ANSI/AWWA C530-12

(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C530-07)

The Authoritative Resource on Safe Water

AWWA Standard

Pilot-Operated
Control Valves
SM

Effective date: Dec. 1, 2012.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors June 24, 2007.
This edition approved June 10, 2012.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Sept. 17, 2012.

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AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification. AWWA standards describe
minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional
feature is specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard does not constitute
endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or approve any product. The use of AWWA standards
is entirely voluntary. This standard does not supersede or take precedence over or displace any applicable law, regulation, or
codes of any governmental authority. AWWA standards are intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that
the product described will provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the Official Notice section of Journal - American Water Works Association. The action
becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal - American Water Works Association publication
of the official notice.

American National Standard

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 that person has approved the standard or not,
from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned 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 and
promotional materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American National Standards.
Caution Notice: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front cover of this standard indicates
completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI
procedures require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of
ANSI approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-4900,
or emailing info@ansi.org.

ISBN-13, print: 978-1-58321-905-8

ISBN-10, print:1-58321-905-6

eISBN-13, electronic: 978-1-61300-200-1

eISBN-10, electronic: 1-61300-200-9

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information or retrieval system, except in the form of brief excerpts or
quotations for review purposes, without the written permission of the publisher.

Copyright 2012 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Pilot-Operated Control Valves, which reviewed and approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time:
Amzad Ali, Chair
Fred Fuller, Vice Chair
General Interest Members
A. Ali, Greater Vancouver Water District, Burnaby, B.C., Canada
M.L. Altland, Hatch Mott Macdonald, Millburn, N.J.
F.H. Hanson, Albert A. Webb Assoc., Riverside, Calif.
E.M. Norum, California State University Center for Irrigation Technology,
Fresno, Calif.
T.J. McCandless,* Standards Engineer Staff Advisor, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
D. Rhodes, Dayton & Knight Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada
R.M. Schwecke, HDR Engineering Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.
J. Vorheis, CH2M HILL, San Antonio, Texas
R.A. Waggenspack, Owen & White Inc., Baton Rouge, La.

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

Producer Members
B. Andersson, Flomatic Corp., Glen Falls, N.Y.
B. Clarke, Singer Valve Inc., Surrey B.C., Canada
B. Gardner, Bermad Control Valves Inc., Houston, Texas
S.D. Jernigan, OCV Control Valves, Tulsa, Okla.
W.J. Nicholl, GA Industries Inc., Cranberry Township, Pa.
V. Roberts, Cla-Val, Newport Beach, Calif.
A. Ross, Ross Valve Manufacturing Company Inc., Troy, N.Y.

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

User Members
G. Baptist, Calgary Waterworks, Calgary, Alta., Canada
T.M. Curry, Laurel, Md.
M.H. Johnson, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Reading, Mass.

* Liaison, nonvoting
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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

D. Larson* Standards Council Liaison, Jefferson County, Barnhart, Mo.

N.R. Kochan, Onondaga County Water Authority, Syracuse, N.Y.
D.C. Stone, Denver Water, Denver, Colo.
J.V. Young, City of Richmond, Richmond, B.C., Canada

* Alternate
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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this
format may be found in a particular standard.
SEC. PAGE

SEC. PAGE

Foreword
I Introduction.......................................vii

3 Definitions..........................................3
4 Requirements

I.A Background........................................vii

4.1

I.B History...............................................vii

4.2 Materials..............................................6

I.C Acceptance.........................................vii
II

Special Issues.....................................viii

III

Use of This Standard...........................ix

Data Provided by Manufacturer...........5

4.3

General Design....................................7

4.4

Workmanship and Painting................11

4.5 Permeation.........................................11

III.A Purchaser Options and

Alternatives...................................ix

5 Verification

III.B Laying Length......................................x

5.1 Inspection..........................................12

III.C Performance Test..................................x

5.2 Testing...............................................12

III.D Valve Test Media.................................xi

5.3

III.E Modification to Standard....................xi

6 Delivery

Notice of Nonconformance................13

Major Revisions...................................xi

6.1 Markings............................................13

V Comments..........................................xi

6.2 Shipping.............................................13

IV

6.3

Standard

Affidavit of Compliance.....................14

Appendix

1 General

1.1 Scope...................................................1
1.2 Purpose................................................2
1.3 Application...........................................2

Installation, Operation, and

Maintenance Pilot-Operated
Control Valves..............................15

2 References...........................................2

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Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of ANSI*/AWWA C530.
I.

Introduction.

