Control Valves Selection

The Control Valves Selection Guide includes selection criteria, supplier profiles, and strategies to help process manufacturing organizations select the correct control valves and supplier for their unique operations and business requirements.

Control Valves Selection Overview

The scope of the selection guide covers the functions of control valves as well as other critical criteria to select the control valve technology and supplier that best meets the performance requirements of the project.  The selection process is critical because control valves control fundamental operational activities such as pressure, level, flow, temperature, and other essential variables.  The guide allows those involved in the control valve selection process to make timely and fact-based decisions for the best control valves technology and supplier.

Process control valves have been a mainstay of process production and manufacturing for decades.  Control valves have become one of the most important, yet often overlooked, assets in the process industries.  Without reliable control valve operation, most processes quickly become uncontrollable leading to unplanned downtime.  This results in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost production, not to mention the potential cost of equipment repairs.  Control valve installation and maintenance practices have changed dramatically with the adoption of digital positioners, digital field networks, and predictive maintenance practices.  With the increasing trend towards digitalization, end users are increasingly looking for up-to-date information from their valves including the health of the control valve as well as other conditions to ensure the signal is accurately portraying the condition found in the operating processes.  This trend is gaining momentum by technological developments that make information available to more than just the control or monitoring function that control valves have traditionally been connected.

Selecting reliable control valves is critical.  Manufacturing processes have become complex and optimizing control valve functionality involves the combination of an expanded range of capabilities and specific technology requirements.  While control valve functionality is critical, end users must also consider a range of other aspects during the supplier selection process including a supplier’s domain expertise, geographical presence, and knowledge of certain industry dynamics.  These must all be evaluated carefully during the supplier selection process.

Control Valves Selection Strategic Issues

ARC has been researching the control valves market for decades and we know the issues:

• Application fit and function
• Support and training
• Integration with automation and information systems
• Supporting domestic and international standards
• Certification levels
• Diagnostics requirements
• Supporting standards and de-facto standards for interoperability
• Measurement technology employed
• Parameters to be measured

This ARC Selection Guide will help you select the best available control valves to meet your needs now and in the future.