Fundamentals and Applications of Control Valves
1 - 2 DECEMBER 2026
COURSE INTRODUCTION
This two-day programme focuses on control valves as the final control element, together with the accessories and devices that support their operation. Participants examine valve components, actuators, positioners, linear- and rotary-motion designs, globe-valve construction and other common valve types. The programme also addresses practical operating problems—including noise, flashing, cavitation, hydraulic shock, leakage, hunting and oversized valves—so participants can approach control-valve maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting more systematically.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this programme, participants should be able to:
- Explain the function of a control valve as the final control element and its role in a Safety Instrumented System (SIS).
- Distinguish the functions of shutdown valves (SDVs) and control valves.
- Identify control-valve components, associated accessories, I/P converters and valve positioners.
- Explain common actuator types, actuator parts, operating principles and direct- or reverse-acting arrangements.
- Compare linear- and rotary-motion control valves, including the construction and application of globe valves.
- Explain valve terminology and conditions such as noise, flashing, erosion, cavitation, hydraulic shock, leakage classification, rangeability, flow coefficient (Cv) and bench setting.
- Describe the purpose and application of MOVs, safety and relief valves, pilot-operated safety valves, pressure-reducing valves, check valves and other valve types.
- Recognise valve hunting, oversized valves, fail-safe arrangements, double block-and-bleed systems and common valve symbols.
- Apply a generic calibration approach with and without valve positioners and identify common control-valve problems.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Junior and senior technicians involved in control-valve work
- Managers who wish to upskill their technical staff
COURSE CONTENT
- Control valves as final control elements and their role in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
- Control valves versus shutdown valves (SDVs)
- Valve components, mounted accessories, I/P converters and positioners
- Valve-positioner advantages; actuator types, parts, nameplate information and working principles
- Direct- and reverse-acting actuators and commonly used actuator applications
- Linear- and rotary-motion control valves and comparison of their primary functions
- Globe-valve construction, packing, balanced and unbalanced trim, cages, plugs and materials
- Gate, diaphragm, butterfly, plug, ball, pinch, check and self-acting control valves
- Flow characteristics, rangeability, flow coefficient (Cv) and bench setting
- Noise, flashing, erosion, cavitation, hydraulic shock and leakage classification
- Motor-operated valves (MOV), pressure safety valves, pressure relief valves and pilot-operated safety valves (POSV)
- Pressure-reducing valves and regulators, volume boosters and other associated devices
- Valve hunting, oversized valves, double block-and-bleed systems and fail-safe modes
- Common valve symbols, generic calibration with and without positioners, and common control-valve problems
