Control Valves and Final Elements
This course delves into the fundamental principles and practical applications of control valves and other final control elements used in instrumentation and process control systems. Students will gain proficiency in identifying various valve types, understanding their operating characteristics, and selecting appropriate devices for specific process conditions. Topics include valve sizing, actuator types, positioners, and advanced control valve diagnostics. Emphasis is placed on safe installation procedures, routine maintenance practices, and systematic troubleshooting techniques. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to competently work with these critical components in industrial environments, ensuring efficient and reliable process operation.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Final Control Elements and Control Valve Fundamentals","Week 2: Lesson 2: Control Valve Components, Body Types, and Trim Configurations","Week 3: Lesson 3: Actuators: Pneumatic, Electric, Hydraulic, and Manual","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Control Valve Component Identification and Actuator Operation","Week 5: Lesson 4: Control Valve Accessories: Positioners, Boosters, Solenoids, and Limit Switches","Week 6: Lesson 5: Valve Characteristics, Sizing Fundamentals, and Cavitation/Flashing","Week 7: Lesson 6: Introduction to Digital Valve Controllers and Advanced Diagnostics","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Control Valve Calibration, Configuration & Midterm Review","Week 9: Lesson 7: Control Valve Selection Criteria and Application Best Practices","Week 10: Lesson 8: Common Control Valve Failures and Troubleshooting Methodologies","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Advanced Control Valve Troubleshooting and Diagnostics","Week 12: Lesson 9: Control Valve Maintenance, Packing Systems, and Leakage Control","Week 13: Lesson 10: Other Final Elements: Dampers, VSDs, and Heaters","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Control Valve Disassembly, Inspection, and Reassembly"]