How to Identify Gaps in Control Valve Data Sheet ?

Reading a control valve datasheet is crucial for understanding the specifications and performance characteristics of the valve. Control valve datasheets typically contain important information that helps in selecting, installing, and maintaining the valve.

Who Makes Control Valve Datasheet?

The term datasheet does not give full picture. There are two different datasheets:

a) Process Datasheet,

b) Instrument Datasheet.

Control Valve Process Datasheet (PDS) prepared by Process Team and Instrument Datasheet(IDS) prepared by Instrument Designer.

Different Stages of Datasheet Preparation:

Different Parts of the Datasheet:

· General: Contains Valve Tag, Project, Site, Unit Information.

· Pipeline: Contains Line Size, Schedule, or any other information about the line where the Valve will be installed.

· Process Condition: Contains process conditions like Fluid Properties, Maximum, Normal and Minimum Flow Situations.

· Calculated Results: Valve Cv, Rated Travel and Sound Pressure Level

· Body and Trim: Type, Size and End Connection

· Actuator: Type, Size, Air Fail Action, Bench Set

· Positioner: Type, Communication Protocol

· Accessories:

a) Solenoid Valve: Type, Size, Voltage-Current Rating

b) Air Set: Set Pressure, Filter Size

c) Seat Tightness

d) Certifications

1. General:

This section provides basic information about the valve

Instrument Datasheets are used for Valve procurement and all future technical work related to the valve. So, correctness all fields of the datasheet is essential. But often it is seen that, valve data are not correct leading to confusion and wrong decisions. You can check correctness of IDS by cross checking it with other documents. Following are some examples:

a) Cross Check Valve Tag, Service, Line No., Control Action, Fail Position from P&ID

b) Cross Check Area Classification from Electrical Area Classification Drawing

c) Cross Check Ambient Temperature, Allowable Sound Pressure Level, Available Air Supply Pressure from Project Philosophy documents.

2. Pipeline:

This provides information about where the valve is located or will be located. Provides information about inlet/outlet valve size and schedule. This information is very critical as Valve Sizing calculation depends on this data.

3. Process Conditions:

This section contains critical information about process fluid and process condition. Information in this section is mostly provided by process technical. This information is very critical as Valve Sizing calculation depends on this data.

Liquid Service

Gas Service

There are some differences in process condition in Gas Service vs Liq. For example, compressibility factor is applicable normally in Gas Service.

Process Conditions are provided based on Process Simulation Output or depends on rotary machine performance curve. If you are modifying existing valves, then you can cross check process data with historical process trend.

4. Calculated Results:

Valve Cv is calculated based on process condition. Initial Cv is provided by process technical and later Cv is entered in IDS by vendor based on actual valve selected.

Travel, Sound Pressure Level and Velocity data is also generated from vendor calculation.

Comprehensive course on Valve Design and Maintenance:

Control Valve Master Class

5. Body and Trim:

This section contains information about Body, Trim Material, Valve Size etc. User/Owner/Client/ EPC can fill some initial input based on experience, later vendor updates this based on available models and finally same is validated Owner/EPC.

Valve Material Selection requires another discussion.

Valve Material Selection Guidelines

6. Actuator:

This section contains information about size or type of actuator and its failure action. User/Owner/Client/ EPC can fill some initial input based on experience, later vendor updates this based on available models and finally same is validated Owner/EPC.

7. Positioner:

This section provides information about type of Positioner.

Check whether the communication protocol specified in the Positioner is compatible with the existing/ new Distributed Control System/ any other Control System.

8. Accessories:

a) Solenoid Valve: Type, Size, Voltage-Current Rating

b) Air Set: Set Pressure, Filter Size

c) Seat Tightness

d) Certifications