Thermal Shock Effects Modeling On A Globe Valve Body-Bonnet Bolted Flange Joint

TL;DR

This study models thermal shock effects on a globe valve's bolted flange joint using finite element analysis, aiming to improve understanding of loadings during operation and validate results with experimental data.

Contribution

It presents a practical finite element modeling approach for thermal shock in globe valves, balancing engineering accuracy and computational feasibility, and includes experimental validation.

Findings

Simulation of bolt tightening forces during thermal shock

Comparison of thermal field and strain measurements for validation

Insights into valve component loadings under thermal transients

Abstract

This paper attends to show efforts made at EDF R&D to improve comprehension of valve parts loadings during operation. Thermal shock in a globe valve is represented and modeled using EDF R&D Finite Element Analysis code (Code_Aster). Choices of modeling are discussed and balanced on the basis of "what an engineer can obtain without becoming a researcher". First simulation results are presented. Attention is focused on the evolution of Body-Bonnet Bolted Flange Joint (BBBFJ) tightening forces which are simulated during the thermal shock. An experimental setup is also presented for the studied valve, which implies thermocouple implementation for comparison of the simulated thermal field and strain measurement on each threaded rod to validate the mechanical modeling.