SURFACE J747
REV.
MAY90
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
STANDARD Issued 1956-04
Revised 1990-05
Superseding J747 MAR86
Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard
(R) CONTROL VALVE TEST PROCEDURE
Foreword—This Document has also changed to comply with the new SAE Technical Standards Board format.
In the selection and application of hydraulic directional control valves, it is necessary to know their operating
characteristics. This SAE Recommended Practice provides the test and reporting procedure to obtain flow versus
pressure drop, leakage rate, operating effort, metering pressure or flow versus spool travel and relief valve
characteristics at fluid temperatures of 50 °C (122 °F) and 90 °C (194 °F).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. References ............................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Applicable Publications............................................................................................................................. 2
3. Definitions................................................................................................................................................. 3
4. Graphic Symbols ...................................................................................................................................... 3
5. Units ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
6. Summary of Designated Information........................................................................................................ 3
7. General Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 4
8. The Condition Accuracy of Units .............................................................................................................. 4
9. Pressure Drop .......................................................................................................................................... 4
10. Leakage Rate ........................................................................................................................................... 5
11. Operating Effort ........................................................................................................................................ 5
12. Metering Characteristics........................................................................................................................... 7
13. Relief Valve Characteristics...................................................................................................................... 7
SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”
SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243
TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790
SAE WEB ADDRESS [Link]
Copyright 1990 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
14. Data Presentation ..................................................................................................................................... 8
15. Standardized Values ................................................................................................................................. 8
16. Identification Statement ............................................................................................................................ 8
FIGURE 1 Directional Control Valve Descriptive Data ............................................................................................... 9
FIGURE 2 Operating Effort ...................................................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 3 Metering Characteristics ......................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 4 Leakage, Flow Curve, and Response ..................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 5 Test Stand Circuits .................................................................................................................................. 13
FIGURE 6 Operating Effort ...................................................................................................................................... 14
1. Scope—This SAE Standard applies to hydraulic directional control valves as applied to self-propelled work
machines referenced in SAE J1116. It describes a laboratory test procedure for evaluating:
a. Flow versus pressure drop
b. Leakage rate
c. Operating effort
d. Metering characteristics versus spool travel, pilot pressure, or electrical current
e. Relief valve characteristics
The document applies to single and multiple section hydraulic directional control valves.
This document illustrates axial, manually operated valves although the test procedure is applicable to other
input forms such as rotary actuation, electric current, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
NOTE—Performance characteristics such as metering hysteresis or dynamic response may have a
significant effect on some of these tests.
1.1 Purpose—To provide a uniform procedure for measuring and reporting the operating characteristics of a
hydraulic directional control valve and associated relief valve when so equipped.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated the latest revision of SAE publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J916—Rules for SAE Use of SI (Metric) Units
SAE J1116—Categories of Off-Road self-Propelled Work Machines
SAE J1117—Method of Measuring and Reporting the Pressure Differential-Flow Characteristics of a
Hydraulic Fluid Power Valve
SAE J1165—Reporting Cleanliness Levels of Hydraulic Fluids
SAE J1235—Measuring and Reporting the Internal Leakage of a Hydraulic Fluid Power Valve
SAE J1276—Standardized Fluid for Hydraulic Component Tests
2.1.2 ANSI PUBLICATIONS—Available from ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.
ANSI B.93.2-1971—American National Standard Glossary of Terms
ANSI Y14.17-1966—American National Standard F.P. Diagrams
-2-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
2.1.3 ISO PUBLICATION—Available from ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.
ISO R 1219-1970—Int. Std. Graph. Symbols
3. Definitions—For definitions of terms not herein defined, see ANSI B.93.2-1971.
3.1 Designated Flow and Designated Pressure—Refers to the rated flow and pressure of the valve, or a flow
and pressure agreed upon between user and supplier.
3.2 Designated Load Interference Pressure—Refers to a pump output pressure that may be considerably higher
than the working port pressure thus requiring throttling across the metering element, the higher pump output
pressure being due to another actuated spool or due to high pressure at the power beyond port.
3.3 Pressure Drop—Difference in pressure between two connected ports of control valve circuit as a result of flow.
3.4 Port Identification—Work port "A" is the port nearest the spool end which attaches to the control linkage.
Work port "B" is opposite. In lieu of the above, submit a sketch of all ports. The No. 1 circuit is the valve
section located nearest the valve inlet port.
3.5 Leakage Rate—Volume of oil per unit time that passes through a valve circuit that is blocked.
3.6 Operating Effort—Maximum effort necessary to shift the spool from its hold or neutral position to its shifted
position and the effort exerted by the spool or required to move the spool from each shifted position back to
neutral.
3.7 Metering Characteristics—Pressure or flow versus spool position (or other control input such as pilot
pressure or electrical current).
3.8 Main Relief—An inlet flow relief valve incorporated in the valve unit.
4. Graphic Symbols—Graphic symbols used herein are in accordance with ISO R 1219-1970 and ANSI Y14.17-
1966. Where ISO R 1219-1970 and ANSI Y14.17-1966 are not in agreement, ISO R 1219-1970 governs.
5. Units
5.1 The International System of Units (SI) is used herein in accordance with SAE J916.
5.2 Approximate conversion to "customary U.S." units appear in parenthesis after SI units.
5.3 Letter Symbols—See Section 8.
6. Summary of Designated Information
6.1 Specify the following on all requests for this test: (example in Figure 1)
6.1.1 A full description of the valve, including all functions and features.
6.1.2 The type of fluid (specify if different than 15.1).
6.1.3 The fluid temperature (specify if different than the standardized values in 15.2).
6.1.4 The fluid cleanliness level (specify if different than 15.3).
6.1.5 The "designated flow" and "designated pressure."
-3-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
6.1.6 The port size and identification (See 3.4 and Figure 1).
6.1.7 The control input range. (stroke, pressure, current, etc.)
7. General Procedure
7.1 Conduct the test for entire control input range.
7.2 When referring to this specification for catalog information and sales literature, use only standardized values
shown in Section 15.
7.3 Test and report of subplate mounted valves may run with the subplate included. Reports shall explicitly
indicate how such valves were tested.
7.4 To minimize variables, the valve temperature shall be stabilized within 3 °C (5 °F) of the temperature of the fluid
and actuate the valve spool or relief at least twice before taking respective data. For close coordination
between testing laboratories, similar equipment, fluid and procedures are recommended.
8. The Condition Accuracy of Units—Maintain the test condition accuracy within the limits shown in Table 1:
TABLE 1—
Maintain
Test Condition Within ± SI Unit US Unit
Flow 2% L/min gpm
Pressure 2% kPa psi
Pressure Differential 2% kPa psi
Temperature 3°C (5°F) °C °F
Force 2% N 1bf
Torque 2% N.m [Link]
Spool Position (or Control Input) (1) 2% mm in
Time 2% min or s min or s
Percentages are of maximum reading.
1. Other control inputs - use appropriate units
8.1 Precautions shall be taken to obtain readings unaffected by turbulence and velocity.
8.2 Back pressure shall be 700 kPa (100 psi) maximum except by special agreement between user and
manufacturer.
9. Pressure Drop—The test should be conducted in accordance to SAE J1117.
9.1 Open Center Pressure Drop (Inlet to Tank Port)—With control valve in the neutral position, vary the flow to
the inlet port from zero to designated flow. Test and record the pressure differential per SAE J1117.
9.2 Work Port Pressure Drop
9.2.1 INLET TO WORK PORT—Shift the control valve to direct flow from the inlet port to work port "A". Vary the input
flow from zero to designated flow. Test and record the pressure differential per SAE J1117. Repeat for work
port "B". (See Figure 5.1)
-4-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
9.2.2 WORK PORT TO TANK PORT—Shift the control valve to direct flow from work port "B" to the tank port. Vary the
input flow from zero to twice the designated flow. Test and record the pressure differential per SAE J1117.
