Valve End Loads
Valve End Loads
(OP)
Does anyone have any information on acceptable valve end loading due to piping stesses? We have customers who often ask for the allowable loads that valve ends can withstand.
Alternatively, is there any guidelines to show the expected load that a given pipe may exhort on a valve due to pressure or temperature?
Alternatively, is there any guidelines to show the expected load that a given pipe may exhort on a valve due to pressure or temperature?





RE: Valve End Loads
RE: Valve End Loads
With valves that I've done, typically fracture mechanics on the body will dictate extreme loads. Naturally this depends on the type of valve and exact placement of steel thus comprising the body. The closure(s) must also be taken into account, it is possible to crush these babies long before the valve body yields.
According to the API specification, and for obvious reasons, the valve CANNOT compromise the integrity of the pipeline. To start with, performing a simple calculation on yield strength on the pipeline cross section per unit length would give you MINIMUM expectations. I design to a factor of safety of three (3), sometimes four (4) depending on the exact nature of the application.
Note that finite element is the best approach to yield meaningful estimates. Due to the exact nature of the valve geometry, pipeline conditions, environmental properties, etc, there is no single equation to help you out. Your valve manufacturer should have this information as part of the customer documentation package, phone him!
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada