The CFIHOS specification is freely available for anyone to download and use from www. cfihos. org. Get in touch and find out more about what we do. π www. valve-world. net Valve World February 2026 33
Standardisation
Figure 1: JIP33 Specification for procurement documents, Source: https:// www. iogp-jip33. org / about /]
• Standardised Data Sheets( SDS)
• Quality Requirement Specifications( QRS)
• Information Requirement Specifications( IRS)
The IRS is key: it defines exactly what data must be delivered, in what format, and as what deliverable. By adopting JIP33, companies eliminate project-specific templates and ensure the“ 80 %” of valve data is captured consistently. All JIP33 specifications are hosted on the IOGP Publications Library and are available free for use by anyone.
2. CFIHOS( JIP36) – Enabling structured handover CFIHOS( Capital Facilities Information HandOver Specification), pronounced“ seefos”, also known as JIP36, is IOGP’ s initiative to standardised the handover of asset data from project execution to operations. It provides a machine-readable data model and a Reference Data Library( RDL) that enables integration with ERP( Enterprise Resource Planning), EAM( Enterprise Asset Management), and CMMS( Computerized Maintenance Management Systems). Crucially, the CFIHOS Reference Data Library is designed to support global operations, explicitly incorporating both American standards( API, ASME) and their International equivalents( ISO). It is important to note that CFIHOS is still a work in progress. However, it is not a theoretical exercise; like, JIP33, a significant number of major global operators and EPCs have already formally adopted the JIP36 framework. For CFIHOS to become the definitive standard, the valve industry must continue to refine the RDL to ensure it captures the nuance of different assets. It represents the industry’ s best opportunity to replace hundreds of proprietary handover specs with a single, unified language. Now, back to semantics.
bp Equinor Saudi Aramco Chevron ExxonMobil Shell ConocoPhillips Petrobras TotalEnergies Eni PETRONAS Woodside Energy Figure 2: Major operators sponsoring JIP33, Source: https:// www. iogp-jip33. org / about /
Semantics: The language of interoperability
While standards provide structure, semantics provide meaning— and meaning is what enables true interoperability across systems, vendors and lifecycle stages. At its core, semantic modelling uses subject – predicate – object triples to describe relationships between data elements. This approach transforms static attributes into a machine-readable ontology, allowing different systems to interpret the same concept even when labels differ.
Semantic Triple representation of valve data Example: Ball valve representation
• Subject: Ball Valve,
• Predicate: size → Object: 4 in.
• Predicate: has rating → Object: Class 300
• Predicate: hasEndConnection → Object: Raised Face( ASME B16.5)
• Predicate: hasTrimMaterial → Object: 316 SS
• Predicate: isActuatedBy → Object: Pneumatic actuator( ISO 5211)
• Predicate: conformsToStandard → Object: API 608
Each predicate acts as a semantic anchor, ensuring that synonyms, abbreviations and even multilingual terms map to the same concept. This is critical for global projects where data flows between EPCs, manufacturers and operators using different templates.
It ' s a common language for information handover
Information is entered and verified just once
Then it ' s shared with other users across the supply chain
People can find the information they need quickly and easily
1. Why semantics matters
• Avoids ambiguity:“ End Connection” in one system and“ Flange Type” in another can both map to hasEndConnection.
• Supports global standards: API, ASME, and ISO equivalents can coexist without duplication because semantics link them under shared concepts.
• Enables extensibility: Owner-specific requirements( e. g., actuator logic, torque curves) can be added without breaking alignment with standardised attributes.
2. Beyond attributes: Linking context Semantics allow contextual relationships:
• Valves can link to actuators, control logic and maintenance history through predicates like isPartOfSystem or hasMaintenanceRecord.
Compliance attributes( e. g., conformsToStandard) can reference multiple standards simultaneously, enabling automated checks for API, ISO, and regional codes.
3. Why now? Historically, semantic frameworks were seen as academic or niche. Today, they are embedded in initiatives like CFIHOS, which uses an ontology-based Reference Data Library( RDL) to define these relationships. Combined with AI, semantics make automated mapping between JIP33 procurement data and CFIHOS handover models practical and scalable.
The CFIHOS specification can be used for information handover when commissioning, operating, maintaining or decommissioning any process industry capital facility.
Greater interoperability
Faster handover
Improved reliability and safety
Savings in time, money and resources
CFIHOS delivers real benefits
Reduction in operational risks
Modifications are easier to make
Asset information quality is assured
CFIHOS’ members come from across the supply chain
We work together to continually improve the specification
Figure 3: CFIHOS data handover process, Source: https:// www. jip36-cfihos. org / wp-content / uploads / 2021 / 06 / CFIHOS-infographic. pdf
To make information handover even quicker, easier, safer and more reliable
The CFIHOS specification is freely available for anyone to download and use from www. cfihos. org. Get in touch and find out more about what we do. π www. valve-world. net Valve World February 2026 33