I.A. Background. Pilot-operated control valves have been in use since the early
1900s in pipelines that carry liquids. Manufacturers of pilot-operated control valves
have developed tight-closing, rubber-, and metal-seated products for pipeline use in
water distribution and power generation. This standard describes two types of pilotoperated control valves: the piston and diaphragm types. Both pilot-operated control
valve types are sold in a globe, wye, or angle body configuration.
Since the late 1940s, pilot-operated control valves have gained increased acceptance
for use in water treatment plants, water supply and distribution, and in building heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) applications because they (1) provide
tight shutoff, (2) provide for large pressure drops across the valves, (3) are suitable for
many functions depending on the pilot system, and (4) are relatively easy to operate
and maintain.
I.B. History. The need for a standard addressing pilot-operated control
valves was recognized by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in
November 2001. A committee was appointed for the task of standardization; at the
first inaugural meeting in June 2003, a subcommittee was appointed by the chair to
develop a standard. The first edition was approved by the AWWA Board of Directors
on June 24, 2007. This edition was approved on June 10, 2012.
I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF
International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a
certification program for direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members of
the original consortium included the Water Research Foundation (formerly AwwaRF)
and the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers (COSHEM). The
American Water Works Association and the Association of State Drinking Water
Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact with,
drinking water rests with individual states. Local agencies may choose to impose

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Persons outside the United States should contact the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate the health
effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state and local
agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of the NSF, NSF*/ANSI 60,
Drinking Water Treatment ChemicalsHealth Effects, and NSF/ANSI 61, Drinking
Water System ComponentsHealth Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex, Water
Chemicals Codex, and other standards considered appropriate by the state or local
agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in accordance with NSF/ANSI 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to accept
or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Annex A, Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures, of NSF/ANSI 61 does not
stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances not regulated
by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALs of an unspecified list
of unregulated contaminants are based on toxicity testing guidelines (noncarcinogens)
and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens). Use of Annex A procedures may
not always be identical, depending on the certifier.
ANSI/AWWA C530 does not address additive requirements. Users of this standard
should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in order to
1. Determine additive requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certification by parties offering to certify products for
contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues. Conditions under which the pilot-operated control valve
is to be operated must be evaluated carefully by the purchaser. This evaluation must
include determination of the hydraulic characteristics of the system in which the valve
will be installed and the pilot devices required for operation of the valve, including
(1) maximum and static differential pressures across the valve and (2) the range of
* NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48113.
Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington,
DC 20001.
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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

flow rates through the valve under the most adverse operating conditions. Velocities
exceeding 15 ft/sec (4.6 m/sec) should be discussed with the manufacturer. When
selecting a type of valve, it must be noted that there are various types of control valves
with different combinations of pilots and actuation mechanisms.
III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA
standard to determine that the products described in that standard are suitable for use
in the particular application being considered.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following information should be
provided by the purchaser.
1. Standard used, that is, the latest revision of ANSI/AWWA C530, PilotOperated Control Valves.
2. Whether compliance with NSF/ANSI 61, Drinking Water System
ComponentsHealth Effects, is required.
3. Size of valve.
4. Quantity required.
5. Maximum nonshock inlet pressure.
6. Minimum and maximum pressure drop across the seat.
7. Maximum head loss, if required.
8. Maximum transient pressure and characteristics, if known.
9. Requirements for anticavitation trim material.
10. State special devices or features, if required, including number and location of
isolation valves for pilot lines, type of pilot filter element, openclose time speed control requirements, position indication, remote control devices, remote and externally
mounted three-position control switches (opencloseauto), pressure gauges, and/or
pressure transmitters on inlet and outlet flange taps.
11. Consideration relating to anticipated problems with rubber components
exposed to line content containing chlorine, chloramines, or other chemicals. If these
problems are anticipated, the purchaser should identify the maximum expected concentrations of these chemicals and other factors, such as pH and temperature ranges, that
may affect the corrosivity of these chemicals. The purchaser should consult with the
manufacturer and, if appropriate, specify special requirements for these components.
12. Required rate of flow for normal flow conditions and for minimum and maximum flow conditions (Sec. 1.1).
13. Body style (globe, wye, or angle ) (Sec. 1.1.1).
14. Flow port area (nominal diameter or reduced port) (Sec. 3.0).
15. Certified drawings to be provided by the manufacturer (Sec. 4.1.1).
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Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

16. Laying length dimension (Sec. 4.1.1.1).

17. Maximum height from valve centerline to position indicators, including onsite dismantling height requirements (Sec. 4.1.1.1).
18. Maximum space width, including control piping (Sec. 4.1.1.1).
19. Application and pilot type (Sec. 4.1.1.2).
20. Type of pilot-operated control valve, whether diaphragm or piston (Sec.
4.1.1.2).
21. Additional information for remote operation, such as position transmitters, variable pressure control pilots, limit switches, and/or other configurations (Sec.
4.1.1.2).
22. Installation, operation, and maintenance manual requirements (Sec. 4.1.3).
23. Details of other federal, state or provincial, and local requirements (Sec. 4.2.1).
24. Seat and body material (Sec. 4.2.2).
25. Type of material for pilot lines (stainless steel, copper, or other preferred material) (Sec. 4.2.2).
26. Type of end connection, flanged, groove-joint, or National Pipe Thread
(NPT) (Sec. 4.3.4).
27. Body flange class (cast iron class 125 and/or class 250 in accordance with
ASME B16.1 and ductile iron class 150, class 250 in accordance with ASME B16.42,
or steel class 150 or class 300 in accordance with ASME B 16.5) (Sec. 4.3.4.1).
28. Specify flange bolt hole drilling pattern class if different from a recognized
ANSI pressure class (Sec. 4.3.4.1).
29. Shop inspection by the purchaser, if required (Sec. 5.1.1).
30. Requirement for an affidavit of compliance (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Laying Length. Pilot-operated control valves do not have uniform laying
lengths. Interchangeability between various manufacturers may not be possible without
modification to the existing piping system. The purchaser is cautioned to obtain this
information from the manufacturers for verification prior to purchase.
III.C. Performance Test. This standard does not require the manufacturer
to conduct the performance test on a fully assembled valve. Sec. 5.2 allows the
manufacturer to conduct the tests separately on the main valve and the related pilots.
If the purchaser desires the performance test to be conducted on the fully assembled
valve, this requirement should be specified in the purchase documents.

