Flow-Induced Steam Valve Vibrations—A Literature Review of Excitation Mechanisms, Preventive Measures, and Design Improvements

Abstract

Steam turbine inlet valves are used to control the power output of steam turbines for power generation. These valves may be subject to vibration under certain operating conditions, especially in part-load operation. Several research papers and reports show that elevated valve vibrations can result in damage to parts of a steam turbine installation. A comprehensive literature review considering 43 different valves investigated in 51 studies reveals the effects causing vibrations. The physics of these effects are explained and methods for reducing flow-induced dynamic forces are presented based on the findings published in the literature. A classification scheme for typical valve designs is developed and the design features are evaluated in terms of valve vibration. Numerical methods for analyzing the fluid dynamics of valves are also presented.