A method for automatic operation of a delayed coker comprising: initiating an automatic batch sequence computer control system configured to automatically operate process valves in a delayed coker through a sequence of steps for a complete coke drum cycle; and in at least one step of the sequence, verifying a position of a set of double block valves commanded to move to an open position or a closed position before advancing to a next step of the sequence; wherein the verifying the position of the set of double block valves comprises in any sequence: establishing a primary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a position sensor on each double block valve that detect that the position of each double block valve is in the correct open or closed position as commanded by the control system; and establishing a secondary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a pressure transmitter that indicates a measured pressure in a process pipe between the double block valves is correctly below or above a predetermined threshold stored in the control system according to whether the set of double block valves has been commanded to move to an open or closed position, respectively. initiating an automatic batch sequence computer control system configured to automatically operate process valves in a delayed coker through a sequence of steps for a complete coke drum cycle; and in at least one step of the sequence, verifying a position of a set of double block valves commanded to move to an open position or a closed position before advancing to a next step of the sequence; wherein the verifying the position of the set of double block valves comprises in any sequence: establishing a primary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a position sensor on each double block valve that detect that the position of each double block valve is in the correct open or closed position as commanded by the control system; and establishing a secondary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a pressure transmitter that indicates a measured pressure in a process pipe between the double block valves is correctly below or above a predetermined threshold stored in the control system according to whether the set of double block valves has been commanded to move to an open or closed position, respectively. establishing a primary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a position sensor on each double block valve that detect that the position of each double block valve is in the correct open or closed position as commanded by the control system; and establishing a secondary verification of the position of the set of double block valves by receiving a signal from a pressure transmitter that indicates a measured pressure in a process pipe between the double block valves is correctly below or above a predetermined threshold stored in the control system according to whether the set of double block valves has been commanded to move to an open or closed position, respectively.