Complete photographic inspection guide for capturing Fisher control valve, actuator, and positioner nameplates for maximum surplus valuation. This guidance helps a seller prepare information for a surplus-equipment review; it does not provide engineering, inspection, repair, certification, or installation advice.
The Three Essential Nameplates on a Fisher Control Valve
A complete automated Fisher control valve features at least three independent manufacturer identification plates: the Valve Body Nameplate, the Actuator Nameplate, and the Digital Valve Controller (DVC) Nameplate. Attempting to identify an entire assembly from only one of these tags leads to incomplete or inaccurate valuation.
The Valve Body Nameplate is typically riveted to the bonnet neck or upper body flange. It details the valve size, ANSI pressure class, body casting material, serial number, figure number, trim code, and flow characteristic. The Actuator Nameplate is mounted to the side of the diaphragm or piston barrel, recording actuator model, casing size, bench set pressure, and operating travel stroke.
The Instrument Nameplate is riveted to the aluminum or stainless steel housing of the FIELDVUE DVC6200, DVC6000, or 3610J positioner. It records the digital communication protocol, hazardous location certification, and instrument serial number. Capturing all three plates ensures an immediate, comprehensive review.
Deciphering the Valve Body Tag: Key Stamped Fields
When photographing the valve body nameplate, ensure the following fields are razor-sharp and legible: 'Serial No.' (a unique 8-digit tracking number assigned by the factory), 'Type' (e.g., ED, ET, EZ, V150, EWT), 'Size' (e.g., 2", 4", 6", 8"), and 'Rating' (e.g., 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 ANSI).
Pay special attention to the 'Trim' or 'Trim Code' field. A code such as 'Trim 101' designates standard 316 stainless steel internal parts, while 'Trim 107' or specialized Cavitrol codes designate severe-service hardened alloy or Stellite trim that substantially increases the assembly's value.
Also check for stamped designations indicating 'NACE MR0175' compliance (for sour oil and gas service) or special oxygen/chlorine cleaning certifications. These factory stamps expand the secondary market buyer pool.
Deciphering the Actuator Tag: Bench Set, Size & Travel
On the Fisher actuator tag (e.g., Type 657 or Type 667), the 'Bench Set' field indicates the initial spring compression in pounds per square inch (e.g., '3 - 15 PSI', '6 - 30 PSI', '10 - 30 PSI'). This data reveals the air pressure required to stroke the valve across its full design travel before dynamic line pressure is applied.
The 'Oper. Range' and 'Max Casing Pressure' fields establish the operational limits of the pneumatic diaphragm casing. Record whether the unit is equipped with a top-mounted or side-mounted handwheel, and photograph the travel indicator plate located on the actuator yoke.
Ensure the stamped serial number on the actuator tag is photographed. Even if the body tag has been damaged by sandblasting or chemical exposure, Emerson factory records can frequently cross-reference the actuator serial number to retrieve the original valve bill of materials.
Overcoming Lighting, Glare & Painted Nameplates
Stainless steel and aluminum nameplates are highly reflective. Using direct on-camera flash typically creates a blown-out white glare spot that obscures the most critical stamped characters. To achieve optimal legibility, turn off your camera flash and illuminate the tag from a 45-degree angle using a separate flashlight or diffused warehouse lighting.
If the nameplate has been coated with warehouse spray paint or primer, do not scrape it with screwdrivers, putty knives, or wire brushes, as this will scratch off the lightly stamped serial numbers. Instead, apply a small amount of citrus-based paint remover or mineral spirits to a shop rag and gently wipe the embossed lettering clean.
Take one overall photo showing the tag's physical location on the valve assembly, followed by a tight macro photo focused squarely on the stamped lettering. Review the image on your phone screen before moving to the next item.
Organizing Image Files with Unique Lot Item Numbers
When inventorying multiple valves, assign each assembly a distinct item identifier (e.g., 'V-001', 'V-002', 'V-003'). Place a piece of painters tape or a magnetic tag with this item number on the valve body before taking photos.
Name your photo files to match the item number (e.g., 'V001-overall.jpg', 'V001-body-tag.jpg', 'V001-actuator-tag.jpg', 'V001-positioner-tag.jpg'). This simple organization prevents photos of different valves from becoming mixed together and allows our appraisal team to evaluate large multi-pallet inventories in hours rather than days.