CFD analysis results of Gate valve DN 200 by use of

FLUENT ANSYS software

Tel. +994 50 393 47 56

E-Mail faraj.khalikov@gmail.com
 Table of contents
Table of contents .................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
1 Theory ................................................................................................................. 4
3 Geometry ............................................................................................................. 5
2 Boundary conditions ............................................................................................ 7
3 Results................................................................................................................. 8
4 FEM Analysis ..................................................................................................... 12
5 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 19
Appendix............................................................................................................... 20
Introduction
Pressure losses in gate valve systems are point of interest in this
report. Reducing the pressure loss is important in order to reduce the
costs. Additionally flow coefficient, torque and force are derived from
CFD simulation.
For the optimization of gate valves, CFD simulation is a proven state
of the art design and simulation tool. Consequently this technique
offers everything that is required to calculate the flow coefficients of
gate valve in dependence of overall pressure difference (flow rate)
and fluid temperature.
1 Theory
Since there is a demand to get pressure loss across the gate valve at
different flow rates, the results of the simulation is presented in relation
of pressure loss to opening angle of disk.
Using non-dimensional parameters reduces the number of
experiments and simulations to be performed.
Reynolds number is given below:
𝑢𝜌𝑑
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
𝑢 – velocity of the fluid in m/s
𝜌 – density of the fluid in kg/m3
𝑑 – hydraulic diameter of the component in m
𝜇 – dynamic viscosity in Pa s
Reynold number is 1 000 000 for all the cases.
Resistance coefficient calculation （Wagner，1990） is given below:
2Δ𝑝
𝜁=
𝑢2 𝜌
Δ𝑝 – pressure loss across the component in Pa
𝑢 - velocity of the fluid in m/s
𝜌 – density of the fluid in kg/m3

Flow coefficient calculation is given below:

𝑆𝐺
𝑐𝑣 = 𝑄√
∆𝑝

Δ𝑝 – pressure loss across the component in kPa

Q – flow rate across the component in m3/h
SG – specific gravity
3 Geometry
Gate valve geometry is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Gate valve at 52.5 % opening.

Figure 2 Gate valve at 52.5 % opening.
2 Boundary conditions
Velocity inlet with speed of 4 m/s, which is taken from EN 593
standard, is used as inlet boundary condition. Eddy viscosity is
calculated automatically by ANSYS FLUENT at Intensity 1% and
hydraulic diameter 0.2 m. Outflow condition is set as outlet boundary
condition.
Flow speed 4 m/s
Viscosity 0.000001 m/s^2
Density 1000 kg/m^3
Temperature 20 C
Hydraulic diameter 0.2 m
Intensity 1 %
Model Spalart Allmaras

Table 1 Sample boundary conditions example.

Spalart allmaras and k-e turbulence models are used.
Mesh used for simulation is medium mesh. Better mesh will be applied
when workstation will be available.
In order to calculate the flow coefficient, pressure difference of 16 bar,
which is testing pressure, is given as boundary condition between inlet
and outlet.
3 Results
Pressure loss at 4 m/s flow speed is derived by use of ANSYS
FLUENT. At fully open position there is 1 kPa pressure loss, which
enables us to use several Gate valves in a serial connection. In open
position the main pressure loss is due to the wall friction on the pipe
walls.
Critical pressures are observed to be at angles below 50 % openings.
In real case flow speed is reduced by reducing opening angle. It can
be observed on Graph 4 that the flow rate is low at lower angle of
opening.
Closing speed of the gate is important parameter since cavitation and
water hammer effects have to be balanced to be negligible when
closing the valve.

Graph 1 Pressure loss of butterfly valve at different opening angles.

Torque curve is shown on Graph 2. Torque is zero at fully open
position and torque is critical only for gate opening less than 50 %.
Torque was calculated with respect to gland, connecting bonnet to the
stem, position.

Graph 2 Torque values at 4 m/s flow speed and different opening

percentages.
Force curve is given in Graph 3.

Graph 3 Force values for different angles at 4 m/s flow speed

Flow coefficient is derived by keeping inlet pressure constantly at 16
Bar.

Graph 4 Flow coefficient graph

4 FEM Analysis
Fine mesh with 3 mm size was used for FEM analysis.

Figure 3 FEM analysis mesh.

 Figure 4 Stress distribution in Pa.
25 Bar pressure was applied inside part of the Gate valve. Fully
isotropic elastic model was used for simulation. From stress
contours it can be seen that maximum stress occur at the flange
connection part of the valve. Maximum stress occurs at flange
connection parts and it is above the yield strength, 250 MPa. Since
maximum stress occur pointwise, it was decided to neglect them.
(Tunc)
Secondary high stress areas are seen on the ribs, bonnet and body,
which are equal to 180 MPa. Since stresses are below 250 MPa, it is
acceptable solution.
Figure 5 Deflection distribution in m.
Figure 6 Stress distribution in Pa.
Figure 7 Deflection distribution in m.
Figure 8 Stress distribution in Pa for one sided pressure application.
Figure 9 Deflection in mm for one sided pressure application.
5 Conclusion
Throughout project, the results of ANSYS FLUENT will be validated
by experimental data, which is going to be obtained in the future work.
The mesh used for simulation is medium. Better mesh will be
generated when workstation will be available.
Cavitation analysis showed that at 5 mm opening there is cavitation at
the bottom of the valve. Inserting a hole before and after wegde should
be considered in order to avoid cavitation hazards.
Pressure losses are negligible when the valve is fully open.
Flow coefficient, Graph 4, curve will be added to the catalogue of Gate
Valve DN 200 PN 16.
FEM analysis show that the butterfly valve is safe for use and
enhancements can be applied in future.
Appendix
Simulations are performed for cases with Re = 800 000. Cavitation is
observed at the bottom of the disk.

Figure 10 Pressure field for open state

Figure 11 Velocity contours for open state

Figure 12 Pressure contour for 52.5 % opening.

Figure 13 Velocity contour for 52.5 % opening.

Figure 14 Vector field for 52.5 % opening.

Figure 15 Streamlines for 52.5 % opening.

Figure 16 Pressure field for 2,5 % opening.

Figure 17 Velocity contour for 2,5 % opening.

Figure 18 Velocity vector field for 2,5 % opening.

Figure 19 Streamlines for 2,5 % opening.