Pipes and Valves

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese
Capability: Audio, Video

You may know how valves work, but do you know how to select the right valve for the job based on its performance characteristics? If not, this is the course you’ve been looking for. Learn all the basic concepts and terms for evaluating a valve, including those for the amount of fluid that can flow through a given valve in a period of time, the distance the valve stem travels from the open to closed position and the relationship between the valve travel distance and the corresponding changes in flow rate. You’ll also discover how the performance of a valve can change after it’s installed in a real system with varying conditions, how well a valve can withstand pressure and prevent leakage, and how control systems can be used to increase the efficiency of valves. 

Learning Objectives

• Describe valve coefficient
• Differentiate between linear, equal percentage, and quick-open flow characteristics
• Describe how valve stroke affects flow characteristics
• Differentiate between inherent and installed flow characteristics
• Describe pressure and shutoff classes
• Differentiate between feedback and feedforward control loops
• Describe rangeability

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese, French, Polish, Russian
Capability: Audio, Video

Valves are used throughout most industrial work places, but what do you know about them? Given their importance, it’s surprising that many people don’t know what valves do or how they do it. This course offers a solid introduction to many basic concepts related to the valves used in general industry. So whether you’re a complete novice, filling some gaps in your knowledge, or just brushing up, Valve Basics has the information you’re looking for.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the basic parts of all valves
• Differentiate between types of closing motions
• Define key valve terms
• Describe materials, construction, dimensions, and connections
• Define key pipe terms
• Describe how valves are classified

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video

Valves are critical in many workplaces, and so it’s important to know how to avoid, diagnose, and fix common valve-related problems. This course focuses on flashing, cavitation, choked flow, turbulence, and noise, explaining the causes of each and providing possible solutions.

Learning Objectives

• Describe pressure drop and the problems associated with pressure drop
• Describe flashing and solutions for flashing
• Describe cavitation and the negative effects of cavitation
• Define “choked flow”
• Explain how turbulence can occur and ways to reduce turbulence and its effects
• Describe how to eliminate high noise levels in valves and piping systems

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

In most industrial facilities, process systems handle many different types of fluids. The flow of these fluids through plant piping systems is controlled by valves. To keep fluids flowing smoothly, operators need to know how valves operate and how to keep them working properly. In this interactive online course, we will discuss the various uses of valves, their parts, and valve connections.

Learning Objectives

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

• State the purpose of valves in a process system
• Describe the following types of valves: check valves, relief valves, safety valves, shutoff valves, and control valves
• Describe the parts common to most types of valves
• Identify the following valves and describe how they operate: plug valves, ball valves, and butterfly valves
• Describe some valve body styles that enable more than one flow path
• List and describe the three main methods of attaching valves in piping systems

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady, Responsive

Special Calculations is designed to familiarize participants with methods for calculating parallel offsets, areas, volumes, and liquid pressures. After completing this course, participants should be able to use right triangles and basic formulas to calculate parallel offsets using the equal spread method and the unequal spread method. They should also be able to use formulas to calculate areas, volumes, and liquid pressures.

Learning Objectives

• Calculate parallel offsets by equal and unequal spread methods
• Calculate the areas of various surface configurations
• Calculate the volumes of various-shaped tanks or other containers
• Calculate the pressure of a liquid in a pipe or other container

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic components and operation of valves commonly found in industrial sites. After completing this course, participants should be able to explain how valves can be classified, describe the parts and operation of various types of valves, and describe how valves can be operated.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the basic purpose of a valve
• Identify the basic components of a valve
• Identify the valves that are commonly classified
• Describe the basic components and operation of a gate valve
• Describe the basic components and operation of common types of globe valves
• Describe the basic components and operation of a plug valve, a ball valve, and a butterfly valve
• Describe the basic components and operation of a diaphragm valve
• Describe the basic components and operation of a swing check valve, a lift check valve, and a ball check valve
• Describe how a handwheel is used to operate a valve
• Describe how a handle is used to operate a valve
• Identify and describe common types of pneumatically, hydraulically, and electrically powered mechanical operators for valves

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with common types of pipes, pipe joints, and pipe fittings, and to provide general guidelines for working with pipes. After completing this course, participants should be able to identify common materials used to make pipes, and explain how pipes are identified and sized. They should also be able to identify common types of pipe joints and pipe fittings, and describe procedures for calculating pipe lengths, cutting pipe, and threading pipe.

Learning Objectives

• Identify some common materials used to make pipe and describe characteristics of those materials
• Describe how pipes are usually sized and explain how they are marked for identification
• Describe some common signs of wear and damage to look for during a pipe inspection
• State some basic guidelines for handling and storing pipes
• Identify some common types of pipe joints and describe their characteristics
• Identify some common types of pipe fittings and describe their functions
• Describe some basic methods for calculating the length of pipe needed between fittings
• Identify some common tools used to cut pipe and explain how they operate
• Explain how to use a pipe die to cut threads in a pipe

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Installing Screw and Welded Pipe is a course designed to familiarize participants with basic techniques for correctly installing screw and welded pipe and fittings. After completing this course, participants should be able to perform job planning and material verification; determine fitting take-off for screw, socket-weld, and butt-weld piping; and correctly assemble screw, socket-weld, and butt-weld piping.