Repeat for work port "A". (See Figure 5.4)
9.3 Special Function Pressure Drop—Valves having a float, regenerative, etc. position shall not require test for
pressure differential in this position, except by agreement between user and manufacturer.
10. Leakage Rate—The test should be conducted and data recorded in accordance to SAE J1235.
10.1 Work Port Leakage—The test shall be applicable to valves in which the work ports are blocked when the valve
is in hold position. The leakage rate is to be measured individually with 75% designated pressure to the work
port and all other ports open to low pressure while the valve is in the hold position.
If a circuit overload relief is incorporated, test at this time in accordance with Section 13.
10.2 Inlet to Work Port Leakage—The test shall be applicable to closed center valves or valves in which the inlet is
pressurized by a load such as another spool or power-beyond. The leakage rate is to be measured individually
with designated pressure to the inlet port and all other ports open to low pressure except as required to provide
applied pressure while the valve is in the neutral position.
10.3 Inlet to Outlet Leakage—The test shall be applicable to closed center valves. It may also be applied to open
center valves in the shifted and blocked condition, however, should be noted as such. The leakage rate is to be
measured with designated pressure to the inlet port and all other ports open to low pressure except as required
to provide the applied pressure. Valve is to be in the neutral position except as noted for open center valves.
If a main relief is incorporated, test at this time in accordance with Section 13.
10.4 Work Port Load Holding Check Leakage—The test shall be applicable to valves incorporating this feature to
prevent reverse flow when the valve is in the shifted position. The leakage rate is to be measured individually
with 75% of designated pressure to the work port and all other ports open to low pressure while the valve is in
the shifted position.
If a circuit overload relief is incorporated, its effect must be considered (see Section 13).
11. Operating Effort
11.1 Test Requirement
11.1.1 This test is for manually operated valves with direct connection of operating lever to actuated spool.
11.1.2 Valves requiring pilot pressure and/or electrical current for spool actuation are exempt from this test.
11.1.3 Refer to Figure 5. For load sense valves, use appropriate load sense pump. Valve to be installed on base at
manufacturer's recommended mounting bolt torque.
11.1.4 Actuate the spool at a rate of 1.25 to 2.5 mm/s (0.05 to 0.10 in/s).
11.2 Recorded Data
11.2.1 On valve description form, see Figure 1, record:
a. Type of actuation (describe adequately, such as axial or rotary, etc.)
b. Lever type used for test (manufacturer's or special fabrication).
-5-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
11.2.2 On operating effort form,see Figure 2:
a. Record force or torque measurements.
b. Check appropriate box on data sheet (operating effort units).
c. If lever operation, record lever lengths.
d. Data may be extracted from X-Y plots or X-Y plots substituted for the chart with appropriate information
included. (Specify if positive force is required to return to neutral position.) (See Figure 6.)
11.3 No Load Condition (No Flow)
11.3.1 The valve must be actuated (three times) in both directions with oil flowing through valve to wet all surfaces.
11.3.2 Remove flow from valve for test.
11.3.3 Measure and record:
a. Maximum axial force or torque necessary to shift from its neutral position to each shifted position.
b. Minimum axial force or torque required to move control from each fully shifted position back to neutral.
11.4 Looped Work Port Condition
11.4.1 Work ports looped with an adjustable relief valve in loop. (See Figure 5.5)
11.4.2 Apply designated flow to inlet port. Shift valve control to direct flow to either work port. Adjust relief valve to
obtain designated pressure at inlet port.
11.4.3 MEASURE AND RECORD
a. Maximum axial force or torque necessary to shift control from its neutral position to each shifted
position.
b. Minimum axial force or torque necessary to move control from each fully shifted position back to
neutral.
11.5 Designated Load Interference Pressure
11.5.1 Work ports to tank. (See Figure 5.1)
11.5.2 Apply designated flow at designated pressure to inlet port. Block bypass flow with another spool or power
beyond and set main relief valve at designated load interference pressure.
11.5.3 MEASURE AND RECORD
a. Maximum axial force or torque necessary to shift control from its neutral position to each shifted
position.
b. Minimum axial force or torque necessary to move control from each fully shifted position back to
neutral.