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III.D. Valve Test Media. The purchaser should review Sec. 5.2.1 of this standard
and inform the supplier of the preferred valve test media. The standard allows testing
valves with air at 90 psi and water at 1.5 times the rated design pressure of the valve.
III.E. Modification to Standard. Any modification of the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided by the purchaser.
IV. Major Revisions. Major changes made to the standard in this revision
include the following:
1. Manufacturer is required to deliver installation, operation, and maintenance
manuals (Sec. 4.1.3).
2. Materials shall comply with regulations for potable water, wastewater, and
reclaimed water systems as applicable (Sec. 4.2.1).
3. Elastomers are included under physical and chemical requirements (Sec. 4.2.2).
4. Changes to flange requirements (Sec. 4.3.4.1).
5. Changes to disc retainer material requirements (Sec. 4.3.7.1.4).
6. Model number and serial number were added to the marking requirements
(Sec. 6.1).
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call AWWA Engineering and Technical Services at 303.794.7711, FAX at
303.795.7603, write to the department at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO
80235-3098, or email at standards@awwa.org.

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ANSI/AWWA C530-12
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C530-07)

AWWA Standard

Pilot-Operated Control Valves

SECTION 1:
Sec. 1.1

General

Scope
This standard establishes minimum requirements for pilot-operated control
valves of globe, angle and wye body styles with various end connections in sizes from
12 in. through 60 in. (37.5 mm through 1,500 mm) in diameter, with water having
a pH range from 6 to 9 and a temperature range from 40 to 125 F (4.4 to 52C).
The standard covers piston- and diaphragm-type valves suitable for a maximum
steady-state fluid working pressure of 300 psig (2,070 kPa), a maximum steadystate differential pressure of 300 psig (2,070 kPa), and a maximum line velocity of
15 ft/sec (4.6 m/sec).
1.1.1 Body type and class. The valves described in this standard are provided in three body types (globe, angle, and wye) with various pilot-operating
methods in pressure classes described as follows:
1.1.1.1 Angle body type: Class 125, 150, 250, and 300, ASME flanges,
National Pipe Thread (NPT) and grooved joint ends in sizes 12 in. to 60 in.
(37.5 mm to 1,500 mm).
1.1.1.2 Globe body type: Class 125, 150, 250, and 300, ASME flanges,
NPT and grooved joint ends in sizes 12 in. to 60 in. (37.5 mm to 1,500 mm).
1.1.1.3 Wye body type: Class 125, 150, 250, and 300; ASME flanges,
NPT and grooved joint ends in sizes 12 in. to 60 in. (37.5 mm to 1,500 mm).
1
Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

2 AWWA C530-12

Sec. 1.2

Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to define the minimum requirements for pilotoperated control valves, including sizing considerations, design verification, testing, delivery, handling, and storage.

Sec. 1.3

Application
This standard can be referenced in specifications for pilot-operated control
valves, which are described by the scope as defined above.

SECTION 2:

References

This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions,

they form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any
case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSI*/AWWA C207Steel Pipe Flanges for Waterworks Service, Sizes
4 In. through 144 In. (100 mm through 3,600 mm).
ANSI/AWWA C550Protective Interior Coatings for Valves and Hydrants.
ANSI/AWWA C606Grooved and Shouldered Joints.
ASME B16.1Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flange Fittings: Classes 25, 125,
and 250.
ASME B16.42Ductile Iron Pipe Flanges and Flange Fittings: Classes 150
and 300.
ASME B16.5Pipe Flanges and Flange Fittings: NPS 2 In. through NPS
24 In.
ASTM A36Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel.
ASTM A48Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings.
ASTM A108Standard Specification for Steel Bar, Carbon, and Alloy,
Cold-Finished.
ASTM A126Standard Specification for Gray Iron Casting for Valves,
Flanges, and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A216Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable
for Fusion Welding, for High Temperature Service.

