Project Synopsis
Develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for a custom butterfly valve in a specialized chemical plant application.
Project Summary
Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client, a multi-discipline engineering firm, to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for a custom butterfly valve that was to be purchased and installed in a vapor discharge line at a chemical manufacturing facility. Due to process requirements, the valve was to be fitted with a reduced diameter disc such that flow could pass through an annular region created with the valve in the closed position. PROCESS was asked to determine a disc size that provided a specified pressure drop.
PROCESS modeled the system using MStar computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to provide the following graphical and numerical results:
- Calculated pressure drops across varied butterfly disc sizes in both the closed and partially rotated positions. These results confirmed the disc size needed.
- Velocity profile through annulus and into downstream piping. Due to abrasive solids present in the vapor it was important to ensure velocity dissipation occurred within the section of piping fitted with a hardened liner.
The client used these results to confirm the purchased valve specification.
Industry Type
- Chemicals Manufacturing
- Detail Engineering / EPC
Utilized Skills
- CFD modeling
- Control valve sizing