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Welcome to Valve Academy

Blackhall is working towards being accredited by EUSR.

Your premier destination for mastering valve technology and infrastructure in dam and reservoir management. Our courses are tailored for consultants, engineers, operators, and students alike, providing you with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this ever-evolving industry.

Water companies in the UK are embarking on a transformative journey between 2025 and 2030. A staggering £96 billion is earmarked for the replacement and upgrading of the existing water infrastructure. This monumental investment represents the largest water infrastructure renewal programme in Europe, reflecting the urgency of modernising assets to ensure resilience against growing climate impacts and population pressures.

The central goals of this initiative are multifaceted. By upgrading ageing pipes, treatment plants, and reservoirs, water companies aim to reduce leakage, enhance water quality and sustain the environment. This programme represents not just an investment in the network but a commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that the water system can support communities and industries long-term.

Additionally, the PR24 framework outlined by the water sector underscores the importance of innovation and efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and adopting best practices, water organisations can achieve these ambitious objectives more efficiently and effectively

Our courses are taught by Dr Aadil Rafiq, a highly experienced design engineer and PhD holder. With over 10 years of experience, Dr Rafiq has been deeply involved in designing, manufacturing, and testing valves for sectors such as water, oil and gas, energy, and cryogenics. He was instrumental in the design and installation of the world’s largest gate valve for TRWD-USA.

Ideal for wide range of professionals, including:

Courses We Offer

1. Right First Time

Course No: VA001

Audience: Consultants, professional engineers

Synopsis: A comprehensive course for professionals involved in new dam construction, valve and pipeline systems, as well as modifications and increasing drawdown capacity. Participants will explore design considerations, syphon principles, and end-of-life replacement philosophies, with real-life examples illustrating the cost of failure.

Modules

2. Mission Capable

Course No: VA002

Audience: Industry professionals

Synopsis: Delve into the evolution of water valve standards, exploring the inadequacies of current national and international standards. This course highlights lessons learned from legacy assets and modern failures, providing actionable insights for improving valve longevity, sustainability, and carbon reduction.

Modules

3. Know the Limits

Course No: VA003

Audience: Valve operators, supervising engineers

Synopsis: This course educates operators on the risks associated with valve operations, focusing on safety, risk mitigation, and compliance. Ideal for both new and experienced operators, it offers peace of mind by reducing the risk of catastrophic events.

Modules

4. Mission Ready

Course No: VA004

Audience: Dam professionals, valve owners, and operators

Synopsis: Aimed at shifting the mindset from reactive to preventative valve management, this course provides clarity on maintaining valves based on over 50 years of industry experience. It offers practical guidance to surpass current compliance standards and prepare for impending regulations.

Modules

5. Dead and Buried

Course No: VA005

Audience: Valve owners and operators

Synopsis: Learn how to determine when a valve has reached the end of its life and explore options for refurbishment that can double its lifespan, providing significant cost savings.

Modules

6. The Future: Going Digital

Course No: VA006

Audience: Industry professionals

Synopsis: Explore how to integrate digital technology into your aging valve assets. This course guides you through cost-effective solutions to predict and prevent failures using AI, IoT, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques.

Modules

Course Details

Duration: Each course is 1 day in length.

Format: Courses are delivered live in person, incorporating a mix of hands-on learning and presentation slides for the more technical aspects.

Completion Requirements: Candidates must complete 3 courses to receive their Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) accreditation, akin to the Water Hygiene Card. This accreditation needs to be refreshed every 3 years.

Pricing: Up to 6 people: £440 per person per course. For 7 or more attendees: £395 per person per course.

Certification: Upon completion, customers receive an EUSR accreditation, which is recognised across the utility sector.

Course Schedule

Course dates will be announced soon. Register now to ensure you're among the first to be notified when registration opens. Registered users will receive an exclusive email invite once the dates are confirmed.

Register your interest now!