Learning Objectives

• Perform job planning and material verification
• Determine fitting take-off for screw piping
• Use a powered threading machine to thread pipe
• Determine fitting take-off for socket-weld piping
• Correctly assemble socket-weld piping
• Determine fitting take-off for butt-weld piping
• Figure cut-back and grind a bevel on piping for butt-weld joints
• Correctly assemble butt-weld piping
• Properly align butt-weld pipe and fittings

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic procedures for performing routine maintenance on a valve and for performing a valve overhaul. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe tasks involved in preparing for valve maintenance and explain how to adjust and replace valve packing. They should also be able to describe how to disassemble a valve, inspect its parts, perform maintenance on it, and reassemble it.

Learning Objectives

• Describe tasks typically completed in preparation for performing maintenance on a valve
• Describe how to adjust packing in a valve
• Describe how to remove packing from a valve
• Describe how to replace the packing in a valve
• Describe a basic procedure for disassembling a valve
• Describe tasks associated with inspecting the parts of a valve
• Explain how lapping and spotting-in are performed on a valve seating area
• Describe a basic procedure for reassembling a valve and returning it to service

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Installing Flanges, Copper, and Plastic Pipe is a course designed to familiarize participants with basic techniques for correctly installing steel flanges, copper tubing, and plastic pipe. After completing this course, participants should be able to correctly install various types of steel flanges, calculate fitting take-off for copper fittings, solder copper fittings to copper tubing, calculate fitting take-off for plastic fittings, and join plastic pipe and fittings using the solvent cement method.

Learning Objectives

• Identify various types of flanges
• Install various types of flanges
• Correctly tighten and torque six-hole, eight-hole, and twelve-hole flanges
• Identify common types of copper tubing
• Calculate take-off for copper fittings
• Solder copper fittings to copper tubing
• Identify various types of plastic piping
• Calculate take-off for plastic fittings
• Join plastic pipe and fittings using the solvent cement method

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Installing Pipe Hangers and Supports is a course designed to familiarize participants with basic techniques for correctly installing pipe hangers and supports. After completing this course, participants should be able to explain how pipe hangers and supports handle piping movement, install various types of pipe hangers and beam attachments, install various types of pipe supports, and install wedge-type and drop-in concrete anchors.

Learning Objectives

• Explain why piping moves
• Explain how pipe hangers and supports handle piping movement
• Recognize and install various types of pipe hangers
• Recognize and install various types of beam attachments
• Recognize and install various types of pipe supports
• Recognize various types of support steel
• Lay out baseplate locations for pipe hangers and supports
• Lay out bolt hole locations for concrete anchors
• Install wedge-type concrete anchors
• Install drop-in concrete anchors

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive

Basic Pipefitting Skills is a course designed to familiarize participants with basic techniques for determining piping configurations and dimensions, measuring and cutting pipe, and correctly installing pipe and fittings. After completing this course, participants should be able to identify common piping and fittings, use blueprints and other drawings to determine piping configurations, measure and cut pipe, and install piping and fittings that are plumb, level, and square.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how piping is sized
• Identify common piping
• Identify common pipe fittings and explain how each is used
• Recognize and interpret Plan Views and Elevation Views
• Use blueprints and drawings to determine piping configurations, dimensions, and fittings required
• Verify materials for a piping installation using a Bill of Materials
• Identify drawing symbols that are used for common welded, screw, and flanged pipe fittings
• Take accurate measurements with a six-foot rule and a retractable tape
• Express piping measurements correctly orally and in writing
• Identify beginning and ending points of piping measurements
• Define the terms “take-off” and “make-up” as they pertain to piping
• Calculate fitting take-off and actual pipe lengths required from both blueprints and existing installations
• Measure, mark, and cut piping into required lengths
• Define the terms “plumb,” “level,” and “square” as they pertain to piping installations
• Use a level and a square to correctly install piping

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Calculating Offsets is designed to familiarize participants with methods for calculating dimensions and angles for piping offsets. After completing this course, participants should be able to use right triangles and basic formulas to calculate fitting angles, complementary angles, and Offset, Run, and Travel dimensions for various offsets.

Learning Objectives

• Identify each part of a right triangle
• Use a right triangle and formulas to calculate the Offset, Run, and Travel for 45 degree offsets
• Use a right triangle and formulas to calculate the Offset, Run, and Travel for 22 1/2 degree offsets
• Calculate unknown angles from known dimensions

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to familiarize participants with some of the basic components commonly found in piping systems. After completing this course, participants should be able to state the purpose of piping and pipe fittings and describe some common types of pipe fittings. They should also be able to describe devices that are used to accommodate the weight and movement of piping, and they should be able to explain how insulation and heat tracing help to control temperatures in piping systems.

