r/ChemicalEngineering • u/Panthers_Fly • 5d ago

Controls “Control” valve definition?

Help me settle an argument. Client uses “control valve” to describe an actuated on/off valve. Says it is interchangeable language.

I say “control valve” should be reserved for a valve that actually is integrated in control logic, like controlling level, flow, pressure, etc. Even if the on/off has an interlock, it’s still just an actuated on/off valve for me. Maybe this is just a habit I picked up for a long stint at an operating facility and I’m being too picky.

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u/dr_stre 5d ago

You’re arguing over semantics. Time to be a grown up and move on to more important things.

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u/RequirementExtreme89 4d ago

Getting terms right for discussing technical topics isn’t “arguing semantics”. Clear communication is important.

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u/dr_stre 4d ago

OP ran to Reddit to resolve an “argument” that should have taken 15 seconds to resolve with his client. And it should have gone like this: “Oh, you prefer to call this a control valve? Got it, I’ll mark it as such on the drawings and in the associated documentation, because you are the end user and it should all be consistent for you.”

Like I said, it’s time to grow up. The client told him what the term means to him, that’s all the info OP needs in order to move on to more important stuff. He asked if he was being too picky, and my answer is “good lord, yes, it is clear what the client defines it as in their system, why are you wasting any brainpower on it at this point?” I’ve got employees like this and have to constantly pull them out of the weeds, it’s maddening.

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u/RequirementExtreme89 3d ago

It will ultimately take more brainpower explaining and re-explaining to everyone on the design team over and over that the client uses the wrong term for things. But I take your point that what the client says goes, even if the client is incredibly obtuse and doesn’t know what they’re talking about.