Experimental Research of Valve Tightness at Different Closure Forces

Abstract

Power valves are installed on almost all the pipelines of nuclear power plants performing the functions of regulation and shutting off the flow, so its failure often leads to emergencies. A particularly large number of failures is observed in motor-operated valves. Incorrect setting of the limiting clutch leads either to incomplete closure of the valve or to rod failure. Therefore, the valves are equipment of a nuclear power plant, which often falls into repair shops. Failures leading to an increase of valve leakage are especially dangerous for nuclear power plants. In this case, leakage of high-pressure valves leads to erosion of the sealing surfaces, which only increases the leakage. Thus, it is very important to determine the optimum rotational value when the valve is closed. The lack of conditions for closure force in the standards for valve leakage complicates the issue.
 A bench that allows working in the air with a pressure up to 3.5 MPa was developed on valve rod to study dependence of valve leakage on the rotational moment. Four independent parameters were measured: air pressure in front of the valve under study, closure force of the valve, volume of air loss through the valve and leakage time. A standard stop valve with a nominal diameter of 15 mm and a nominal pressure of 64 atm was used for the study.
 The determined dependence of the leakage on torque value allows recommending a gentler mode of valve closure without significantly reducing its tightness. As a result of experimental data processing, a criterial equation is obtained linking a leakage rate, pressure drop on the valve and a rotational moment value. The received criterial equation will allow defining the compromise between valve closure force and permissible leak level according to regulatory requirements. The analysis of the “leakage/rotational moment” diagram showed the possibility to reveal the damaged valves. This possibility may be used during the incoming inspection of the valves supplied to NPP, which should significantly improve the reliability of their operation.