Check Valves: Finite Element Analysis Wave of the Future

       optimizing the weight of the arm and clapper without over-stressing or deforming the parts. The simulation reduced the mass and inertia of the assembly by nearly 50 percent, resulting in less weight pull on the clapper, thus providing longer open time for the valve in low flow conditions. Open time was increased further by a multi-physics optimization of the angle of the clapper and arm assembly, performed using the Design Xplorer software in conjunction with both ANSYS CFX and portions of the valve body assembly as well as shock forces and deflections that occur during the emergency “slam-shut” mode of operation.

       This process has enabled the development of a new generation of check valve that provides a higher level of performance than was previously available. The valves are tentatively scheduled to hit the market early this year.

       These engineers are using the same software previously described to compile a database of valve performance under a wide range of flow rates and fluid types for each of the 50 different sizes and pressure classes of the new valve. Even with ordinary simulation and modeling processes, determining the performance characteristics for every conceivable feed condition for all 50 valves would take years to complete.

                   Instead of this pain-staking process, the engineers designed a streamlined, automated approach to determine a flow performance curve for a wide range of feed conditions for each of the 50 valves, providing them with the needed solutions in mere hours, instead of weeks.       In summation, the use of the check valve system provides an efficient, time-saving method to solve finite element method problems in larger domains.. The overall goal is to have the valves continue to flow thereby increasing productivity and saving money on costly repairs from being clogged. Thanks to the engineers at Cameron, this goal is within reach for oil refineries across the country.

 

 

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