An experimental study was undertaken to verify an axisymmetric numerical model of a control valve flow field. The numerical model, which utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), was formerly developed to be used as a design tool by manufacturers of control valves. In this work the model was first tested by comparing its results to data taken on an axisymmetric flow field experiment. Then the model’s application to actual three-dimensional control valves was tested by studying the pressure and flow field through a three-dimensional control valve. The results showed that the axisymmetric numerical model is accurately modeling an axisymmetric flow field. In addition, the results showed that control valves have a predominantly axisymmetric flow field for most of their plug travel which make them suitable for the model. Finally, the results showed details about the flow field such as where separation and reattachment may occur.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
valves, performance evaluation, design engineering, flow control, flow visualisation, tracers
Topics:
Flow (Dynamics), Valves, Pressure
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Copyright © 2002
 by ASME
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