Effect of Shaft Diameter on the Hydrodynamic Torque of Butterfly Valve Disk

Abstract

In this study, computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software and detached eddy simulation turbulence model were used to simulate butterfly valves with different designs. The effects of shaft diameters on the value and the fluctuation of valve disk torque were studied, and the physical reason was discussed. The simulation results were verified by comparing with the experimental data. The findings revealed that with the closing of the valve, the hydraulic torque of the valve disk first increases and then decreases. Meanwhile, the torque decreases gradually with the increase of the shaft diameter. The variation of torque is caused by the change of pressure on both sides of the valve disk. The result also indicates that the fluctuation of torque is induced by the flow separation phenomenon occurs on the valve disk. The fluctuation is significant for the valve opening from 20% to 60%. The strength of the torque fluctuation is greater for the smaller shaft diameter. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of butterfly valves.