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
ASME International, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 3

ASTM A240Standard Specification for Chromium and ChromiumNickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General
Application.
ASTM A276Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A312Specification for Seamless, Welded, and Heavily Cold Worked
Austenitic Stainless Pipes.
ASTM A395Standard Specification for Ferrite Ductile Iron Pressure
Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures.
ASTM A436Standard Specification for Austenitic Gray Iron Castings.
ASTM A439Standard Specification for Austenitic Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM A516Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon
Steel, for Moderate and Lower Temperature Service.
ASTM A536Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM A564 Standard Specification for Hot-Rolled and Cold-Finished Age
Hardening Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A743-A743MStandard Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium
Nickel, Corrosion-Resistant For General Application.
ASTM B127Standard Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy (UNS
N4400) Plate, Sheet, and Strip.
ASTM B154Standard Test Methods for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper
and Copper Alloys.
ASTM B160Standard Specification for Nickel Rod and Bar.
ASTM D471Test Method for Rubber PropertyEffect of Liquids.
ASTM D751Test Methods for Coated Fabrics.
ASTM D1149Test Method for Rubber DeteriorationSurface Ozone
Cracking in a Chamber.
NSF*/ANSI 61Drinking Water System ComponentsHealth Effects, is
required.

SECTION 3:

Definitions

The following definitions shall apply in this standard:

1. Diaphragm: A flexible, elastomeric fabric reinforcement that seals the
valve body cover-bonnet volume from the valve body volume to allow an operating
pressure to be developed in the valve body cover.
* NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

4 AWWA C530-12

2. Differential vent tube: An opening to atmosphere on the valve that provides an external visual indication of piston or liner cup sealing status while providing an operating differential.
3. Disc retainer: A circular metal component that retains the resilient disc.
4. End connections: As described in ANSI/AWWA C207, ANSI/AWWA
C606, ASME B16.1, ASME B16.42, ASME B16.43, and ASME B16.5.
5. Guide bushings: A sleeve bearing that guides the stem through the full
stroke of the valve diaphragm or piston.
6. Hydrostatic testing: A factory pressure test at a safety factor greater than
1.0, compared with the working pressure.
7. Inner valve assembly: All moving parts of the valve mounted on the valve
stem.
8. Liner: A cylindrical hollow sleeve that may include V-port openings fitted into the valve body for the piston to operate.
9. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
10. O-ring seal: A type of seal consisting of an elastomer in the shape of a
torus or circular cross section.
11. Pilot systems: A device or accessories added to the pilot-operated control
valve to define its application and function in an operating system.
12. Piston: A circular metal component that operates in the valve body
and has a stem attached in the center.
13. Piston seal: A nonmetallic elastomeric material that is attached to the
piston skirt to prevent pressure bypass between the piston and the valve body.
14. Pull-down-packing-gland sealing system: An adjustable-type shaft seal
in which the deformable sealing material is composed of one or more ring-shaped
seals that have square or rectangular cross sections or are V shaped (chevron).
15. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
16. Rated differential pressure: The maximum steady-state pressure differential, at the specified operating temperatures, across a closed valve at which the
valve is designed to operate.
17. Rated pressure: The maximum internal steady-state pressure, at the
specified operating temperatures, at which valves are designed to be subjected to
when the closure member is in any position.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 5

18. Resilient disc: An elastomeric component that forms a tight seal against
the seat ring upon valve closure and is normally retained in the disc retainer.
19. Spring: A stainless-steel coil compression device that assists in valve
closure.
20. Supplier: The party that supplies material or services. A supplier may
or may not be the manufacturer.
21. Transient pressure: The short-duration, sudden shock (water hammer)
pressures that result from changes in pipeline flow velocity.
22. Valve full-flow port area: The minimum-flow port area of the valve,
including stem area, shall be equal to or greater than the nominal valve size.
23. Valve reduced-flow port area: The minimum-flow port area of the valve,
including the stem area, that is less than the nominal valve size.
24. Valve stem seal: A sealing system that contains the fluid at the shaft or
stem penetration through the valve body or cover.
25. Vee port crown throttling plug: A vee-ported metallic cylinder that
assists in characterized flow control.
26. Working pressure: The maximum sustained operating pressure under
normal conditions.

SECTION 4:
Sec. 4.1

Requirements

Data Provided by Manufacturer

4.1.1 Drawings. When required, the supplier shall submit certified drawings to the purchaser for review. The drawings shall show the following:
4.1.1.1 Dimensions. Principal dimensions, including those necessary for
interfacing with other pipeline structures and distribution systems; the maximum
valve flow port diameter; the maximum valve height, including positioning devices
if applicable; the maximum face-to-face dimensions.
4.1.1.2 Pilot-operated control valve options. Optional equipment being
supplied; including any electrical or electronic wiring diagrams.
4.1.2 Recommended storage practice. This information shall be placed in
the manufacturers operations and maintenance manuals or on the outside of the
shipping container as delivered to the jobsite or to the purchaser by the supplier.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

6 AWWA C530-12

4.1.3 Installation, operation, and maintenance manuals. The manufacturer of the valve is required to submit to the purchaser manuals containing the
following information:
4.1.3.1 Instructions. Complete installation, operation, and maintenance
instructions.
4.1.3.2 Parts list. Complete parts list.
4.1.3.3 Spare parts. List of recommended spare parts.
4.1.3.4 Special tools. List of special tools for installation, maintenance,
repairs, and adjustments.
4.1.3.5 Submittal copies. The number of certified drawings, installation
instructions, and operations- and maintenance-manuals specified by the purchaser
shall be submitted by the supplier.

