Gas–solid two-phase flow and erosion calculation of gate valve based on the CFD-DEM model

Abstract

Gate valves are important pipeline components in pneumatic conveying systems, and they were eroded severely by the impact of solid particles. In this study, the CFD-DEM simulation method was adopted to study the gas–solid two-phase flow characteristics and erosion characteristics of the gate valve. The accuracy of the simulation was validated by comparing the simulation and experimental data. Results show that a high-speed jet flow appears under the flashboard and induces a free shear layer, and the free shear layer attaches at the rear wall of the cavity. Particle distribution shows that the particle number at the upstream of the flashboard increases with decreasing valve opening. The particle number inside the cavity has a similar trend. The erosion results indicate that the number of particles plays an important role in erosion. The range of the erosion gradient region and the maximum erosion rate decrease with increasing particle size. Erosion of the cavity is more serious than that of the flashboard.