Begin with the tag and service, then read size, pressure designation, valve type, connection, materials and actuation across the same row. Finally, trace every note, legend and specification reference that modifies those columns.
Start with the tag, not the product name
The tag connects the valve to a line, system or equipment item. Two rows may both say “butterfly valve” but require different seats, operators or test documents because their services differ.
Read the row in five passes
- Identity: tag number, quantity, line or service description.
- Mechanical basis: size, pressure designation, end connection and face-to-face requirement.
- Materials: body, disc or trim, seat, stem and seals where specified.
- Operation: lever, gearbox, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator or bare shaft.
- Project controls: coating, test standard, certificates, marking, spares and inspection hold points.
Watch for information stored outside the row
Many schedules use short codes. “MAT-03”, “SPEC A” or a note number may carry the most important requirement. Include the legend and referenced sheets with the RFQ; a cropped schedule screenshot can remove the definitions needed to quote it.
Common conflicts to mark before pricing
Connection versus standard
A flange class without facing, drilling or dimensional standard may not define the required connection.
Material shorthand
“DI” may identify the body but say nothing about the disc, stem, seat, coating or fasteners.
Actuator description
“Electric” still leaves voltage, control signal, enclosure, fail position and accessories unresolved.
Quantity totals
One grand total is not enough when several sizes and configurations share the same schedule.
Turn gaps into an RFQ query list
Do not fill missing cells from memory. Add a query column and label each point “buyer to confirm”, “supplier to propose” or “refer to attached specification”. This makes the final quotation auditable.
What the supplier should return
A useful quotation repeats the technical basis, identifies deviations and lists the documents included. If the offer only repeats a model number and price, the schedule has not yet been converted into an order basis.