Valve dynamics simulation is a unique engineering service offered by Klaus Enterprises. This state of the art technology is critical because valve design should be based on engineering data and actual operating conditions instead of copying, guessing or human experiences.
Why is it important
to simulate compressor and valve dynamics?
Manufacturers need to predict the performance of a design before it is built. A compressor valve can be set at different lift and springs. The setup will affect significantly valve efficiency and life.
Valve failure has to be repaired as soon as possible to save production time and valve cost.
Although actual valve motion can be measured, this intensive study is too costly and cumbersome to perform in field units.
Simulation was developed to apply mathematical models for compressor
applications. The objective is to design valves with the best combination of
valve lift, spring forces, and a geometry that provides maximum valve life, efficiency and minimum valve power consumption.
What problems can simulation help to solve?
Valve
failure/short life
Low
production capacity
High
temperature
Comparison
of different types of valves
Moving
production site/Operation condition changed
Gas
or net rod loads and reversals
What is the simulation input and output?
Input
Data: See attached Valve Simulation
Data Sheet
Compressor predicted capacity and horsepower in each stage
PV diagrams, PT and Piston rod load curves
for each cylinder
Valve efficiency: Valve loss, pressure drop, effective flow area, valve velocity
Valve dynamics: Plate impact velocity, valve motions, opening/closing angles
Recommendations:
Since most valve failures are caused by high
plate impact, high valve loss, plate fluttering or late closing, these problems
usually can be fixed by changing valve lift, springs, materials or valve types.
Valve dynamics simulation can tell you what causes valve failure and what valve
performance looks like before and after valve modifications.