Computational Fluid Analysis of Flow Losses in Globe Valves

Globe valves are commonly used as a volumetric flow control device in several industrial applications to regulate fluid flow and the pressure difference across the piping systems. The flow inside the globe valve is quite complex due to its complicated geometry and nonlinear characteristics. However, due to the advancement in numerical schemes and simulation techniques, its complex flow characteristics and the associated fluid losses can now be comprehensively studied using numerical modelling. The present study examines the flow characteristics and the flow losses that occur in the fluid due to the pressure loss taking place due to the orifice and flow bend present in a globe valve. A comprehensive study of 20.0 mm nominal diameter globe valve for the laminar and turbulent regimes was performed using commercial CFD package STAR CCM+ under different operating conditions to visualize the flow characteristics and study the loss factor and pressure drop under various valve openings. The results provide with access to understanding the flow pattern and help in determining methods, which could be adopted to improve performance of such valves.