K Controls Ltd has announced that its e-training course, Pneumatic Valve Actuation, is now available free of charge to engineers working in the process industries. The course explains how pneumatic actuators function, how they are selected for use on particular types of valves or dampers and how they can be accurately monitored and controlled. Part of the course is likely to be of more general interest as the subjects of ingress protection, hazardous areas, field bus systems, and safety integrity levels are also introduced. Documents available include: Operating characteristics and sizing of pneumatic actuators; Pneumatic actuator speed control; Introduction to the different switch types used for actuator monitoring; Switches that rely on mechanics for their operation; Inductive proximity switches; Position transmitters; Solenoid control of pneumatic actuators; Positioners; Pneumatic actuator equipment interfaces; Enclosure environmental protection ratings; The explosion risk in hazardous areas; Zoning, methods of protection and equipment marking in hazardous areas; Simple apparatus and temperature classifications in hazardous areas; Introduction to field bus systems; and Introduction to safety integrity levels. If you register, further documents will be sent to you as they become available.