11.6 Loaded Work Port Condition
11.6.1 Remove work port loop. Block inlet port.
11.6.2 Apply designated flow at designated pressure to each work port in turn. Plug opposite unused work port.
(See Figure 5.4)
-6-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
11.6.3 MEASURE AND RECORD
a. Maximum axial force or torque necessary to shift control from its neutral position to each shifted
position.
b. Minimum axial force or torque necessary to move control from each fully shifted position back to
neutral.
11.6.4 Apply designated flow to inlet port. Repeat designated flow at designated pressure to each work port in turn.
Leave opposite unused work port open to tank. (See combination of Figure 5.2 and 5.4)
11.6.5 Repeat 11.6.3.
12. Metering Characteristics—Figure 5 shows recommended circuits for conducting metering test for driving and
overhauling loads (see 12.1.1, 12.1.2, 12.1.3) and overhauling loads (see 12.2.1 and 12.2.2).
Figure 3 shows metering characteristics test results as a function of spool travel.
For load sense valves, use appropriate load sense pump.
12.1 Inlet to Work Port Metering
12.1.1 AT NO LOAD—Pump to be set for designated flow. Main relief must be set for designated pressure of valve
so that it does not pass any flow. Back pressure must be minimized at work port and tank port at designated
flow. Actuate the control from neutral to fully shifted position first one way and then the other. Record flow to
work port versus control movement. Record inlet pressures versus control movement. Also, record bypass
flow versus control movement for open center valves (see Figures 5.3 and 3.1) and inlet pressure.
12.1.2 AT DESIGNATED LOAD PRESSURE—Pump to be set for flow of 10% greater than designated flow. Set load
relief valve at designated pressure. Record work port flow versus control movement shifting both directions
from neutral. (See Figures 5.2 and 3.2) Also record by-pass flow and inlet pressure versus control
movement.
12.1.3 AT DESIGNATED LOAD INTERFERENCE PRESSURE—Pump to be set for flow of 10% greater than designated
flow. Block by-pass flow with another spool or power beyond plug and set main relief at designated load
interference pressure. Record work port flow versus control movement shifting both directions from neutral.
(See Figures 5.1 and 3.3)
12.2 Work Port to Tank Metering—Pump to be set for flow of 10% greater than designated flow and at designated
pressure. (See figure 5.4 and 5.3)
12.2.1 Record tank flow versus control movement first for work port "A" and then for work port "B".
12.2.2 Repeat 12.2.1 with test stand relief set at 25% of designated pressure.
13. Relief Valve Characteristics—Figure 5.6 depicts a recommended circuit to conduct main relief valve test.
The main relief valve tests shall be conducted by applying designated flow to the valve inlet and shifting one
valve spool to direct flow to a blocked work port with no port relief valve. If all work ports have port relief valves,
shift the spool to direct the flow to the port with the highest relief setting. The work port relief valve setting must
be at least 1400 kPa (200 psi) greater than the main relief setting; otherwise replace the work port relief valve
with a "dummy" plug for the duration of the main relief valve test.
Figure 5.4 depicts a recommended circuit to conduct work port relief test. Designated flow is applied to the
work port with valve spool in neutral or holding position.
-7-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
The following tests must be conducted to obtain main or work port relief valve characteristics.
13.1 Override and Leakage Characteristics—With pump set for designated flow, gradually increase test stand
relief valve pressure to gradually increase flow through relief valve under test. Record flow versus pressure.
Gradually decrease the system pressure and record flow versus pressure. For leakage use Figure 4.1. For
override use Figure 4.2.
Crack and reseat pressures may be determined from the leakage curve.
13.2 Overshoot and Response—Increase the pressure at a rate of at least 690 000 kPa/s (100 000 psi/s) and
record pressure against time curve. Determine overshoot, undershoot and response time (See Figure 4.3)
using appropriate instrumentation.
