ASTM F1373-93 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F1373-93(2020) — Standard Test Method for Determination of Cycle Life of Automatic Valves for Gas Distribution System Components. This test method defines procedures to evaluate the cycle life and sealing performance of automatically operated valves intended for use in high‑purity gas distribution systems, using static (no‑flow) test conditions with pressure, helium leak, and vacuum testing as appropriate.

Abstract

This standard provides a repeatable procedure to determine valve cycle life under static no‑flow conditions to assess seat and body sealing and overall valve integrity for qualification in gas distribution systems. The method focuses on valve performance (not actuator endurance), requires pressure and helium leak testing and may include vacuum testing when relevant. Safety and hazard considerations are referenced within the standard.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal announced following the disbanding of ASTM Committee F01 in November 2023).
• Publication date: Reapproved edition dated 15 April 2020 (original designation F1373-93; reapproval history noted back to 1993).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: Gas distribution/valve testing; industry classification codes referenced in catalog listings (examples include valve-related ICS codes).
• Edition / version: Designation shown as F1373-93 with reapproval notation (2020 reapproval).
• Number of pages: Short test method — listed as approximately 4–5 pages in public catalog records.

Scope

This test method covers the cycle‑life testing of automatically operated valves under static, no‑flow conditions to evaluate the valve itself (seat and body sealing and diaphragm or bellows integrity). The procedure is intended for qualification of components for high‑purity gas distribution systems and requires both pressure and helium leak testing; vacuum tests are included where appropriate. The standard explicitly excludes testing intended to evaluate actuator durability and does not attempt to measure particulate generation levels — its focus is on operational life and leakage performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of static (no‑flow) cycle‑life test conditions tailored to gas distribution system components.
• Procedures for pressure testing and helium leak testing to assess seat and body sealing after defined numbers of cycles.
• Inclusion of vacuum testing when applicable to the component/service conditions.
• Failure criteria that include unacceptable seat/body leakage or actuator failure (actuator failure is treated as a valve failure for the purposes of the test).
• Limitations and scope notes: actuator performance and particulate generation are outside the primary measurement intent of this method.
• Referenced safety/hazard advisory statements within the standard (users are responsible for applicable safety practices).

Typical use and users

Used by valve manufacturers, component qualification engineers, semiconductor and high‑purity gas system designers, and independent test laboratories to qualify automatic valves for use in gas distribution systems where leak integrity and long cycle life are critical. The method supports comparison of candidate components during procurement and qualification activities.

Related standards

Related ASTM and industry documents include other F01 committee standards addressing gas distribution components and surface/contamination analysis methods (for example, ASTM documents addressing SEM analysis and surface condition for gas distribution components as part of component qualification activity). Users commonly consult multiple F‑series test methods when qualifying valves and fittings for high‑purity gas service.

Keywords

cycle life, automatic valve, valve qualification, gas distribution system, high‑purity gas, helium leak test, vacuum testing, seat sealing, body leakage, ASTM F1373.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F1373-93(2020) is a short test method specifying how to determine the cycle life of automatically operated valves intended for gas distribution system components, emphasizing static (no‑flow) testing and leak assessment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers cycle‑life testing of valves (seat and body sealing integrity) under static no‑flow conditions, including pressure and helium leak tests and vacuum testing when relevant; it does not evaluate actuator performance as the primary metric.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Valve manufacturers, qualification engineers, semiconductor and other high‑purity gas system designers, procurement teams, and accredited test laboratories use the standard to qualify components for service.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was reapproved in 2020 but was withdrawn in late 2023 following administrative changes (the disbanding of ASTM Committee F01). It was withdrawn without a direct replacement. Users should verify current requirements and any successor documents with ASTM or their regulatory/industry authority.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It originated under ASTM Committee F01 and forms part of a collection of F‑series test methods related to gas distribution system components and examination methods; related F‑series standards are commonly used together during component qualification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: cycle life, automatic valve, valve testing, gas distribution, helium leak, vacuum test, seat sealing, body leakage, high‑purity gas.