The Parametric Modeling of Local Resistance and Pressure Drop in a Rotary Ball Valve

Abstract

In this paper, a theoretical study of ball valves is carried out for investigating the local resistance and pressure drop of ball valves in operating process. An equivalent model of ball valves is proposed based on the inherent mechanism of the resistance loss, which can be divided into three equivalent throttling components: a thick orifice, two variable-opening eccentric orifice plates, and a Z type elbow. Through analysis of the flow resistance of the three components, a general parametric modeling of ball valves is presented for the flow resistance analysis, and then an analytical formula of pressure drop is demonstrated. The results obtained from the presented model are compared with the prior test data to validate this model, and good agreement is observed. Indicate that the presented model has high accuracy in predicting the resistance and pressure loss in various openings. The results show that the influences of thin orifice plates play an important role in the total flow resistance coefficient and pressure drop, especially in the small opening. The effects of thick orifice plates and the Z type elbow gradually increased as the valve opening rises and becomes significant when the opening is more than 70%.