Learning Objectives

• State the purpose of piping
• State the purpose of pipe fittings
• Describe the following types of pipe fittings: nipple, coupling, union, flange, elbow, tee, Y, bell reducer, bushing, plug, and cap
• Explain why piping moves and why this movement needs to be controlled
• State the functions of pipe hangers and supports
• State the functions of expansion joints and expansion loops
• Explain why piping is insulated
• Describe how steam and electrical heat tracing methods work

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to familiarize participants with some of the auxiliary components commonly found in piping systems. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the function and operation of rupture discs, relief valves, safety valves, and some common types of steam traps. They should also be able to describe basic procedures for draining and filling liquid systems, and they should be able to describe some typical operator checks for fluid systems.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the function and operation of a rupture disc
• Describe the function and operation of a relief valve
• Describe the function and operation of a safety valve
• Describe the function of a steam trap
• Describe the operation of the following types of mechanical steam traps: float traps and inverted bucket traps
• Describe the operation of a thermostatic steam trap
• Describe some typical operator checks for steam traps
• Describe basic procedures for draining liquid systems
• Describe basic procedures for filling liquid systems
• Describe typical operator checks for fluid systems

Duration: 2.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to introduce participants to various types of electric and hydraulic actuators that are used to control valves in process systems. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the basic operation of solenoid actuators, motor-operated actuators, and various types of hydraulic actuators. They should also be able to explain the function of a pilot valve and describe problems associated with hydraulic actuators.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the basic operation of a solenoid actuator
• Describe the basic operation of a motor-operated actuator
• Describe the function of torque switches
• Describe the function of limit switches
• Describe the operation of a single-acting, spring-return hydraulic actuator
• Describe the basic operation of a double-acting hydraulic actuator
• Describe the function of a pilot valve
• Describe some ways to identify actuator problems

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Safety valves are commonly used in gas and steam systems to relieve excess pressure before it can cause injuries or equipment damage. Safety valves open quickly to release large volumes of gas or steam. This course is divided into two sections. Section 1: Types of Safety Valves, covers the concept of pressure and how it is measured and explores methods of relieving excess pressure through use of a rupture disc systems, relief valve systems, and safety valves. Section 2: Safety Valve Maintenance describes troubleshooting and basic maintenance procedures for a typical safety valve. The section consists of three parts:

• External Inspection
• Disassembly and Inspection
• Reassembly and Testing

Learning Objectives

Section 1: Types of Safety Valves

Topic 1: Pressure and Rupture Disc Systems

• Define the term pressure
• Explain how pressure is measured
• Relate the use of rupture disc systems to limit pressure and protect personnel, process, and equipment
• Express the economics involved in the decision to use rupture disc system

Topic 2: Pressure Relief Devices

• Explain the use of relief valve systems to limit system pressure without performance interruption or shut down
• Explain why a relief valve should not be used for steam and gas systems

Topic 3: Types of Safety Valves

• Explain the use of safety valve systems to limit system pressure without performance interruption or shut down
• Describe the parts and operation of a typical huddling chamber safety valve
• Describe the parts and operation of a typical safety-relief valve and a typical pilot-actuated relief valve

Section 2: Safety Valve Maintenance

Topic 1: External Inspection and Troubleshooting

• Describe a procedure for performing an external inspection on a safety valve

Topic 2: Disassembly and Inspection

• Describe procedures for disassembling a safety valve and inspecting its internal components

Topic 3: Reassembly

• Describe procedures for reassembling and testing a safety valve before reinstalling it

Topic 4: Reinstallation and Testing

• Describe procedures for reinstalling and testing a safety valve before putting it in service

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a general understanding of the basic types and operation of valves. The flow of fluids through plant piping systems is controlled by valves. In order to keep fluids flowing smoothly, operators need to know how valves operate and how to keep them working properly. At the end of this course, participants will have a better understanding of the types, purposes, and applications of various valves.

Learning Objectives

• Identify a diaphragm valve and describe its functions and operation
• Identify a pinch valve and describe its functions and operation
• Identify swing check valves, lift check valves, and ball check valves, and describe their functions and operation
• Describe the function and operation of relief valves
• Describe typical uses of relief valves
• Describe the function and operation of safety valves
• Describe typical uses of safety valves

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Some of the valves that are used to control the flow of fluids in process systems have to be opened, closed, or throttled frequently. Manually positioning these valves using handwheels or levers is not always practical. Instead of handwheels or levers, actuators are often used to position the valves. This module is designed to introduce participants to actuators in general and pneumatic actors in particular.

Learning Objectives

Actuators and Control Valves

• Define actuator
• Describe the three basic types of actuators
• Describe the function of an actuator
• Describe the function of a controller
• Describe the function of a control valve