Homepage

Course Introduction

Understanding the Scope of this Course

Definition of a Valve

Common Degradation Mechanisms and Integrity Priorities

Anatomy of a Valve

Valves by function

Valve Types: Linear vs Rotary

Gate Valves

Globe Valves

Diaphragm and Pinch Valves

Plug Valves

Ball Valves

Butterfly Valves

Valve Functions and Matching Valve Types

Double Block and Bleed (DB&B) Valves

Self-Acting Regulating Valves

Control Valves

Choke Valves

Non-return (Check) Valves

Introduction to Valves

Introduction to Actuators

Pneumatic Actuators

Hydraulic Actuators

Electric Actuators

Actuator Failure Mode

Actuator Motion Relative to Valve Motion

Actuator Sizing

Actuators

Valve Specification and Selection – Introduction

Physical Considerations

Environmental Considerations

Valve End Connections

Sealing and Packing Requirements

Gasket Selection for Valve Sealing

Packing Requirements for Valve Stems

Choosing Valve Materials – Body, Bonnet, and Cover

Anti-Blowout Stem Design

Operational Considerations for Valve Selection

Pressure-Temperature Ratings of Valves

Pressure Drop Across Valves

Valve Shutoff Characteristics

Fire-Safe Valves

Valve Reliability

Valve Design Life

Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD)

Operational Considerations for Control Valves

Valve Specification Datasheet

Specifying and Selecting Valves

Introduction to Installation and Commissioning

Pre-Installation Storage and Testing

Pre-Service Management and Installation Checks

Planning for Valve Installation

Installation Considerations for Actuated Valves

End Connection Considerations for Valve Installation

Valve Commissioning Essentials

Pressure Testing and Residual Water Considerations

Installation and Commissioning of Valves

Introduction to Valve Operation

Direct Manual Operation of Valves

Manual Operation Using a Gearbox

Locking Manually Operated Valves

Operating Valves with an Actuator

Knowledge and Competency of Valve Operations

Incorrect Fittings & Missing Plugs

High Differential Pressures

Incorrect Function of Valve vs Intent

Valve Wear and Frequency of Use

Design, Operating, and Process Changes That Impact Valve Integrity

Valve Risks from Plant Changes and Aging

Valve Damage from Forced Operation

Thread Sealants

Non-Routine Operations

Control System Issues

Addressing Root Causes of Valve Failures

Operation of Valves

Introduction

Manufacturer Maintenance Information

Proactive Maintenance for Valve Integrity

Risk-Based Maintenance

In-Service Inspections and Field Observations

Recognizing Valve Issues—Signs, Detailed Inspections, and Checklists

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Techniques for Valves

Determining Valve Status using NDT

NDT of Valve Components

Advanced Valve Condition Monitoring

Proof Testing of Valves

Routine Maintenance Activities for Valves

Maintenance Management Systems for Valves

Maintenance, Inspection and Testing of Valves

Introduction to Corrective Actions

Types of Corrective Action in Valve Maintenance

Criticality and other considerations

Reverse Engineering of Valve Parts

Corrective Actions

Introduction to Training and Competency in Valve Integrity

Competence Management Systems (CMS)

Training and Maintaining Competence

Contractor and Supplier Competence

Roles and Competencies

Human Factors

Organizational Knowledge

Training and Competency

Failure Mechanisms and Effects Analysis

Initial Faults and Damage Mechanisms

Severe Service, Pressure, and Velocity Effects

Vibration and Pressure Surges

Fugitive Emissions

Corrosion and Erosion

Failure Mechanisms and Analysis

Wrapping Up

Useful Reference Standards

Conclusion and Evaluation

Valves are critical components across oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing facilities. This course offers a comprehensive foundation in valve fundamentals, guiding learners through the essential principles of valve selection, specification, actuator interfaces, design features, and common inspection and maintenance practices as well as safety, fault finding, technician competency and other topics.This course is delivered in a flexible, on-demand format, allowing learners to progress at their own pace through engaging lessons that combine clear text explanations, supporting visuals, and voiceover narration. Whether you're on shift or between projects, you can study when it's most convenient. Upon completion, learners will receive a certificate of completion and may also use the course for CPD self-reporting, making it a valuable addition to your professional development record.Who this course is for<ul><li>Engineers in oil &amp; gas, chemical, or power sectors involved in piping, mechanical, maintenance, or reliability roles</li><li>Operators and technical personnel needing stronger understanding of valves</li><li>Procurement, QA/QC, and inspection teams working with vendor documents, test reports, or specifications</li><li>Students, career shifters, or jobseekers targeting plant-based roles who need foundational valve knowledge</li></ul>Knowledge or Learning Prerequisites<ul><li>A basic understanding of mechanical or process equipment</li><li>No advanced knowledge required in codes or valve design; this course starts with fundamentals and builds up</li><li>Familiarity with plant operations or piping systems is helpful but not mandatory</li></ul>Learning ObjectivesBy completing this course, you will be able to:<ul><li>Identify and describe the major types of valves used in industrial facilities</li><li>Select appropriate valves based on process function, material compatibility, and operating conditions.</li><li>Understand actuator types and determine suitable actuator configurations for various applications.</li><li>Apply best practices for valve installation, pre-commissioning, and commissioning activities.</li><li>Operate valves safely and recognize abnormal conditions during service.</li><li>Perform basic inspection and maintenance tasks to sustain valve performance and integrity.</li><li>Recognize early signs of valve degradation and identify failure mechanisms.</li><li>Implement corrective actions such as repair, overhaul, or replacement based on operational needs.</li><li>Understand the role of training and competency in maintaining valve integrity and minimizing human error.</li><li>Contribute to improved asset reliability by applying good practices in valve selection, operation, and maintenance.</li></ul>Key Benefits<ul><li>End-user-focused content: Aligned with actual field practices and engineering decisions made in oil &amp; gas and other similar facilities</li><li>Practical application: Emphasizes real-life scenarios over theoretical complexity</li><li>Cross-discipline insights: Covers mechanical, instrumentation, and process reliability perspectives</li><li>Career-aligned: Strengthens knowledge for roles in maintenance, inspection, procurement, or design engineering across high-risk industries</li><li>Certificate Issuance: A certificate will be issued in your name to be reported for your CPD units for your professional credentials such as API, AMPP, Engineering Council registration or mycareerpath.</li></ul>Course Format: On-demand self-paced text &amp; images with voiceover Course Duration: 9.0 hours (9 CPD Units) CPD: Ready for CPD Self-Reporting Evaluation: Yes Certificate: Yes

20250404_113030.mp4

A comprehensive online self-paced CPD-ready training on valves from an operator's perspective, this course covers everything a valve end-user needs to know including valve types, selection, operation, maintenance, inspection and fault finding.

Valve Fundamentals : Selection, Specification, Actuators, Operation, Maintenance and Inspection

Course content

Valve Fundamentals : Selection, Specification, Actuators, Operation, Maintenance and Inspection

IEPTC Creator