This engaging and interactive Control Valves & Actuators training course focuses on the essential characteristics and features of control valves and actuators. These combinations are integral to virtually every process worldwide, and understanding their proper use is vital for efficient operations and control. The training course has been designed to help delegates think practically about valve and actuator installations, enabling them to evaluate, select, and install the best equipment for each specific application.
The Energy training course delves into the critical aspects of valves and actuators, providing a deeper understanding of flow dynamics relevant to these devices. While some differences between valves and actuators can be significant, others may be more nuanced. Participants will learn to distinguish between various devices and understand how they fit into broader systems. This exposure will help delegates gain the confidence to make informed decisions and provide valuable input to higher-level decision-making.
Key topics covered in this Control Valves & Actuators training course include:
- Various types of valves and their suitability for different applications
- Actuators, valve positioners, filters, regulators, I/Ps, and other related components
- Understanding the valve coefficient and selecting the right valve size and type
- Working with valves in P&IDs, considering installation and maintenance, and addressing issues like cavitation and noise control
- Optimizing control valve performance using digital controllers
By the conclusion of this Control Valves & Actuators training course, participants will be equipped to:
- Understand the operation of the most commonly used valve types
- Select the most suitable valve for particular applications
- Identify the most cost-effective valve size
- Choose the best device for driving and operating various valves
- Ensure optimal performance of control valves in the field using various techniques
A variety of adult learning techniques, that have proven successful or popular with adult learning, will be utilized. Every section is covered theoretically, followed by a practical exercise or discussion, where applicable. The focus is on enhancing understanding, comprehension and the retention of vital information. Every day starts off with reference to the previous day’s work, as well as an opportunity to ask further questions. Exercises are either conducted individually or in groups, depending on how the greatest benefit can be obtained. Computers are utilized, and exercises may range from Excel spreadsheets through to complex simulators. During the practical sessions, the instructor ensures that he is available to anyone that has a question to ask or has encountered a problem.
Delegates are encouraged to think of applications and problems that they have encountered in the own working environment, and to put this forward for classroom participation, discussion and debate, in order to provide the delegate with better options and possible improved solutions to work-related problems. Delegates are encouraged to keep an open mind.
Upon completing this Control Valves & Actuators training course, delegates will possess a comprehensive understanding of control valves and actuators. This knowledge will positively impact their organizations in the following ways:
- Delegates will gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of control valves and actuators, along with an understanding of the characteristics of the products and mediums that pass through them.
- All aspects related to valve and actuator selection will be thoroughly covered.
- Delegates will be equipped to contribute to choosing the most suitable equipment for specific applications.
- They will gain an understanding of additional equipment used alongside valves and actuators.
- Delegates will be able to apply the principles of accurately sizing equipment for particular applications.
On a personal level, delegates will benefit in the following ways:
- They will acquire in-depth knowledge and specialized skills related to the most commonly used valves and their associated actuators.
- Their confidence in evaluating applications and making appropriate recommendations will be greatly enhanced.
- Delegates will gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding valves, improving their technical expertise.
- They will establish themselves as respected professionals within their work environment, capable of making valuable contributions.
- They will feel confident in their ability to make informed decisions independently, provided they have the necessary information to support those decisions.
This Energy training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, but would greatly benefit:
- Key instrumentation personnel involved in valve maintenance
- Senior management and staff responsible for valve and actuator selection
- Mechanical and electrical staff that come into contact with valves
- Process control engineers requiring a high plant availability, often affected by valves
- Designers, industrial engineers and staff responsible for plant safety
- All personnel with a vested interest in applications that require / utilize valves
Day One: Valve Principals, Purposes, Types, Control Signals and Flow Conditions
- Valve Principles, Valve Purposes and Control Signals used with Valves
- Flow Conditions in and around Valves
- Reynolds Numbers
- Cavitation and Flashing and How This Influences Valve Selection
- Associated Equipment - Pertinent to Valves
- Definitions and Principles of Operation of the Major Types of Valves
Day Two: Valve in P&IDs, Leakage, Valve Characteristics and Valve Size Calculations
- Continuation of the Definitions and Principles of Operation of more Major Types of Valves
- Additional associated Equipment - Pertinent with Valves
- P&ID Diagrams associated with Valves
- Valve Leakage and Valve Leakage Rate Calculation
- Valve Inherent Characteristics and their importance once installed
- Performing Manual Calculations - for Valve Sizing
Day Three: Valve Software, Actuators, Positioners, Cavitation & Noise Control & SIS
- Software Used to Size Control Valves
- Assorted Actuators and their Properties and Characteristics
- Valve Positioners
- Cavitation and Noise Control - in and around valves
- Valves and How They Fit into Pressure Relief and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
- Using Digital Controllers - with valves
Day Four: 3-term Controllers and Loop-tuning for Processes Containing Control Valves
- Understanding and Implementing the Right Controller Action - for fail-safe valves
- Understanding all of the Variables - associated with three-term control
- Open Loop Tuning - for controllers that act on control valve loops
- Closed Loop Tuning - for controllers that act on control valve loops
- Trial and Error Tuning - to optimize control valve performance
Day Five: Using Valves in Cascade, Ratio, Dead-Time Dominant, Non-Linear and PLC-Controlled Processes
- Setting-up a Cascade Loop - using a single valve and multiple controllers
- Setting-up a Ratio Loop - using a Single Valve and Multiple Process Variables (PVs)
- Dead Time Dominant Loops - how this affects the valve performance, and how this is corrected
- Using a Control Valve in a process that exhibits different responses in different zones
- Combining PLCs - for valve control