Investigation on cavitating flow and parameter effects in a control valve with a perforated cage

Valve is widely used in the various industry areas to adjust and control the flow. Cavitation frequently takes place and sometimes is inevitable in various types of valve to cause the erosion damage. Therefore, how to control and minimize the effect of cavitation is still an important topic. This study numerically investigates the cavitating flow in a control valve with a perforated cage. The effects of some parameters on the cavitation are discussed. It also discusses to use the throttling steps to govern the cavitating flow. The results show that the opening degree of valve and the length of downstream divergent connection both influence the cavitation. The increase of the divergent length reinforces the cavitation. And the larger the opening of valve is, the intenser the cavitation is and the more vapor is present. The more throttling steps are helpful to decrease the cavitation.