How to Prepare Control Valve Data Sheets: An Interactive Guide
Click on any field in the tables below to get detailed guidance.
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of a control valve data sheet. To make it more practical, we've added interactive elements. Click on any data sheet field in the tables to open a pop-up explaining how to fill it and where to source the required information.
Main Sections of a Control Valve Data Sheet
1. General Information
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Tag Number | Unique identifier for the valve (e.g., 20-FV-101) |
| Service | Name of the fluid and its location (e.g., HP Steam, Separator Outlet) |
| Line Number | Pipeline reference number |
| P&ID Number | Refers to the drawing for process connectivity |
2. Process Conditions
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Flow Medium | Type of fluid (gas, liquid, vapor, slurry) |
| Min/Norm/Max Flow | Flow rates in design units (e.g., kg/h, Nm³/h) |
| Inlet/Outlet Pressure | Operating pressure range across valve |
| Temperature | Fluid temperature (min/normal/max) |
| Specific Gravity/Viscosity | Required for sizing & Cv calculation |
| Vapor Pressure | Critical for cavitation/flashing analysis |
3. Valve Design Specifications
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Valve Type | Globe, Ball, Butterfly, V-Notch, etc. |
| Size & Rating | Nominal valve size and pressure class (e.g., 4″ 150# RF) |
| End Connections | Flanged, SW, BW, RTJ |
| Valve Body Material | WCB, CF8M, Monel, etc. |
| Trim Material | 316SS, Stellite, Alloy 6, etc. |
| Flow Direction | Flow-to-open / flow-to-close |
| Cv or Kv | Required flow coefficient |
| Leakage Class | ANSI Class II to VI (depends on shutoff requirement) |
| Flow Characteristic | Equal %, Linear, Quick Open |
4. Actuator Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Actuator Type | Pneumatic (spring-diaphragm, piston), Electric, Hydraulic |
| Fail Action | Fail Close (FC), Fail Open (FO), Fail In Place |
| Supply Pressure | Air pressure available (e.g., 5.5 bar g) |
| Signal Type | 4-20 mA, 3-15 psi |
| Bench Set | Spring range setting, crucial for valve stroking |
5. Positioner and Accessories
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Positioner Type | Pneumatic, Electro-Pneumatic, Smart/HART |
| Solenoid Valve | Used in ESD/SDV scenarios |
| Limit Switches | For open/close indication |
| Other Accessories | Lock-Up Valve, Volume Booster, Quick Exhaust |
6. Control and Safety Requirements
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| SIL Level | Safety Integrity Level (if part of SIS loop) |
| Stroking Time | Open/close time in seconds |
| Fire Safe Design | Required for hydrocarbon services |
| Gland Packing Type | PTFE, Graphite, Bellows Seal |
Key Checklist for Reviewing a Valve Datasheet
- ✔ Tag number matches P&ID
- ✔ Process data is consistent with PFD/P&ID
- ✔ Cv calculation is validated
- ✔ Valve and actuator materials meet process compatibility
- ✔ Leakage class meets process isolation need
- ✔ Accessories listed and justified
- ✔ Stroke time meets process/safety needs
- ✔ Positioner signal matches control system
- ✔ SIL requirements are clearly specified (if applicable)
Example Snapshot: Partial Data Sheet (Simplified)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tag No. | 23-FV-101 |
| Line Size | 3″ |
| Valve Type | Globe |
| Cv Required | 40 |
| Flow Media | Fuel Gas |
| Inlet Pressure | 10 barg |
| Outlet Pressure | 5 barg |
| Temperature | 70°C |
| Actuator | Pneumatic, Fail Close |
| Positioner | Smart (HART) |
| Leakage Class | ANSI Class IV |
Control valves play a vital role in regulating process variables such as flow, pressure, and temperature in the oil & gas, chemical, power, and other process industries. Selecting the correct control valve for a particular application is not just about the valve body or actuator—it’s about interpreting and understanding the instrument data sheet.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to decode a control valve instrument data sheet, field by field, so that design and project engineers, instrumentation specialists, and procurement teams can make well-informed decisions.
What is a Control Valve Instrument Data Sheet?
A control valve instrument data sheet is a standardized document (often based on ISA S20 or company-specific formats) that provides detailed specifications for the valve, actuator, positioner, and accessories. It serves as a reference during design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and maintenance phases.
Main Sections of a Control Valve Data Sheet
Let’s explore each section typically found in a control valve datasheet, along with how to interpret and validate the information.
- General Information
| Field | Description |
| Tag Number | Unique identifier for the valve (e.g., 20-FV-101) |
| Service | Name of the fluid and its location (e.g., HP Steam, Separator Outlet) |
| Line Number | Pipeline reference number |
| P&ID Number | Refers to the drawing for process connectivity |
Tip: Ensure consistency across the P&ID, datasheet, and control narrative.
