Maintenance and Engineering

Control Valves Sizing and Troubleshooting

Control valves are the final elements in most control loops, and their performance directly affects process stability. This course covers control valve types, characteristics, sizing, cavitation and noise, actuators and positioners, valve diagnostics, common problems such as stiction and troubleshooting.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Poorly sized or maintained valves cause unstable control and wasted energy. You will learn to size, maintain and troubleshoot control valves.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Sizing calculations, diagnostic data interpretation, case studies and troubleshooting exercises.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain control valve types and characteristics
Size control valves for given conditions
Recognise cavitation, flashing and noise problems
Select actuators and positioners
Use valve diagnostics
Troubleshoot common valve problems

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Instrument and control engineers
Process engineers
Maintenance technicians
Valve specialists
Plant operators

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Valve selection
Sizing
Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
Control loop awareness

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Control Valve Basics

09:00–10:08Valve types
10:08–11:00Characteristics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Characteristics (continued)
11:45–12:53Rangeability
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Sizing

09:00–10:08Flow coefficients
10:08–11:00Sizing calculations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Sizing calculations (continued)
11:45–12:53Software tools
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 3Severe Service

09:00–10:08Cavitation and flashing
10:08–11:00Noise
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Noise (continued)
11:45–12:53Special trims
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 4Actuators and Positioners

09:00–10:08Actuator types
10:08–11:00Smart positioners
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Smart positioners (continued)
11:45–12:53Diagnostics
12:53–14:00Demonstration

Day 5Troubleshooting

09:00–10:08Stiction and deadband
10:08–11:00Loop performance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Loop performance (continued)
11:45–12:53Maintenance
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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