A spotlight on our Valve Doctor™ programme

With over 20 years’ experience in power and nuclear industries, Valve Doctor and IMI Insyt Lead Engineer, Shelley Notarnicola, shares insight into how the Valve Doctor™ Programme is creating impact at IMI.
Global
Global

Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, our Valve Doctor™ programme comprises of technical experts, highly skilled in valve design and industrial system integration across severe service applications. Candidates for the programme undergo rigorous, seven-year training that includes classroom sessions, hands-on experience, and close mentoring.

IMI Valve Doctors™ work alongside our customers to develop problem-solving solutions in cases where a solution did not previously exist.

With over 20 years’ experience in power and nuclear industries, Valve Doctor and IMI Insyt Lead Engineer, Shelley Notarnicola, shares insight into how the Valve Doctor® Programme is creating impact at IMI.

How is the Valve Doctor programme creating value at IMI?

Valve Doctors™ are highly experienced engineers who specialise in diverse energy sectors worldwide. Our training involves understanding customer economic drivers, salesmanship and highlighting how our products address application challenges.

With this background, we serve as the vital link for technical discussions with customers.  By solving critical problems, driving innovative solutions, and maintaining product engineering standards, Valve Doctors enhance reliability, efficiency, and safety for our customers.

Candidates for the Valve Doctor programme undergo rigorous training, what does that entail?

The programme enhances candidates skills by focusing on three core qualities: value selling, innovative design, and problem-solving.

Individuals engage in self-guided projects, such as creating new designs, improving engineering documentation, leading internal trainings, and delivering customer presentations. Mentors provide guidance, but candidates often propose projects to address technical gaps.

What's the most exciting project you've been involved in since becoming a Valve Doctor?

IMI Insyt is an advanced data-driven solution for predictive plant maintenance which identifies system problems, like cracks and leaks, before they occur. As part of the Insyt Growth Hub group, I collaborate with large U.S. power plants to extend the lifespan of their IMI equipment and peripheral piping.

Rushed construction often leads to design gaps between how a plant is intended to operate and its actual performance. With the rise of renewable energy, fossil fuel plants cycle more frequently, exacerbating these gaps. Our team analyses power plant sensor data, identifies inefficiencies, and provides actionable recommendations for improved performance and safety.

Our future aim is to create new AI-assisted diagnostic tools for customers. Our goal is to transition from reactive analysis after failures to proactive prediction so that customer's facilities can avoid costly emergency shutdowns.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Valve Doctor?

“Doctor” reflects the idea that while customers know their power plants intimately, we bring knowledge from other facilities and scenarios. Just as you know your body best but seek a doctor’s expertise when unwell, we collaborate with customers to address operational challenges. Investigating problems, leveraging expertise, and recommending fixes—whether from personal knowledge or insights gained from fellow Valve Doctors™—brings immense satisfaction.

The longstanding success of our Valve Doctor™ programme is testament to our commitment to developing our people and serving our customers, helping them become safer, more sustainable, and more productive.