Effects of valve disc truss on hydrodynamic torque of huge butterfly valve

Abstract

The butterfly valve plays an important role in water transportation and flow regulation in pipeline systems. As huge butterfly valves are developed, the valve disc is more prone to deformation under hydrodynamic torque, which puts forward higher requirements for actuators and valve disc design. The valve disc with truss offers practical advantages like high compressive strength, low flow resistance, large flow area and energy efficiency. This paper investigates the effects of valve disc truss on flow characteristics and hydrodynamic torque of huge butterfly valve using a sliding grid model. Experimental verification of flow rate and hydrodynamic torque confirms the accuracy and feasibility of numerical simulations. The results show that uneven pressure distribution and pressure difference at different rotating angles are causes of hydrodynamic torque. Truss arrangement and rotating direction affect the angle corresponding to maximum hydrodynamic torque. Four inclined trusses with an angle below 55° is the optimal disc structure and a lower flow velocity with faster closing speed is beneficial for reducing energy loss while ensuring overall safety performance. This work provides significant reference value for the structural optimization of huge butterfly valve and actuator design.