Sec. 4.2

Materials
4.2.1 Regulatory requirements. Materials shall comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and other federal regulations for potable
water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems as applicable.
4.2.2 Physical and chemical properties. Materials shall be in conformance
with the following physical and chemical requirements:
Interior epoxy coatings: ANSI/AWWA C550.
Gray iron: ASTM A126 or ASTM A48, and ASTM A436 or ASTM A439.
Ductile iron: ASTM A536 or ASTM A395.
Stainless steel: ASTM A240 (304 L or 316 L, ASTM A312, ASME SA312
T304 W&BR and A&P), ASTM A276, ASTM A743, or ASTM A564.
Nickelcopper alloy: ASTM B127.
Carbon steel: ASTM A108.
Cast steel: ASTM A216, grade WCB.
Fabricated steel: ASTM A36 or ASTM A516.
Nickel rod: ASTM B160.
Resilient seats: See Sec. 4.3.7
Brass or bronze: Components made of brass or bronze shall conform to the
applicable ASTM or the Unified Numbering System (UNS) standard.
Elastomers such as Neoprene, Nitrile, EPDM, and others should be considered.
4.2.2.1 Bronze alloys. Any bronze alloy used in the cold-worked condition shall be capable of passing the mercurous nitrate test in accordance with
ASTM B154 to minimize susceptibility to stress corrosion.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 7

4.2.2.2 Zinc/de-aluminization. Bronze shall not contain more than 7 percent zinc. If aluminum-bronze is used, the alloy shall be inhibited against de-aluminization by receiving a temper anneal at 1,200F with a 50F plusminus tolerance
for 1 hr per inch of section thickness, followed by cooling in moving air or by water
quenching.
4.2.2.3 Corrosion-resistant materials. Corrosion-resistant metals used
for clamping and the retention of seats, stem and disc, or stem- and diaphragmconnection hardware, glands or gland assemblies, and bearings or bushings that
are wetted by line content shall be made of stainless steel, nickelcopper alloy, or
bronze, conforming to Sec. 4.2.
4.2.2.4 Tests. Whenever valve components are to be made in conformance with ASTM or other standards that include test requirements or testing
procedures, the valve manufacturer shall meet these requirements or procedures.
4.2.2.5 Records. Records of these tests shall be made available to the
purchaser if agreed on by the purchaser and manufacturer prior to purchase of the
valve.

Sec. 4.3

General Design
4.3.1 Valve body. The valve body is the primary pressure-retaining structure of the valve that forms a portion of the pipeline and that has ends adapted for
connection to the piping.
4.3.1.1 Internal structure. The internal structure is such that it carries a
sealing mechanism, which provides flow-through seats and allows linear operation
of the valve assembly.
4.3.1.2 Materials. Valve body shall be gray iron, ductile iron, cast steel,
or stainless steel.
4.3.1.3 Operation of valve assembly. The valve body shall be designed to
allow for linear operation of the valve assembly.
4.3.1.4 Removal of valve assembly. The valve body shall facilitate easy
removal of the inner valve assembly for inspection and repair.
4.3.1.5 End connections. The valve body shall have suitable end connections to form part of the pipeline structure (Sec. 4.3.4).
4.3.1.6 Drill and tap requirements. The valve body shall be suitably
drilled and tapped to facilitate mounting of the valve bonnet and may have suitable holes for accepting bonnet location dowels.
4.3.1.7 Accessories. The valve body shall allow for a minimum four NPT
holes for mounting of accessories.

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8 AWWA C530-12

4.3.1.8 Testing. The valve body shall be tested as per Sec. 5.2.
4.3.2 Valve bonnet. Valve bonnet shall be a flanged cover bolted to the
primary valve body to retain the inner valve assembly and may include the stem
guide bushing and stem cap.
4.3.2.1 Material. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the purchaser, the bonnets of valves shall be metal.
4.3.2.2 Design. The valve bonnet shall be suitably designed to form a
leak-tight cover when bolted to the valve body and allow for linear travel of the
inner valve assembly. It shall have a minimum of two NPT openings to allow for
mounting of accessories for the operation of the valve assembly.
4.3.2.3 Pressure rating. The valve bonnet pressure rating shall be the
same as that of the valve body.
4.3.2.4 Alignment. The valve bonnet shall have locating dowels or a
raised face register to allow for proper alignment of the valve assembly.
4.3.2.5 Hub. The valve bonnet may have an integrally cast hub for the
stem bearing.
4.3.2.6 Cover to stem cap. The valve bonnet may be suitably machined
and drilled to allow mounting of the bonnet cover or stem cap.
4.3.3 Valve bonnet cover or stem cap. Valve bonnet cover or stem cap shall
be a structural component that is mounted on top of the valve bonnet and may
contain a bushing to guide the stem; when bolted to the valve bonnet, it forms a
sealed operating chamber between the diaphragm and itself.
4.3.3.1 Stem cap material. The stem cap, if required, shall be of a material similar to the valve bonnet and shall be secured to the valve bonnet with
suitable attachment to form a leak-proof joint.
4.3.3.2 Stem cap design. The stem cap shall be designed to retain the
pull-down-packing-gland sealing system or O-ring seals or bearings, if used for
valve manual position indicator.
4.3.4 Valve end connections. Valve end connections shall be flanged,
threaded, or grooved end.
4.3.4.1 Flanged connections.
4.3.4.1.1 Flanges, on cast-iron body valves, shall conform to the dimensions and drilling of ANSI/ASME B16.1 Class 125, for Class 150 valves.
4.3.4.1.2 Flanges on ductile-iron body valves shall conform to the dimensions and drilling of ANSI/ASME B16.42, Class 150 or Class 300.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 9

