ASTM F2324-13(2019)

Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The flow rate test is used to confirm that the prerinse spray valve is operating at the manufacturer's rated flow rate at the specified water pressure. The result from this test would also assist the operator in controlling the water and sewer consumption and reduce water heating bills.  
5.2 The spray force is a measure of the impact from a prerinse spray valve on the target surface and can be used to select a model that meets an end-user’s force profile.  
5.3 Flow rate and spray force can be used along with spray pattern, coverage area, usage time, and flow control to select a prerinse spray valve that meets an end-user’s performance requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the water consumption flow rate and spray force of prerinse spray valves. The food service operator can use this evaluation to select a prerinse spray valve and understand its water consumption and spray force.  
1.2 The following procedures are included in this test method:  
1.2.1 Water consumption (see 10.2).  
1.2.2 Spray force test (see 10.3).  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. It does not address all of the potential safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the users of this test method to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2019
• ICS: 23.060.99 - Other valves
• Technical Committee: F26 - Food Service Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F26.06 - Productivity and Energy Protocol

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2324-13 - Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Referred By: ASTM F2687-13(2019) - Standard Practice for Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Commercial Food Service Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Referred By: ASTM F2916-19 - Standard Practice for Environmental Impact Analysis of Commercial Food Service Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019

Overview

ASTM F2324-13(2019) - Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves, developed by ASTM International, outlines a standardized procedure for evaluating the water consumption flow rate and spray force of prerinse spray valves. Prerinse spray valves are handheld devices typically used in commercial kitchens and food service operations for the manual cleaning of dishes and utensils before automated washing. This test method assists food service operators, facility managers, and product manufacturers in assessing performance characteristics that contribute to water efficiency, cleaning effectiveness, and cost control.

Key Topics

• Flow Rate Testing: The standard provides a uniform method to measure the water flow rate at a specified water pressure, verifying that the prerinse spray valve operates within the manufacturer's rated specifications. This is critical for controlling water and sewer consumption, as well as reducing water heating expenses.
• Spray Force Measurement: ASTM F2324 prescribes a method for determining the spray force exerted by the valve, which indicates its effectiveness in removing debris from surfaces.
• Product Selection Parameters: By considering flow rate, spray force, spray pattern, coverage area, and valve usage time, operators can select prerinse spray valves that meet specific cleaning needs and performance profiles.
• Performance Verification: The test method aids manufacturers in confirming product consistency and compliance with regulatory or customer requirements.
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Practices: While applying these test procedures, users are advised to establish suitable safety measures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Applications

ASTM F2324-13(2019) is an essential standard for several industry stakeholders:

• Food Service Operators: Enable assessment of prerinse spray valve performance to make informed decisions for purchasing equipment that balances water efficiency with cleaning power.
• Product Manufacturers: Provide a credible way to test and benchmark new and existing prerinse spray valves, ensuring consistent performance data for product labeling and marketing.
• Facility Managers: Equip kitchen and facility operators with data to reduce operational costs related to water and energy usage, and support sustainability initiatives.
• Testing Laboratories: Offer a consistent framework for third-party measurement and reporting of prerinse spray valve attributes, enhancing comparability and transparency in the market.
• Regulatory Agencies: Support initiatives related to water conservation and performance-based equipment standards.

Implementing ASTM F2324 can lead to water and cost savings, improved cleaning results, and support for green building and sustainability certification programs.

Related Standards

The performance of prerinse spray valves is often evaluated in conjunction with other standards, including:

• ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 – Plumbing Supply Fittings: Specifies requirements for plumbing fittings, with which prerinse spray valves must be compatible.
• NSF Listings for Food Equipment and Related Products: Addresses health and safety compliance for food service equipment.
• World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Principles: Ensures ASTM F2324 aligns with internationally recognized best practices.
• ASHRAE Guidelines (for uncertainty calculations): Referenced for determination of measurement confidence levels and repeatability.

Keywords: prerinse spray valve test method, spray valve flow rate, spray force measurement, ASTM F2324, food service water efficiency, kitchen equipment standards, commercial kitchen spray valve, water conservation, plumbing supply fittings, NSF food equipment, spray pattern testing, green kitchen operations.