14. Data Presentation
14.1 Description of the Valve per Figure 1.
14.2 Pressure Drop (Chart per J1117).
14.3 Leakage Rate (Chart per J1235).
14.4 Operating Effort per Figures 2 and 6.
14.5 Metering Characteristics per Figure 3.
14.6 Relief Valve Override and Response per Figure 4.
15. Standardized Values
15.1 A fluid with a viscosity per SAE J1276 should be used.
15.2 Fluid temperatures 50 °C (122 °F) and 90 °C(194 °F), measured at the point of fluid supply to the valve.
15.3 Oil cleanliness SAE J1165 ISO Code 17/14 (or less than 5 mg/1).
16. Identification Statement—Use the following statement in catalogues and sales literature when electing to
comply with this voluntary standard. "Performance data obtained and presented in accordance with SAE
J747."
-8-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 1—DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE DESCRIPTIVE DATA
-9-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 2—OPERATING EFFORT
-10-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 3—METERING CHARACTERISTICS
-11-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 4—LEAKAGE, FLOW CURVE AND RESPONSE
-12-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 5—TEST STAND CIRCUITS
-13-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
FIGURE 6—OPERATING EFFORT
17. Notes
17.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating
areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. An (R) symbol to the left
of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report.
PREPARED BY THE SAE OFF-ROAD MACHINERY TECHNICAL COMMITTEE—SC-4—
HYDRAULIC FLUID POWER SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
-14-
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
Rationale—In hydraulic fluid power systems, power is transmitted and controlled through a liquid under
pressure within an enclosed circuit. The hydraulic fluid power control valve is used to direct and control
the fluid in the circuit to achieve the desired functions and flow of the fluid.
The pressure drop, leakage rate, operating effort, metering characteristics and relief valve characteristics
are indications of the ability of the control valve to perform the desired functions.
The test procedure has been a recommended practice since 1956, last revised in 1975 and a five year
review was started in 1982. Since several documents have been written which describe certain tests in
more detail, they have been incorporated into this procedure. Also, the wording has been revised to
expand the scope of the procedure to include other input forms in addition to direct manual operation.
After a number of rewrites and input from manufacturers and end users, the revised test procedure was
balloted in ORMTC SC4 on July 16, 1987, with fifteen approvals, one disapproval, and seven no replies.
The subcommittee also recommended to upgrade the document to a standard and to submit the
document to ANSI. The document has been revised to resolve the disapproval and include revisions
from comments on the approval ballots.
Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.
Application—This SAE Standard applies to hydraulic directional control valves as applied to self-propelled
work machines referenced in SAE J1116. It describes a laboratory test procedure for evaluating:
a. Flow versus pressure drop
b. Leakage rate
c. Operating effort
d. Metering characteristics versus spool travel, pilot pressure or electrical current
e. Relief valve characteristics
The document applies to single and multiple section hydraulic directional control valves.
This document illustrates axial, manually operated valves although the test procedure is applicable to
other input forms such as rotary actuation, electric current, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
NOTE—Performance characteristics such as metering hysteresis or dynamic response may have a
significant effect on some of these tests.
Reference Section
SAE J916—Rules for SAE Use of SI (Metric) Units
SAE J1116—Categories of Off-R0ad Self-Propelled Work Machines
SAE J1117—Method of Measuring and Reporting the Pressure Differential-Flow Characteristics of a
Hydraylic Fluid Power Valve
SAE J165—Reporting Cleanliness Levels of Hydraulic Fluids
SAE J1235—Measuring and Reporting the Internal Leakage of a Hydraulic Fluid Power Valve
SAE J1276—Standardized Fluid for Hydraulic Component Tests
ANSI B93.2-1971—American National Standard Glossary of Terms
SAE J747 Revised MAY90
ANSI Y14.17-1966—American National Standard F.P. Diagrams
ISO R 1219-1970—Int. Std. Graph. Symbols
Developed by the SAE Off-Road Machinery Technical Committee—SC4—Hydraulic Fluid Power Systems
and Components
Sponsored by the SAE Off-Road Machinery Technical Committee