4.3.4.1.3 Flanges on cast-steel or stainless-steel body valves shall conform

to the dimensions and drilling of ANSI/ASME B16.5 Class 150 or Class 300.
4.3.4.2 Threaded end connections. Threaded end connections shall be
standard NPT.
4.3.4.3 Grooved end connections. Grooved end connections shall meet
the requirements of the latest revision of ANSI/AWWA C606.
4.3.5 Valve stem. Valve stem shall be a stainless-steel or corrosion-resistant alloy stem designed to mount moving parts, such as disc retainer, piston,
resilient disc, and diaphragm as an assembly and provide guidance of the assembly.
4.3.5.1 Configuration. Valve stem shall be a one-piece or two-piece stem
extending through the bearing in the valve bonnet and or seat ring guide.
4.3.5.2 Minimum diameter. Valve stem shall have a minimum diameter
to support the valve assembly under extreme opening and closing conditions.
4.3.5.3 Connections. Connection between the operating components or
the inner valve assembly shall be clamped securely by means of a threaded nut or
other secure means.
4.3.6 Position indicator. Position indicator shall be a reduced-diameter
rod attached to stem, extending through the valve bonnet for purpose of visual
indication or to be used for operation of electronic devices.
4.3.6.1 Visual guides. Pilot-operating control valves may be provided
with continuous visual position indicators using an indicator rod.
4.3.6.1.1 Rods used for this purpose shall be brass, bronze, or stainless steel
and may be reduced in diameter and securely connected to the stem.
4.3.6.1.2 The position indicator rod shall be sealed to prevent leakage of
fluid using pull-down packing, O-ring, or loaded U-cup chevron packing seals.
4.3.7 Valve seat. The seat ring shall be a metal component that may or
may not include the bottom guide and is installed in the valve body forming a leaktight seal against a resilient disc upon closure.
4.3.7.1 Materials. Seat materials may be elastomeric or metallic.
4.3.7.1.1 The resilient disc shall be of an elastomeric material (ultra-highmolecular-weight polyethylene, leather, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber) that
may be reinforced.
4.3.7.1.2 Rubber compounds shall be capable of withstanding an ozoneresistance test when tested in accordance with ASTM D1149 using 50 parts-permillion minimum ozone concentration. The test shall be conducted on unstressed

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

10 AWWA C530-12

samples for 70 hr at 104F (40C) without visible cracking in the surfaces after
tests.
4.3.7.1.3 Rubber compounds shall have a volume increase of less than 2 percent when tested in accordance with ASTM D471 after immersion in distilled water
at 73.4F 2F 23C 1C) for 70 hr.
4.3.7.1.4 The disc retainer shall be stainless steel, bronze, or steel.
4.3.7.1.5 Seat rings shall be cast or fabricated from stainless steel, nickel
copper alloys, or bronze.
4.3.7.1.5.1 The width of the seat shall be of an adequate area to prevent
overstressing of the mating resilient disc.
4.3.7.1.5.2 When the resilient disc and seat ring are in contact, a driptight shutoff shall be maintained with a minimum pressure differential of 5 psig
(34.5 kPa) across the main valve.
4.3.7.1.6 Seat ring shall be threaded, held in place with stainless steel
machine screws, or clamped in the valve body.
4.3.7.1.7 Seat rings shall have a sealing material between the body and the
ring to prevent leakage.
4.3.8 Guide bushings. Guide bushings shall be made of self-lubricating
materials.
4.3.9 Diaphragm. Diaphragm shall be a flexible, elastomeric fabric reinforcement that seals the valve body cover-bonnet volume from the valve body volume
to allow an operating pressure to be developed in the valve body cover.
4.3.9.1 Seals. Diaphragm and piston seals shall be designed to withstand
the maximum operating pressure of the valve.
4.3.9.2 Testing. The diaphragm shall be cycle-tested for 10,000 cycles
without any visible signs of damage. The material shall have passed a Mullen burst
test, as described in ASTM D751.
4.3.10 Pistons. Pistons shall be a circular metal component that operates
in the valve body and has a stem attached in the center.
4.3.10.1 Materials. Pistons shall be cast or fabricated of bronze, stainless
steel, or epoxy-coated cast or ductile iron.
4.3.10.2 Seals. Piston seals and liner cup seals shall be U or L shaped,
installed on the piston and/or liner, and suitable for water service.
4.3.10.2.1 Piston and liner cup seals shall be mechanically retained with
corrosion-resistant materials or inserted into machined O-ring-type grooves.

