The Fisher Control Valve Handbook, now in its 4th edition, is considered a classic on process control valves.
http://www.documentation.emersonprocess.com/groups/public/documents/book/cvh99.pdf
Emerson also publishes a valve sizing calculation white paper using traditional methods:
http://www.documentation.emersonprocess.com/groups/public/documents/reference/d351798x012_11.pdf
To actually order a valve you'll need to specify its Cv, which requires a knowledge of the process (how much pressure do you want the valve to drop?) and
- process medium (maybe viscosity)
- specific gravity at operating temp
- operating temperature span
- operating pressure span, inlet pressure, outlet pressure (delta P)
- flow rate
What the valve needs to be:
style - 2 way/3 way
valve body material
trim material
flow characteristic needed: linear, equal percentage, quick opening
body line size
end connections: threaded/flanged/
leakage requirement
bonnet
packing material
spring range
actuator actuation - pneumatic? electric?
actuator action in the event of signal failure: fail open/closed/last
line pressure against which the valve actuator must operate and close against
Accessories
- positioner or I/P only?
- position feedback?
- proof of closure/open switches?
- gauges ?
- EXP ?
- input? 4-20mA? Fieldbus?
- Handwheel?
- airset?
- purge or drain connections?
- solenoid valve?