CFD simulations of flow erosion and flow-induced deformation of needle valve: Effects of operation, structure and fluid parameters

•A combined FSI–CFD and DPM computational method is used to investigate flow erosion and deformation of needle valve.•The numerical model is validated with the comparison of measured and predicted erosion rate.•Effects of operation, structure and fluid parameters on flow erosion and flow-induced deformation are discussed.•Particle diameter has the most significant effect on flow erosion.•Inlet rate has the most obvious effect on flow-induced deformation.

A three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction (FSI) computational model coupling with a combined continuum and discrete model has been used to predict the flow erosion rate and flow-induced deformation of needle valve. Comparisons with measured data demonstrate good agreement with the predictions of erosion rate. The flow field distribution of gas-particle flow and the erosion rate and deformation of valve core are captured under different operating and structural conditions with different fluid parameters. The effects of inlet velocity, valve opening and inlet valve channel size, particle concentration, particle diameter and particle phase components are discussed in detail. The results indicate that valve tip has the most severe erosion and deformation, and flow field, erosion rate and deformation of valve are all sensitive to inlet condition changes, structural changes and fluid properties changes. The effect of particle diameter on erosion is the most significant, while the influence of inlet rate on deformation is the greatest one.