Development of Affinity Relations for Modeling Characteristics of Check Valves

Abstract

The moving element in a check valve assumes positions depending on flow which makes modeling more complicated than that of fixed geometry devices. Thus, it is necessary to determine the force on the plate to predict the equivalent in larger valves which may be inconvenient to build and test at full scale. Test data is obtained and affinity relations developed for scaling the resistance to flow, torque, and position. An example of the complete procedure for a geometrically similar valve is provided showing the test torque at several fixed angles and the prediction of the pressure loss and plate angles in a much larger valve, together with field data confirming the results.