Numerical Study of Solid–Gas Two-Phase Flow and Erosion Distribution in Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Ball Valves

Abstract

The use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites in fluid transport systems can effectively reduce corrosion damage caused by corrosive media. However, collisions between solid particles and the surfaces of ball valve flow passages can cause erosion damage and lead to safety issues. The two-phase flow and erosion characteristics of ball valves manufactured from resin-based fiber-reinforced composite materials were studied under different openings and particle sizes using the CFD-DPM method. The results indicate that both smaller and larger relative openings are prone to erosion damage at the thin edges of the valve ball. As the relative opening increases, the average erosion amount in the flow passage first increases and then decreases. The maximum average erosion amount is 0.0051 kg/m2·s when the relative opening is Cv = 40. At Cv = 40, erosion damage in the flow channel mainly occurs at the bottom of the inlet flow channel and the valve seat position. With increasing particle size, both the average and maximum erosion amounts in the flow channel increase. Larger particle sizes in the inlet flow channel significantly raise the erosion rate nearby, while at other locations, larger particle sizes mainly increase the erosion rate in the same area. During the use of GFRP valves, it is important to avoid introducing large-sized particles into the medium. Keeping the valve’s relative opening greater than 40 and using more erosion-resistant materials for the valve seat can effectively reduce the erosion of the composite ball valve and extend its service life.