Overview
ISO 19973-2:2015/Amd 1:2019 is an important international standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on pneumatic fluid power systems. Specifically, it addresses the assessment of component reliability by testing, with Part 2 targeting directional control valves. This amendment enhances the original 2015 document by adding critical references, methodologies, and annexes tailored to ensure the reliability and safety of pneumatic directional control valves used in various industries.
The document provides updated guidelines on measuring performance parameters such as shifting times and failure rates. It offers essential procedures for testing these components to verify their reliability, especially under conditions relevant to functional safety applications. The amendment supplements the original standard to support compliance with related safety regulations and to improve risk assessments in system designs.
Key Topics
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Directional Control Valves Testing
Procedures for rigorous testing and evaluation of pneumatic directional control valves to assess their reliability over lifecycle operations.
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Reliability Metrics
Measurement and interpretation of key reliability parameters including:
- B-value (dangerous failure life)
- Shifting off-time (critical for safety applications)
- Leakage and minimum shifting pressure as non-dangerous failure modes.
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Functional Safety Considerations
Integration with ISO 13849 standards for safety-related parts of control systems. The amendment addresses estimating the B-values relevant for valves in safety-critical environments.
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Testing Procedures
Detailed test setup instructions according to Clause 5 of ISO 19973-1, including:
- Immediate shifting off-time tests.
- Shifting off-time measurements after a 24-hour rest period.
- Using supply pressure of approximately 6.3 bar to simulate operational conditions.
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Failure Criteria and Thresholds
Definition of failure thresholds, such as exceeding 2.5 times the catalogue-rated shifting off-time, which is considered a dangerous failure for reliability calculation.
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Data Analysis and Reporting
Guidelines for data handling during tests, including stopping criteria, suspensions, and failure recording. Producers are advised to document test results clearly, presenting B-values and additional reliability statistics, supporting transparency and reproducibility.
Applications
ISO 19973-2:2015/Amd 1:2019 is crucial for manufacturers, testers, and engineers working with pneumatic fluid power systems where directional control valves play a pivotal role. Its applications include:
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Industrial Automation
Ensuring pneumatic valves meet reliability requirements for controlling actuators and machinery safely and efficiently.
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Safety-Critical Systems
Providing standards-compliant assessments for valves used within safety-related control systems in compliance with ISO 13849, thereby reducing risk in applications such as manufacturing robotics, material handling, and process control.
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Design and Quality Assurance
Supporting product development and quality assurance processes by offering standardized evaluation methods to verify valve durability and safe performance during the design validation phase.
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Maintenance and Lifecycle Management
Facilitating predictive maintenance planning and reliability-centered maintenance by providing failure data useful for estimating valve lifespan and scheduling replacements.
Related Standards
ISO 19973-2:2015/Amd 1:2019 references and complements several key ISO standards that together form a comprehensive framework for pneumatic fluid power and safety:
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ISO 19973-1
Pneumatic fluid power - Assessment of component reliability by testing - Part 1: General procedures.
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ISO 12238
Pneumatic fluid power - Directional control valves - Measurement of shifting time.
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ISO 13849-1 and ISO 13849-2
Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design; Part 2: Validation.
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ISO 12100
Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction.
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ISO 4413 and ISO 4414
General rules and safety requirements for hydraulic and pneumatic systems and their components.
By adhering to ISO 19973-2:2015/Amd 1:2019, organizations ensure consistency with internationally recognized safety and reliability practices, thereby enhancing confidence in pneumatic directional control valve performance across diverse industrial sectors.
Keywords: ISO 19973-2 2015 Amendment 1, pneumatic fluid power, component reliability testing, directional control valves, B-value estimation, shifting off-time measurement, functional safety, ISO 13849, safety-related control systems, pneumatic valve testing, pneumatic system safety standards.
Open preview (PDF)Pneumatic fluid power — Assessment of component reliability by testing — Part 2: Directional control valves — Amendment 1