U.S. Fluid Power Experts Attend ISO/TC 131 Spring Meetings In Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan was the site of the ISO/TC 131 – fluid power systems spring meeting cluster during the week of May 18, 2015.  Six subcommittees and working groups involved in fluid power vocabulary, pneumatic cylinders and sealing devices met to discuss current projects and propose possible new work items.  Thirty engineering experts were in attendance, representing ISO member bodies from Japan, U.K., Italy, France, Germany and the United States.  The U.S. experts represented seven NFPA member companies, including Daman, Parker Hannifin, PolyMod and SMC.  The delegates worked diligently to build consensus and resolve many fluid power ISO projects throughout the week.  A sampling of the projects discussed include:

• Revision of ISO 5598:1985, Fluid power systems – Vocabulary. This document provides users with pertinent terms having specific meanings in fluid power technology. The subcommittee continued its work on the fluid power vocabulary for all fluid power systems and components.
• Possible new annex to ISO 6358-1, Pneumatic fluid power — Determination of flow-rate characteristics of components — Part 1: General rules and test methods for steady-state flow. Annexes on effective conductance and power loss in a pneumatic valve are being considered by the working group.

Thank you to the Japan Fluid Power Association for hosting the traditional Japanese dinner and theatre event on the second evening.  Also, thank you to the island of Okinawa for graciously welcoming the ISO/TC 131 delegates to the 2015 spring meetings.