Emergency Shutdown (ESD) valves are the last line of defense in oil & gas and process facilities. These valves must function with high reliability to isolate process sections during abnormal conditions. The instrument datasheet is a crucial document that defines the design, performance, and compliance requirements for the ESD valve and its associated accessories.
In this blog post, we’ll break down each part of the instrument datasheet for an ESD valve and explain how to interpret it—empowering engineers to verify, select, and specify these safety-critical components with confidence.
- Basic Identification Section
This section outlines the key metadata about the valve and project.
| Field | Explanation |
| Tag Number | Unique identifier (e.g., XV-101 or ESDV-1001) |
| Service Description | Specifies application, e.g., “Crude Oil Line Shutdown” |
| P&ID Number | Reference to the piping and instrumentation diagram |
| Line Number | Indicates pipeline the valve is installed on |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Cross-check this data with the latest P&ID and cause & effect diagram.
- Process Data
This section defines the conditions the ESD valve will face during operation.
| Parameter | Importance |
| Fluid Type | Gas, liquid, two-phase, corrosive, flammable |
| Design Pressure & Temperature | Max operating limits |
| Normal Operating Pressure/Temp | For actuator sizing and accessory selection |
| Flow Rate | Useful for sizing (in critical cases) |
| Shutoff Class | E.g., ANSI FCI 70-2 Class V or VI |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Always ensure the valve body and trim materials are compatible with the process medium.
- Valve Construction Details
This section describes the mechanical aspects of the valve.
| Parameter | Details |
| Valve Type | Ball, butterfly, gate, globe |
| Size & Rating | E.g., 4″ 600# RF |
| End Connections | Flanged, butt-welded, threaded |
| Body Material | WCB, CF8M, Monel, etc. |
| Trim Material | 316SS, Inconel, etc. |
| Fire Safe Design | API 607 / ISO 10497 compliance |
| Leakage Class | For tight shut-off (typically Class VI for ESD) |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Ensure the valve has fire-safe certification when used in hydrocarbon services.
- Actuator Details
The actuator enables automatic operation during an emergency.
| Field | Explanation |
| Type | Pneumatic (spring return), hydraulic, electro-hydraulic |
| Action | Fail-close (most common), fail-open |
| Supply Pressure | Pneumatic: 5.5 – 7 bar typical |
| Torque Requirement | Based on valve break torque (with safety margin) |
| Spring Return Direction | Clockwise or counter-clockwise (for quarter-turn valves) |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Use a safety factor of 1.5–2.0 on valve break torque to ensure reliable closure.
- Solenoid Valve Details
The solenoid is the pilot that energizes or de-energizes the actuator.
| Parameter | Description |
| Type | 3-way, 5-way (typically 3-way for ESD) |
| Action | De-energized to trip (fail-safe logic) |
| Coil Voltage | 24 VDC, 110 VAC, etc. |
| Enclosure | Explosion-proof (Ex d), Intrinsically Safe (Ex i), Weatherproof |
| Certifications | ATEX, IECEx, SIL rated |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Always select de-energized-to-trip solenoids for fail-safe operation and ensure compatibility with the system’s hazardous area classification.
- Position Monitoring & Feedback
Knowing the valve position is crucial during normal and emergency operations.
| Device | Purpose |
| Limit Switches | Provide open/close signal feedback |
| Position Transmitter | Optional for analog position feedback |
| Type | Mechanical, proximity, or magnetic switches |
| Enclosure & Certifications | Same as solenoids – must suit hazardous areas |
| Feedback Logic | NO (normally open) or NC (normally closed) based on safety logic |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: For SIL applications, use dual redundant limit switches with diverse technology.
- Accessories
These components enhance safety, diagnostics, and operability.
| Accessory | Function |
| Air Filter Regulator (AFR) | Ensures clean, regulated air supply |
| Quick Exhaust Valve (QEV) | Speeds up actuator venting for faster closure |
| Manual Override | For manual valve operation during failure |
| Booster Relay | Enhances actuator responsiveness |
| Volume Tank | Stores pressurized air for actuator, especially in remote areas |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Include a QEV and AFR as standard. Use a volume tank in remote installations with air supply limitations.
- Functional Safety (SIL) Details
For high-integrity ESD valves, Safety Integrity Level (SIL) compliance is mandatory.
| Field | Notes |
| SIL Target | SIL 2 or SIL 3 |
| Safe Failure Fraction (SFF) | > 90% typical |
| PFDavg (Probability of Failure on Demand) | To be within SIL range |
| Test Interval | Typically 6 months to 1 year |
| Diagnostic Coverage | Partial Stroke Testing (PST) may be required |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Choose certified components (valve + actuator + solenoid) that meet the overall SIL requirement using FMEDA analysis.
- Vendor and Inspection Details
| Field | Importance |
| Vendor Name/Model | Helps in verifying compatibility and certifications |
| Inspection Requirements | Witness, Hold, Review points as per ITP |
| Certifications | EN 10204 3.1/3.2, API, ISO |
| Painting & Coating | C5M for offshore, epoxy for onshore |
✅ Engineer’s Tip: Ensure material traceability (MTCs) and functional test reports are included in vendor documentation.
Final Thoughts
Decoding the ESD valve datasheet is more than just reading numbers—it’s about understanding the complete safety logic, system integration, and real-world performance. From valve body material to solenoid action, every detail contributes to the reliability of the shutdown system.
A well-filled and reviewed ESD valve datasheet:
- Ensures operational safety
- Simplifies inspection and FAT
- Minimizes shutdown risks
- Complies with IEC 61511 and API standards
Bonus: Downloadable Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to verify on your next ESD valve datasheet:
✅ Tag Number
✅ Process Conditions
✅ Valve Type, Size, Rating
✅ Fire-safe Design
✅ Actuator Type & Sizing
✅ Solenoid Action & Certification
✅ Feedback Devices
✅ SIL Compliance
✅ Accessories (AFR, QEV, Volume Tank)
✅ Material Certification & Test Plan