By applying ASTM F2324, stakeholders can ensure reliable, efficient, and cost-effective prerinse operations that meet modern performance and sustainability requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2324 − 13 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Prerinse Spray Valves
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2324; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthewaterconsumptionflowrate 3.1 Definitions:
and spray force of prerinse spray valves. The food service 3.1.1 prerinse spray valve—a handheld device containing a
operatorcanusethisevaluationtoselectaprerinsesprayvalve release to close mechanism that is used to spray water on
and understand its water consumption and spray force. dishes, flatware, etc.
3.1.2 spray force—the amount of force exerted onto the
1.2 The following procedures are included in this test
spray disc.
method:
1.2.1 Water consumption (see 10.2).
3.1.3 test method—a definitive procedure for the
1.2.2 Spray force test (see 10.3).
identification, measurement, and evaluation of one or more
qualities, characteristics, or properties of a material, product,
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
system, or service that produces a test result.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.4 uncertainty—measure of systematic and precision er-
and are not considered standard.
rors in specified instrumentation or measure of repeatability of
a reported test result.
1.4 This test method may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. It does not address all of the
3.2 Abbreviations:
potential safety problems associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 gpm—gallons per minute.
responsibility of the users of this test method to establish
4. Summary of Test Method
appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its
4.1 The flow rate of the prerinse spray valve is measured at
use.
a water pressure of 60 6 2 psi (413.7 6 13.8 kPa) and 60 6
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
10°F (15.6 6 2.6°C) to verify that the prerinse spray valve is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
operatingatthemanufacturer’sratedflowrate.Ifthemeasured
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
flow rate is not within 5% of the rated flow rate, all further
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
testing ceases and the manufacturer is contacted. The manu-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
facturer may make appropriate changes or adjustments to the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
prerinse spray valve.
4.2 The amount of force exerted by the prerinse spray valve
2. Referenced Documents
is determined by the spray force test.
2.1 NSF Documents:
NSF ListingsFood Equipment and Related Products, Com-
5. Significance and Use
ponents and Materials, NSF International
5.1 The flow rate test is used to confirm that the prerinse
2.2 ASME Standard:
sprayvalveisoperatingatthemanufacturer’sratedflowrateat
ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1Plumbing Supply Fittings
the specified water pressure. The result from this test would
also assist the operator in controlling the water and sewer
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F26 on Food
consumption and reduce water heating bills.
Service Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F26.06 on
5.2 The spray force is a measure of the impact from a
Productivity and Energy Protocol.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
prerinse spray valve on the target surface and can be used to
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2324–13. DOI:
select a model that meets an end-user’s force profile.
10.1520/F2324-13R19.
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
5.3 Flow rate and spray force can be used along with spray
Arbor, MI 48113-0140.
pattern, coverage area, usage time, and flow control to select a
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
prerinse spray valve that meets an end-user’s performance
International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org. requirements.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2324 − 13 (2019)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Analytical Balance Scale, or equivalent, for measuring
theweightofthewatercarboy.Itshallhavearesolutionof0.01