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Pilot-Operated Control Valves 11

4.3.10.3 Piston liner. The piston liner shall be of bronze, stainless steel,
or fiber-reinforced thermo-set epoxy and fitted into the valve body. Seals shall be
provided to prevent leakage between the body and liner.
4.3.10.4 Differential vent tube. The differential vent tube shall be sized
adequately to provide added power for valve closure to eliminate need for a spring,
where minimum differential exists.
4.3.10.5 Vee port crown throttling plug. If required, a vee port crown
throttling plug shall be constructed from the same material as the valve seat ring
and shall be secured in place to retain the resilient disc.

Sec. 4.4

Workmanship and Painting

4.4.1 Workmanship. Valve parts shall be designed and manufactured
with tolerances set to provide interchangeability of parts between units of the same
size and type produced by the same manufacturer. When assembled, valves manufactured in accordance with this standard shall be well fitted and shall operate
smoothly.
4.4.2 Interior surfaces. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, ferrous
surfaces (except finish surfaces) shall be coated with an NSF/ANSI 61-approved
epoxy coating conforming to the requirements of ANSI/AWWA C550, Standard
for Protective Interior Coatings for Valves and Hydrants.
4.4.3 Exterior surfaces, field painting. Exterior surfaces of valves, except
flange faces, shall be shop coated with an epoxy coating or suitable metal primer to
a dry film thickness recommended by the coating manufacturer. The primer shall
be compatible with the field coating identified by the purchaser.

Sec. 4.5

Permeation
The selection of materials is critical for potable water, wastewater, and
reclaimed water service and distribution piping in locations where there is a likelihood that the pipe will be exposed to significant concentrations of pollutants
consisting of low-molecular-weight petroleum products or organic solvents or
their vapors. Research has documented that pipe materials, such as polyethylene,
polybutylene, polyvinyl chloride, and asbestos cement, and elastomers, such as
those used in jointing gaskets and packing glands, are subject to permeation
by lower-molecular-weight organic solvents or petroleum products. If a potable
water, wastewater, or reclaimed water pipe must pass through such a contaminated area or an area subject to contamination, consult with the manufacturer

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

12 AWWA C530-12

regarding permeation of pipe walls, jointing materials, and so forth, before selecting materials for use in that area.

SECTION 5:
Sec. 5.1

Verification

Inspection
Work performed in accordance with this standard shall be subject to inspection by the purchaser.
5.1.1 Plant inspection. The purchaser shall have access to places where
valves are being produced or assembled or where tests are being conducted. The
purchaser shall be accorded full facilities for inspection and observation of tests.

Sec. 5.2

Testing
5.2.1 Test media. The purchaser shall have the option to select the preferred valve test media, either water or air.
5.2.2 Performance test. Prior to shipment, valves and pilot systems shall
be factory tested to demonstrate the ability to fully stroke from close to open and
then from the open to close position.
5.2.3 Seat leakage test. Valves shall be shop tested for seat leakage for
duration of 2 min. There shall be no indication of leakage past the valve seat during
this test period. The test pressure shall be either the hydrostatic pressure equivalent
to working pressure or air pressure no less than 90 psig (621 kPa). The test pressure
shall be applied to the seat in the fluid flow direction.
5.2.4 Valve body hydrostatic test. Valve bodies and bonnet cavities shall
be subjected to an internal hydrostatic pressure equivalent to 1.5 times the rated
pressure or air pressure no less than 90 psig (621 kPa). During the hydrostatic test,
there shall be no leakage through the valve body, the end joints, or the stem seals,
nor shall any part of the valve have any permanent visible deformation as a result
of this test. The test duration shall be 2 min.
5.2.5 Proof of design testing. Proof of design testing requirements shall
include the following:
5.2.5.1 Certification. On request of the purchaser, the manufacturer
shall provide a certified statement that proof-of-design tests were performed as
described in this standard and all requirements were successfully met.
5.2.5.2 Hydrostatic test. One valve of each size, body style, and class shall
be hydrostatically tested at 1.5 times the rated pressure, with the valve at 50 percent

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 13

or partially open position, allowing testing of the operating chamber and the stem
seal areas. During the hydrostatic test, the manufacturer may make special provisions
to prevent damages to the valve resulting from this test.
5.2.5.3 Cycle testing. It is the purpose of this section to demonstrate the
adequacy of each basic body type offered by a manufacturer to perform under
design pressures and within the applicable rating of the valve for a sufficient number of operations so as to simulate a full service life. The adequacy is to be demonstrated by testing valves representing each basic type of seat and body-style design
in each applicable size, pressure class, and body-style group. The required number
of cycles shall be 10,000. One prototype valve of each size shall be cycle tested.
Each cycle shall consist of applying the rated differential pressure to the valve seat
in the closed position, then opening the valve (which will relieve the pressure), and
then closing the valve. On completion of the cycle test, the valve shall be drip-tight
internally and externally. Any wear on the piston seals, seating components, and
diaphragm shall be noted and reported as valve performance and service life factor.

