The Effect of Seat Geometry on Gate Valve Noise

Abstract

Gate valves often act as a source of tonal noise in piping systems. Occasionally, this can lead to excessive environmental noise levels. This paper presents the results of a model testing program that was conducted to determine the most cost-effective way to eliminate the noise source in one such valve. Over 300 tests were conducted on 25 different valve configurations. Testing of the original valve configuration indicated that the noise was caused by vortex shedding over the valve seat cavity coupled with an acoustic resonance across the throat of the valve. Numerous modifications to the valve seats, seat cavity, and disk were tested to determine how the vortex shedding could best be controlled. The effect of these modifications on the unsteady pressures in the valve and adjacent piping are presented and discussed. For the valve under consideration, it was concluded that the noise could best be eliminated by chamfering the upstream and downstream valve seats. Recommendations for avoiding noise problems in other valve installations are presented. [S0094-9930(00)00503-5]