lb (5 g) and an uncertainty of 0.01 lb (5 g).
6.2 Calibrated Exposed Junction Thermocouple Probes,
witharangefrom50to200°F(10to93.3°C),witharesolution
of 0.2°F (0.1°C) and an uncertainty of 1.0°F (0.5°C), for
measuring water line temperatures. Calibrated K-type 24-GA
thermocouple wire with stainless steel sheath and ceramic
insulation is the recommended choice for measuring the water
line temperatures. The thermocouple probe can be fed through
acompressionfittingsoastosubmerseexposedjunctioninthe
water lines.
FIG. 1 Illustration of Spring-Style, Deck-Mounted Prerinse Spray
6.3 Carboy, or equivalent container, for measuring the
Valve
weight of the water during the flow rate test. A 5-gal (19-L)
carboy water bottle has been found to be suitable (the carboy
9. Preparation of Apparatus
is the standard water bottle that is used for water coolers).
NOTE 1—The 5-gal (19-L) carboy container is the preferred container. 9.1 Attach the prerinse spray valve to a 36-in., spring-style
Withanarrowopening,thecarboycapturesallthewaterduringthetestat
(flex tubing) prerinse spray valve in accordance with the
higher water pressure which can result in excess splashing.
manufacturer’sinstructions.Theminimumflowrateoftheflex
6.4 Force Gauge—Digital force gauge with a maximum
tubing, with no prerinse spray valve connected, shall be 3.5
force between 500 and 1000 g-force (1.1 and 2.2 lb-force) and gpm (13.25 L/min) at a pressure of 60 6 2 psi (413.7 6 13.8
an accuracy of 62 g-force (60.071 oz-force).
kPa).
NOTE 2—When specifying a forge gauge, kilograms and grams are the
NOTE 3—Specifying a minimum flow rate for the flex tubing ensures
industrystandardunitofmeasurementandwillbeusedasanexceptionfor
that the prerinse spray valve is performing to the manufacturer’s specifi-
this specific test method. For this reason, ounce and pounds equivalents
cations and prevents the flex tubing from dictating the flow rate of the
are listed in parentheses.
prerinse spray valve.
6.5 Hot Water Temperature Control Valve, to maintain and
9.2 Connectthemixingvalvetothemunicipalwatersupply
limitmixedhotwatertotheprerinsesprayvalveduringtesting.
and set the mixing valve to maintain an outlet water tempera-
It shall have a double throttling design to control both the hot
ture of 60.0 6 10.0°F (15.6 6 2.6°C). The mixing valve shall
and cold water supply to the mixed outlet. The flow character-
be located within 6 ft of the inlet of the flex tubing.
isticsofthevalveshallhavearesolutiontemperaturecontrolof
9.3 Install a water line pressure regulator down stream of
64°F (62°C) combined with low pressure drop check valves
the mixing valve at the base of the flex tubing. Adjust the
in both the hot and cold water inlets to protect against cross
pressureregulatorsothatthewaterlinepressuretotheprerinse
flow.
spray valve can be maintained at 60 6 2 psi (2.9 6 0.5 kPa)
6.6 Pressure Gauge, for measuring pressure of water to the
when water is flowing through the prerinse spray valve.
prerinse spray valve. The gauge shall have a resolution of 0.5
9.4 Install a temperature sensor in the water line down
psig (3.4 kPa) and a maximum uncertainty of 1% of the
stream from the mixing valve. The sensors should be installed
measured value.
with the probe immersed in the water. See Fig. 2 for a
6.7 Spray Disc—A 10-in. diameter disc made of acrylic or
schematic of the setup for the water supply, mixing valve,
similarmaterialusedasatargetduringtheforcetest.Thespray
pressure regulator, and gauge that are used for testing the
discwillberigidlyattachedtotheforcegaugeandbe4.0 60.4
prerinse spray valves.
oz (113.44 6 11.45 g) and at a thickness of 0.08 6 0.004 in.
NOTE 4—Install the thermocouple probe described in 9.4 downstream
(2.03 6 0.1 mm).
from the temperature mixing valve and upstream from the prerinse spray
6.8 Spring-StylePrerinseUnit,Deck-Mounted,witha36-in.
valve.Thethermocoupleprobemustbeinstalledsothatthethermocouple
(914.4-mm) flex hose which will have the testing sample probe is immersed in the incoming water. A compression fitting or
equivalent connection should be used to secure the thermocouple without
prerinse spray valve attach at the end of the flex hose. See Fig.
leaks or flow restriction.
1.
9.5 Force Test Apparatus:
6.9 Stopwatch, with a 0.1-s resolution.
9.5.1 Rigidly attach a 10 6 0.25 in. (254 6 6.4 mm)
