ISA-96 Series: Engineering Consistency in Valve Automation
The ISA-96 series of standards and technical reports provide a comprehensive framework for the specification, design, operation and testing of valve actuators and their accessories. These documents serve as an essential resource for professionals working in industrial automation and valve actuation, offering clear, consistent guidance that promotes safety, reliability and performance.
Whether you're working with electric, pneumatic, electro-hydraulic or gas over oil actuators, the ISA-96 series supports informed decision-making and standardized practices across a wide range of industrial applications.
What’s Included in the ISA-96 Series?
Valve Actuator Terminology
ANSI/ISA-96.01.01-2019, Valve Actuator Terminology
This standard establishes standardized terminology for valve actuators used in industrial automation systems. It defines key terms related to various types of actuators—including pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric—along with their components, functions and operational characteristics. By providing clear and consistent language, it facilitates communication among manufacturers, system integrators and end users, supporting improved specification, design, procurement and maintenance of valve actuator systems. The goal is to promote uniform understanding across the industry, enhancing safety, reliability and interoperability.
Add PDF to CartElectric Valve Actuators
ANSI/ISA-96.02.01-2024, Guidelines for the Specification of Electric Valve Actuators
This standard provides comprehensive guidance for the selection and specification of electric valve actuators used in industrial process systems. It outlines key considerations such as torque requirements, control interfaces, environmental conditions, duty cycles and safety features to help users choose actuators that meet performance and operational needs. It also supports consistency in documentation and procurement by defining critical parameters and performance criteria. By following these procedures, stakeholders can achieve more reliable, efficient and application-appropriate actuator installations.
Add PDF to CartPneumatic Valve Actuators
ANSI/ISA-96.03.02-2024, Guidelines for the Specification of Pneumatic Rack and Pinion Valve Actuators
This standard offers detailed guidance for specifying pneumatic rack and pinion actuators used in process control applications. It addresses important factors such as torque output, air supply requirements, control methods, environmental conditions and actuator configurations to ensure proper selection and performance. The standard also promotes consistency in actuator specification, integration and procurement by defining critical technical parameters and operational expectations. This helps users match actuator capabilities to application demands, supporting safe, efficient and reliable system operation.
Add PDF to CartANSI/ISA-96.03.03-2013, Guidelines for the Specification of Pneumatic Vane Type Valve Actuators
This standard provides essential guidance for the proper selection and specification of pneumatic vane-type actuators used in industrial valve automation. It outlines key performance criteria such as torque characteristics, air supply requirements, operating conditions, mounting configurations and control options. It aims to help users accurately match actuator capabilities with specific application needs while promoting consistency and clarity in specifications across manufacturers and end users. By following these instructions, stakeholders can improve the reliability, efficiency and safety of automated valve systems.
Add PDF to CartANSI/ISA-96.03.04-2019, Guidelines for the Specification of Linear Piston Pneumatic Actuators
This standard provides a framework for specifying linear piston-type pneumatic actuators used in industrial valve automation. It outlines the essential requirements and considerations for selecting, sizing and specifying these actuators to ensure compatibility, performance and safety in a variety of process control applications. It covers aspects such as actuator design, operating conditions, performance criteria and interfacing dimensions, enabling consistent communication between manufacturers, suppliers and end users. The goal is to improve reliability, interoperability and efficiency in actuator procurement and implementation.
Add PDF to CartElectro-Hydraulic and Gas Over Oil Actuators
ANSI/ISA-96.06.01-2022, Guidelines for the Specification of Self-Contained Electro-Hydraulic Valve Actuators
This standard provides comprehensive requirements for specifying self-contained electro-hydraulic actuators used in industrial valve applications. These actuators, both linear and rotary, can be single-acting or double-acting and are designed for on-off, isolating, positioning and continuous modulating duties. A key characteristic of these actuators is that they are self-contained, meaning they utilize hydraulic fluid as the driving medium, require only electric power and a control signal to operate and are equipped with their own dedicated electronic controller and hydraulic power unit (HPU). The standard outlines considerations and recommendations for sizing, design, diagnostics, control and testing, ensuring that these actuators meet the necessary performance and safety criteria for their intended applications
Add PDF to CartANSI/ISA-96.08.01-2025, Guidelines for the Specification of Linear and Rotary Gas Over Oil Valve Actuators
This standard provides comprehensive guidance for the selection and specification of gas over oil actuators used in valve automation systems. It outlines the essential criteria for performance, safety and operational requirements of both linear and rotary actuator types, specifically designed for applications where natural gas is used as the power source. This standard also addresses factors such as actuator sizing, environmental considerations, control interfaces and testing protocols to ensure reliable and safe operation in critical service environments, including pipeline and process control systems.
Add PDF to CartTesting and Hazard Mitigation
ISA-TR96.05.01-2017, Partial Stroke Testing of Automated Valves
This technical report provides guidance on the application, implementation and best practices for performing partial stroke testing (PST) on automated valves used in safety instrumented systems. This document outlines methods for verifying valve operability without requiring a full stroke, helping to ensure reliability while minimizing process disruption. It covers key considerations such as test frequency, system design, diagnostics and interpretation of test results, offering a valuable reference for enhancing safety, maintenance planning and regulatory compliance in critical process industries.
Add PDF to CartISA-TR96.05.02-2022, In-Situ Proof Testing of Automated Valves
This technical report focuses on in-situ proof testing of automated valves, highlighting the importance of verifying that these valves can perform their safety functions during plant operations. It outlines the scope, references and definitions related to automated valve performance and degradation. This report also discusses various testing strategies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, and categorizes proof test levels from basic operational checks to advanced monitoring systems. It highlights the critical relationship between valve design engineering and testing methods, aiming to identify and correct performance degradations before failures occur. Additionally, it provides insights into common causes of valve failure, such as loss of functional margin, and emphasizes the need for established acceptance criteria to ensure reliable operation. Overall, the report serves as a guide for engineers and operators to develop effective proof testing strategies that enhance safety and reliability in automated valve applications.
Add PDF to CartISA-TR96.07.02-2021, A Framework for Defining Service Conditions and Identifying Related Hazards and Hazard Mitigation of Actuators and Their Accessories
This report provides a framework for defining service conditions and identifying related hazards and hazard mitigation strategies for actuators and their accessories, such as solenoid valves and positioners. It outlines common hazards like thermal stress, pressure extremes and chemical exposure, and suggests approaches to mitigate these risks through material selection and adherence to industry standards. This report emphasizes the importance of clear communication between users and manufacturers regarding environmental and service conditions to support safety and performance. It also includes tables linking environments and service conditions to specific hazards, along with recommended standards for qualification and design. The document does not replace user specifications but serves as a guide for creating them.
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Why the ISA-96 Standards Matter
Valve actuators are mission-critical components in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation and water treatment. Proper operation is vital to controlling the flow of fluids and gases. Failures can result in safety incidents, costly downtime and environmental harm.
The ISA-96 standards help:- Drive consistency in specification and design
- Promote safe and reliable operations
- Reduce risk of actuator failure
- Support regulatory compliance
- Enable collaboration across teams and vendors
- Extend equipment lifespan through better engineering and maintenance
ISA96 Committee
The ISA-96 committee is dedicated to advancing valve actuator technology across a wide range of industries. The committee develops standards and technical reports that focus on key aspects like performance, sizing, selection and application, helping to promote the safe, efficient and reliable operation of valve actuators in any setting.
Ready to Get Involved?
Join a global network of professionals committed to driving innovation and setting new standards in valve actuator systems. Apply now to become part of the ISA96 committee!
Have questions? Reach out to the ISA standards team at standards@isa.org.