Wedge Gate Valves Selected during Technological Pipeline Systems Designing Service Life Assessment

Abstract

Wedge gate valves are widespread in petroleum refining industry. Manufacturers assign resources based on the valve body calculation results under the current regulatory and technical documentation. Previous studies have determined that the wedge gate valves fail before the appointed time. In some cases wedge gate valves cease to provide the locking tightness. In this regard, there was a need to adjust he wedge gate valves technical resource with account for the wedge resources, changing under the operating parameters influence.Hydrodynamic calculations were performed taking into account technological parameters using FLOWVISION. Based on these results, wedge stress-strain state (SSS) calculations were performed using FSI (fluid-structure interaction) technology. On the basis of SSS assessment the wedge number of cycles to failure was determined using a FE-SAFE module.The wedge SSS calculations ODB-file were imported to FE-SAFE module. The set calculation parameters: the dimension of physical quantities, the wedge metal physical and chemical properties, loading cycle. After calculating the wedge hooks number of cycles to failure were obtained.The calculation results showed that the wedge gate valves technical resource is primarily affected by the operating parameters such as the flow rate and pipeline system pressure. The tested valves resource values are less than those indicated by the manufacturer. The results show the need to adjust the valves assigned resource taking into account the operating parameters influence on the wedge.