7. Reagents and Materials
diameter disc (spray disc) to the force gauge.An example of a
suitablerigidconnectionisillustratedinFig.3,whereaflattop
7.1 Water used will be from the local municipal water
‘tip’ is glued to the center of the spray disc.
supply.
9.5.2 Securely mount the force gauge and spray disc appa-
8. Sampling
ratus such that the spray disc is positioned in a vertical
8.1 Prerinse Spray Valve—Three representative production orientation parallel to the face of the prerinse spray valve. The
models shall be selected for performance testing. center of the spray disc and center of the prerinse spray valve
F2324 − 13 (2019)
FIG. 2 Sample Schematic of Water Lines and Test Setup
FIG. 3 Attaching the Force Gauge to Spray Disc
faceplatearealignedonthesameaxisat8.00 60.25in.(203.2
6 6.4 mm) apart. See Fig. 4.
9.5.3 The use of a splash guard is not necessary but may be
included to help protect the force gauge from splashing water.
Asplashguardofanydesignmaybeused,aslongastheguard
does not interfere with the operation of the force test rig. An
example of a suitable splash guard is as follows:
9.5.3.1 An acrylic sheet 24 by 24 in. (610 by 610 mm) in
sizewithathicknessof0.08in.(2.0mm).Thesheethasa1-in.
(25.4mm)diameterholeinthecenterofthesheet,anda0.5in.
(12.7mm)wideslotcutinthesheetfromoneedgeofthesheet
to the center hole. The slot enables proper positioning of the
force gauge and 10-in. spray disc without the need to detach
FIG. 4 Force Test Apparatus Diagram (Side View)
the spray disc from the gauge. An example of a splash guard
installation is shown in Fig. 5.
F2324 − 13 (2019)
10.3.1 This procedure is comprised of a minimum of three
separate test runs at the specified water temperature and
pressure. Additional test runs may be necessary to obtain the
requiredprecisionforthereportedtestresults(AnnexA1).The
reported values of the force test shall be the average of the test
runs.
10.3.2 Test the prerinse spray valve for force at a flowing
water pressure of 60.0 6 2.0 psi (413.7 6 13.8 kPa) while the
prerinsesprayvalveisatitsmaximumflowrateandanaverage
water temperature of 60.0 6 10.0°F (15.6 6 2.6°C).
10.3.3 Prior to testing, calibrate the force gauge using the
gauge manufacturer’s recommendations. The margin of error
in compression mode should not exceed 62 g-force (0.071
oz-force). If the unit is out of calibration, make the necessary
FIG. 5 Force Test Apparatus Diagram (Front View)
adjustments to the force gauge.
10.3.4 Tobegintheforcetest,initiatetheflowofwaterfrom
the prerinse spray valve toward the center of the test disc.
9.5.3.2 The splash guard should be installed vertically
10.3.5 Maintainwaterflowfromtheprerinsesprayvalvefor
between the spray disc and the force gauge.
at least 5s or until force readings stabilize.
10.3.6 After the prerinse spray valve has flowed for at least
10. Procedure
5s, record the average force gauge measurement over the next
10.1 General:
15s to the nearest 0.025 oz-force (0.7 g-force).
10.1.1 The following shall be obtained and recorded for
10.3.7 If the prerinse spray valve has multiple modes, force
each run of every test:
shall be tested in accordance with this test procedure for each
10.1.1.1 Water temperature (°F),
mode.
10.1.1.2 Dynamic water pressure (psi),
10.3.8 Repeat 10.3.2 – 10.3.6 an additional two times.
10.1.1.3 Time (min), and
Additional tests may be needed to obtain an uncertainty less
10.1.1.4 Water flow rate (gpm).
than 10 % by following the calculations in Annex A1.
10.2 Prerinse Spray Valve Flow Rate Test:
10.3.9 The average force shall be determined from the test
10.2.1 This procedure is comprised of a minimum of three
data collected from the required sample size.
separate test runs at the specified water temperature and
pressure. Additional test runs may be necessary to obtain the
11. Calculation and Report
required precision for the reported test results (Annex 1). The
11.1 Test Prerinse Spray Valve—Summarize the physical
reported values of the flow rate test shall be the average of the
and operating characteristic of the prerinse spray valve.
test runs.
10.2.2 Ensure water is supplied at a flowing water pressure
11.2 Apparatus and Procedure—Confirm that the testing
of 60 6 2 psi (413.7 6 13.8 kPa) and at a temperature of 60.0
apparatus conformed to all of the specifications in Section 9.
6 10.0°F (15.6 6 2.6°C).
