8 A403-
A182- WP304L
F304H A403-
WP304H
Type 310 Stainless Steel (25 Cr-20 Ni) A182- A351-CK20 A403-
F310H WP310
Type 316 Stainless Steel (16 Cr-12 Ni-
2 Mo) A182-F316 A403-
Standard A182-F316L A351-CF3M WP316
Low Carbon A403-
High Temperature A182- A351-CF8M WP316L
F316H A403-
WP316H
Type 317 Stainless Steel (18 Cr-13 Ni- A403-
3 Mo) WP317
Type 321 Stainless Steel (18 Cr-10 Ni- A182-F321
Ti) A182- A403-
Standard F321H WP321
High Temperature Service A403-
WP321H
Type 347 Stainless Steel (18 Cr-10 Ni-
Cb) A182-F347 A351-CF8C A403-
Standard A182- WP347
High Temperature Service F347H A403-
WP347H
Type 348 Stainless Steel (18 Cr-10 Ni-
Cb) A182-F348 A403-
Standard A182- WP348
High Temperature Service F348H A403-
WP438H

Categories of Application Description

Valves
Flow regulating For controlling rate of flow.
valves
Temperature For controlling fluid temperature in a system.
regulating valves
Automatic For controlling rate of flow relative to value.
process control
valves
Anti vacuum An automatic type of air valve preventing the
valves formation of vacuum in tanks or pipelines.
Blow down A valve which is used for cleaning sludge from a
valves boiler.
Bulkhead valves A gate valve.
Free ball valves A valve in which a ball is free to rotate in any
direction.
Fusible link or A fire preventiuon valve which has a weighted lever
fire valves hold open by a wire and fusible link which melts at
an increase of room temperature.
Hydraulic valves A control valve for water, oil, or hydraulic systems.
Jet dispersal valve A valve incorporating an element by virtue of
which the energy within the emitting jet is
dissipated.
Penstock A single faced type of valve consisting of an open
frame and a door and used in terminal positions
only. Normal located in tanks or channels for
controlling flow in to a pipe.
Plate valves A gate valve incorporating a sluicing effect.
Radiator valves A valve controlling the flow of water through a
radiator.
Rotary slide valve A valve in which a rotation of internal parts
regulates flow by opening ar closing a series of
segmental ports.
Rotary valve A spherical plug valve in which the plug, which
rotates through 90o.
Solenoid valve A valve operated by by an electrical solenoid.
Spectacle eye A parallel slide valve.
valve
Thermostatic A valve which combines temperature.
mixing valve
Throttle valve A non tight closing butterfly valve.

The table below can be used as an indication of the different valve types and typical
operating ranges.

Minimum Size Maximum Size

Type of Valve
mm inches mm inches
Ball 6 1220 48
 Butterfly 50 2 1830 72
Butterfly Neck 25 1 1830 72
Gate 3 1/8 1220 48
Globe 3 1/8 760 30
Plug Lubricated 6 760 30
Plug non lubricated 6 406 16
Swing Check 6 610 24
Swing Check Y-type 6 150 6
Lift Check 6 250 10
Tilting disc 50 2 760 30
Diaphragm 3 1/8 610 24
Y Oblique 3 1/8 760 30
Slide 50 2 1900 75
Pinch 25 1 305 12
Needle 3 1/8 25 1