Most manufacturers’ catalogs provide flow ratings for valves in  Cv, based on National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) standard T3.21.3. The following tables and formulas will enable you to quickly size a valve properly. The traditional, often-used approach of using the valve size equivalent to the port in the cylinder can be very costly. Cylinder speed, not port size, should be the determining factor.

The following Cv calculations are based upon simplified formulas which yield results with acceptable accuracy under the following standard condition:

How to Determine Proper Air Valve SizeExample: Cylinder size 4” Dia. x 10” stroke. Time to extend: 2 seconds. Inlet pressure 90 psiG. Allowable pressure drop 5 psiD. Determine Cv.

Solution:
F = 12.57 Sq. In. (Table 1)
C = 7.1 (Table 2)   B = 21.6

Cv =     12.57 x 10 x 7.1    = 0.7
             21.6 x 2 x 28.8

Select a valve that has a Cv factor of .7 or higher. In most cases, a 1/4” valve would be sufficient.

It is considered good engineering practice to limit the pressure drop Dp to approximately 10% of primary pressure P1. The smaller the allowable pressure drop, the larger the required valve will become.

After the minimum required Cv has been calculated, the proper size valve can be selected from the catalog.