Sec. 5.3

Notice of Nonconformance
Any valve or part that the purchaser may reject as not conforming to the
requirements of this standard shall be made satisfactory or replaced.

SECTION 6:
Sec. 6.1

Delivery

Markings
Markings shall be cast on the body with raised letters or provided on a corrosion-resistant plate. The markings shall show the valve size, manufacturer, pressure
class, model number or serial number and year of manufacture. The minimum size
of cast letters shall be 4 in. Corrosion-resistant plates shall have a minimum letter
size of 8 in. etched, stamped, or engraved on the plate.

Sec. 6.2

Shipping
Valves shall be complete when shipped. The manufacturer shall carefully prepare valves for shipment. Cavities shall be drained of water. Valves shall be bolted
or otherwise fastened to skids. Unpainted steel and iron-machined surfaces shall
be coated with a corrosion inhibitor. Full-face flange protectors made of waterproof
material of at least the outside diameter of the flange shall be fastened to each
flange to protect both the flange and the valve interior. Small valves may be fully

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

14 AWWA C530-12

packaged at the manufacturers option. Components shipped unattached shall be

adequately protected and identified to allow correct field assembly.

Sec. 6.3

Affidavit of Compliance
The manufacturer shall, if required, furnish a sworn statement that the inspection and all specified tests have been made and that the results comply with the
requirements of this standard.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

APPENDIX A
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Pilot-Operated Control Valves
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of ANSI/AWWA C530,
Pilot-Operated Control Valves.

SECTION A.1: General

Pilot-operated control valves are a significant component of any water distribution system. Valve failure caused by faulty installation, improper operation
or maintenance of these systems could result in damages, downtime, and costly
repairs. Many problems with these valves can be traced to improper installation,
operation, or maintenance procedures.

SECTION A.2: Unloading

Inspect valves on receipt for damages in shipment and conformance with
quantity and description stated on the shipping notice and order form. Unload valves
carefully to the ground without dropping. On valves larger than 6 in. (150 mm), use
forklifts or slings under the pallets. Valves should never be lifted with either slings or
forklifts placed through water passages, control pipes, or pilot indicator controls. In
the absence of pallets, proper eye bolts should be inserted in the valve bonnet or cover
by removing two opposing bonnet or cover hold-down bolts that will allow the use
of a suitable sling to lift the valve.

SECTION A.3: Storage

If it is not practical to store valves indoors, protect the valves and controllers
from the weather and the accumulation of dirt, rocks, and debris. Do not expose
rubber seats to sunlight or ozone for any extended period. Guidelines provided by
the manufacturer for storage of valves should be followed.

15
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16 AWWA C530-12

SECTION A.4: Inspection

Make sure flange faces, joint sealing surfaces, body seats, and discs are cleaned
properly and free from any foreign matter. Check to make sure bolts and control
pipes on the valves are tightened properly. Ensure the valve is in the closed position.

SECTION A.5: Installation

It is strongly recommended that instruction manuals supplied by the valve
manufacturer be reviewed in detail before installing a pilot-operated control valve.
Be sure that inspection, as described in Sec. A.4, is carried out at the jobsite prior
to installation.

A.5.1 Handle valves carefully when positioning. Avoid contact or

impact with other equipment and vault walls.
A.5.2 Valves are to be installed in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions.
A.5.3 Valves must be installed with enough clearance for control piping and removal of the inner valve.
A.5.4 Valves must be installed in alignment with the proper flow direction or as instructed by the manufacturer or the design engineer.
A.5.5 Prepare pipe ends and install valves in accordance with the pipe
manufacturers instructions for the joint used. Do not deflect the pipe valve
joint. Do not use a valve as a jack to pull pipe into alignment. Large valves
should be supported at the bottom to prevent pipe deflection.
A.5.6 The valve vault design shall provide space for removal of the
valve inner assembly for purposes of repair. The possibility of groundwater
entering the vault should be considered to minimize damage from flooding.
A.5.7 External control piping to the valve controls should be pressure
tested for leaks.

SECTION A.6: Records

On completion of installation, the valve location, size, make, type, date of
installation, application operating parameters, and any other information deemed
pertinent should be entered in the owners permanent records.

Copyright 2012 American Water Works Association. All Rights Reserved.

Pilot-Operated Control Valves 17

SECTION A.7: Maintenance

These valves are commonly used for operation of a distribution system and
are not intended for use as line-isolation valves. As such, the maintenance of these
valves is important to maintain the integrity of a distribution system. The manufacturers recommendations must be followed to keep these valves operating.

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AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and
supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in
the world. AWWA advances public health, safety, and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum
of the entire water community. Through our collective strength, we become better stewards of water for
the greatest good of people and the environment.

1P2.1M 43530 (11/12) FM

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