- Process Conditions
| Field | Description |
| Flow Medium | Type of fluid (gas, liquid, vapor, slurry) |
| Min/Norm/Max Flow | Flow rates in design units (e.g., kg/h, Nm³/h) |
| Inlet/Outlet Pressure | Operating pressure range across valve |
| Temperature | Fluid temperature (min/normal/max) |
| Specific Gravity/Viscosity | Required for sizing & Cv calculation |
| Vapor Pressure | Critical for cavitation/flashing analysis |
Ensure that process data is accurate and reflects both normal and upset conditions.
- Valve Design Specifications
| Field | Description |
| Valve Type | Globe, Ball, Butterfly, V-Notch, etc. |
| Size & Rating | Nominal valve size and pressure class (e.g., 4″ 150# RF) |
| End Connections | Flanged, SW, BW, RTJ |
| Valve Body Material | WCB, CF8M, Monel, etc. |
| Trim Material | 316SS, Stellite, Alloy 6, etc. |
| Flow Direction | Flow-to-open / flow-to-close |
| Cv or Kv | Required flow coefficient |
| Leakage Class | ANSI Class II to VI (depends on shutoff requirement) |
| Flow Characteristic | Equal %, Linear, Quick Open |
Check valve characteristic selection based on process dynamics: e.g., equal % is ideal for pressure control.
- Actuator Details
| Field | Description |
| Actuator Type | Pneumatic (spring-diaphragm, piston), Electric, Hydraulic |
| Fail Action | Fail Close (FC), Fail Open (FO), Fail In Place |
| Supply Pressure | Air pressure available (e.g., 5.5 bar g) |
| Signal Type | 4-20 mA, 3-15 psi |
| Bench Set | Spring range setting, crucial for valve stroking |
Always validate actuator thrust/torque is sufficient for shutoff and modulation.
- Positioner and Accessories
| Field | Description |
| Positioner Type | Pneumatic, Electro-Pneumatic, Smart/HART |
| Manufacturer/Model | E.g., Fisher DVC6200, Siemens Sipart |
| Feedback | Required for control and DCS feedback |
| Air Filter Regulator | Ensures clean air supply |
| Solenoid Valve | Used in ESD/SDV scenarios |
| Limit Switches | For open/close indication |
| Lock-Up Valve, Volume Booster, Quick Exhaust Valve | Optional accessories based on stroking time & safety requirements |
Smart positioners offer diagnostics—recommend HART or Fieldbus-based devices for predictive maintenance.
- Flow Direction and Orientation
| Field | Description |
| Installation | Horizontal/Vertical |
| Flow Direction | Marked on body or defined in datasheet |
| Valve Orientation | Important for actuator mounting & access clearance |
Wrong orientation can affect actuator performance and stem packing wear.
- Control and Safety Requirements
| Field | Description |
| SIL Level | Safety Integrity Level (if part of SIS loop) |
| Stroking Time | Open/close time in seconds |
| Fire Safe Design | Required for hydrocarbon services |
| Anti-Blowout Stem | For safety |
| Gland Packing Type | PTFE, Graphite, Bellows Seal (for hazardous service) |
Ensure compliance with IEC 61508/61511 for SIL-rated valves.
- Notes and Special Requirements
| Field | Description |
| Painting/Coating | Epoxy, PU, for corrosion protection |
| Testing Requirements | Hydrotest, seat leakage, functional test |
| Certifications | PED, ATEX, API 607, ISO 15848 |
| Vendor Recommendations | Special remarks like erosion control, anti-cavitation trim |
Key Checklist for Reviewing a Valve Datasheet
- Tag number matches P&ID
- Process data is consistent with PFD/P&ID
- Cv calculation is validated
- Valve and actuator materials meet process compatibility
- Leakage class meets process isolation need
- Accessories listed and justified
- Stroke time meets process/safety needs
- Positioner signal matches control system
- SIL requirements are clearly specified (if applicable)
Example Snapshot: Partial Data Sheet (Simplified)
| Parameter | Value |
| Tag No. | 23-FV-101 |
| Line Size | 3″ |
| Valve Type | Globe |
| Cv Required | 40 |
| Flow Media | Fuel Gas |
| Inlet Pressure | 10 barg |
| Outlet Pressure | 5 barg |
| Temperature | 70°C |
| Flow Rate | 2000 Nm³/hr |
| Actuator | Pneumatic, Fail Close |
| Positioner | Smart (HART) |
| Leakage Class | ANSI Class IV |
Conclusion
A well-prepared and accurately interpreted control valve instrument data sheet is essential for selecting the right valve for the job, ensuring optimum process performance, safety, and reliability. By understanding each section and validating it with real process data and system design requirements, instrumentation and process engineers can avoid costly mistakes such as undersized valves, incorrect fail-safe actions, or inadequate material selection.
Tip for Engineers: Don’t just rely on vendor proposals. Validate the design using valve sizing software (e.g., Fisher’s VALVue, Samson’s SizingTool) and cross-reference against datasheets for performance guarantees.