Describe any deviations from those specifications.
10.2.3 Weigh and record the weight of the empty carboy
11.3 Flow Rate Test:
prior to testing (or equivalent 5-gal (19-L) container).
11.3.1 Calculate and report the nozzle flow rate based on:
10.2.4 Holdtheprerinsesprayvalveovertheopeningofthe
W
carboy container. Squeeze the prerinse spray valve handle to
water
Q 5 (1)
nozzle
lb kg
allow maximum flow and begin recording the time elapsed.At
8.337 1.000
S D
the end of 1 min, stop the water flow and record the weight of gal L
the water and container and subtract the weight of the
where:
container. Use the weight of water to calculate the flow rate
Q = nozzle flow rate, gpm (L/min), and
nozzle
based on the formula provided in 11.3.1.
W = weight of the water collected in 1 min, lb (kg).
water
NOTE 5—Maximum flow may not occur when the handle is fully
11.3.2 Reportthewatertemperatureandwaterlinepressure.
depressed.
11.4 Force Test:
10.2.5 Repeat 10.2.2 – 10.2.4 two additional times. Addi-
11.4.1 Report the force obtained from the digital force
tionaltestsmaybeneededtoobtainanuncertaintylessthan10
gauge in ounces for each replicate of the prerinse spray valves
% by following the calculations in Annex A1.
tested.
10.2.6 Report the average flow rate measured and confirm
11.4.2 Calculate and report the average force of the nozzles
that it is within5%ofthe manufacturers rated flow rate. If the
tested in ounces (oz) to the nearest 0.1 oz-force (2.83 g-force).
difference is greater than 5 %, all further testing ceases and the
manufacturer shall be contacted. The manufacturer may make
12. Precision and Bias
appropriatechangesoradjustmentstotheprerinsesprayvalve.
10.3 Spray Force Test: 12.1 Precision:
F2324 − 13 (2019)
12.1.1 Repeatability (within laboratory, same operator and 13. Keywords
equipment)—The percent uncertainty in each result has been
13.1 gallons per minute; force; force gauge; force test;
specified to be no greater than 65 %, based on at least three
prerinse spray valve; pre-rinse spray valve; prerinse; pre-rinse;
test runs.
spray force; spray valve; test method
12.1.2 Reproducibility (multiple laboratories)—The inter-
laboratory precision of the procedure in this test method for
measuring each reported parameter is being determined.
12.2 Bias—No statement can be made concerning the bias
of the procedures in this test method because there are no
accepted reference values for the parameters reported.
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE UNCERTAINTY IN REPORTED TEST RESULTS
NOTE A1.1—This procedure is based on the ASHRAE method for
A1.4 For the force test results, the uncertainty in the
determining the confidence interval for the average of several test results
averages of at least three test runs is reported using the same
(ASHRAE Guideline 2-1986(RA90)). It should only be applied to test
formulasinA1.5.1–A1.5.10.Foreachtestrun,theuncertainty
results that have been obtained within the tolerances prescribed in this
of the flow rate test must be no greater than 65 % before any
method (for example, thermocouples calibrated, appliance operating
within 5% of rated input during the test run). of the parameters for that flow rate test run can be reported.
A1.1 For the flow rate test results, the uncertainty in the A1.5 Procedure :
averagesofatleastthreetestrunsisreported.Foreachtestrun,
A1.5.1 Step 1—Calculate the average and the standard
the uncertainty of the flow rate test must be no greater than
deviation for the test results (gpm flow rate or force) using the
65% before any of the parameters for that flow rate test run
results of the first three test runs, as follows:
can be reported.
A1.5.1.1 The formula for the average (three test runs) is as
follows:
A1.2 The uncertainty in a reported result is a measure of its
precision. If, for example, the gpm flow rate for the prerinse
Xa 5 1/3 3 X 1X 1X (A1.1)
~ ! ~ !
3 1 2 3
spray valve is 1.6 gpm at 60 psi, the uncertainty must not be
where:
greater than 60.08 gpm. Thus, the true gpm flow rate is
Xa = average of results for three test runs, and
between 1.52 and 1.68 gpm. Therefore, interval is determined
X,X,X = results for each test run.
at the 95% confidence level, which means that there is only a 1 2 3
1 in 20 chance that the true gpm flow rate could be outside of
A1.5.1.2 The formula for the sample standard devi
...