Valve Specification Sheets: Content Requirements and Best Practices

ted wang
Jun 5
2 min read

Valve specification sheets (data sheets) are the primary engineering documents that define valve requirements for procurement, manufacturing, and inspection. Well-prepared data sheets prevent misunderstandings and ensure that supplied valves meet process requirements.

Essential Data Sheet Content

Tag number and service description
Valve type (gate, globe, ball, butterfly, check, etc.) and size
Pressure-temperature rating (ASME Class or PN designation)
Body, bonnet, stem, trim, and seat materials
End connection type and facing (RF, RTJ, BW, socket weld)
Leakage class (ASME FCI 70-2 or API 598 acceptance class)
Operating conditions: normal and design pressure and temperature
Fluid name, phase, and relevant properties

Actuator and Control Information

Actuator type: handwheel, pneumatic, electric, hydraulic
Fail position: fail-open, fail-closed, fail-in-last-position
Control signal type: 4-20 mA, discrete on/off, HART
Supply pressure for pneumatic actuators
Position transmitter and limit switch requirements

Testing and Inspection Requirements

The data sheet should specify required testing beyond standard factory acceptance tests, including: hydrostatic shell test, seat leakage test, low-pressure seat test, anti-static test, fire-safe test, and fugitive emission test requirements.

Standards and Codes

Reference standards must be listed on the data sheet, including design standard (ASME B16.34, API 600, API 608, etc.), end connection standard, testing standard, and material specification numbers for each component.

Common Data Sheet Mistakes

Not specifying operating conditions separately from design conditions
Omitting fugitive emission requirements for applicable services
Failing to specify stem position when valve is open (rising vs non-rising)
Not stating whether full bore or reduced bore is required
Neglecting to specify SIL level for safety-critical valves

Document Management

Valve data sheets should be managed under document control and linked to the project instrument index and valve list. Revisions must be tracked and communicated to vendor and inspection personnel.