Seat Leakage Classifications in accordance with ANSI/FCI 70-3-2004

Leakage class Description Max. leakage allowed

designation
A modification of any Class II, III or IV regulator where
the design intent is the same as the basic class, but by
I ---
agreement between user and supplier, no test is
required

This class establishes the maximum permissible

II leakage generally associated with commercial double- 0,5% of max. Cv
seat valves with metal-to-metal seats

This class establishes the maximum permissible

III leakage generally associated with class II, but with a 0,1% of max. Cv
higher degree of seat and seal tightness

This class establishes the maximum permissible

leakage generally associated with commercial
IV 0,01% of max. Cv
unbalanced single-seat valves with metal-to-metal
seats

This class establishes the maximum permissible

Leakage per following table as
leakage generally associated with resilient seating
VI expressed in ml per minute
valves either balanced or unbalanced with O-rings or
versus seat diameter
similar gapless seals

This class establishes the maximum premissible seat

Leakage per following table as
leakage generally associated with Class VI, but with
VII expressed in ml per minute
test performed at the maximum operating differential
versus seat diameter
pressure

Nominal Port Diameter and Leak Rate

Nominal Port Diameter Leak Rate

(inches) ml/min. bubbles/min.
≤1 0,15 1
1.1/2 0,30 2
2 0,45 3
2.1/2 0,60 4
3 0,90 6
4 1,70 11
6 4,00 27
8 6,75 45
10 11,1 --
12 16,0 --
14 21,6 --
16 28,4 --
Notes :
1. Bubbles per minute as tabulated are an easily measured suggested alternative based on a suitable calibrated
measuring device in this case a 6mm (0,24 inch) O.D. x 1mm (0,04 inch) wall tube submerged in water to a depth of 3
to 6 mm ( 0,12 to 0,24 inch). The tube shall be cut square and smooth with no chamfers or burns and the tube axis
shall be perpendicular to the water surface. Other apparatus may be constructed and the number of bubbles per
minute may differ from those shown, as long as the correctly indicate the flow in ml per minute.
2. If the valve seat diameter differs by more than 2 mm (0,08 inch) from one of the valve sizes listed, the leakage rate
may be obtained by interpolation assuming that the leakage rate varies as the square of the seat diameter.
3. Standard conditions based on 16°C (60°F) and 1,016 bara (14,73 psia)