Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Butterfly Valve Performance Factors

Abstract

Experimental and simulated performance factors for a 48‐in.‐diameter butterfly valve were compared for various valve openings and flow conditions to determine the validity of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict butterfly valve performance factors such as pressure drop, hydrodynamic torque, flow coefficient, loss coefficient, and torque coefficient. Experimental data for the butterfly valve were obtained from the Utah Water Research Lab. Simulations were carried out on three‐dimensional models of the valve using general‐purpose CFD code STAR‐CCM+. Results show that for mid‐open valve positions (30–60 degrees), CFD adequately predicted butterfly valve performance factors. For lower valve‐angle cases (10–20 degrees), CFD simulations failed to reasonably predict those same values, while higher valve‐opening angles (70–90 degrees) gave mixed results. However, CFD simulations can provide engineers the ability to understand and predict valve performance, especially when laboratory testing may not be possible.