Predicting Globe Control Valve Performance—Part I: CFD Modeling

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools are evaluated for use in industrial design applications by predicting primary control valve performance characteristics. The performance parameter of primary interest to the manufacturer is the flow coefficient, Cv. Valves having relative valve capacity factors between 2.5 and 13 were modeled. The control valve Cv was experimentally measured and numerically predicted. Both equal percentage and linear characteristic valves were represented in the study. The numerical (simulation) study presented in Part 1 showed that the valve Cv and the inherent valve characteristic could be accurately predicted using axisymmetric flow models over most of the plug travel. In addition, the study demonstrates the usefulness of simplified CFD analysis for relatively complex 3-D flows.