Modification of a Steam Valve Diffuser for Enhanced Full Load and Part Load Operation Using Numerical Methods

Abstract

The flow in a steam turbine inlet valve is investigated and improved by numerical methods. From the fluid dynamic point of view two requirements exist: Low pressure losses are desired at the fully opened valve position and dynamic fluid forces acting on the valve plug should be minimized to reduce valve vibration. Usually these undesired dynamic fluid forces occur when the flow is throttled at part load. It is found that these fluid forces are generated by separated jets in the diffuser. The attachment and the separation of the jet are related to the Coanda effect.
By understanding the flow physics a way is found to modify the diffuser design in such a way that the flow separations are reduced. Bell-shaped diffusers are able to reduce the flow losses at full load operation. A diffuser contour that fulfils both requirements is developed.