Investigation on Ring Valve Motion and Impact Stress in Reciprocating Compressors

This paper presented the theoretical and experimental investigation on ring valve motion and impact stress in a reciprocating compressor for a purpose of extending the life time of valve. A simulation model was established to describe the motion of valve plate and the physical behavior of valve plates during compressor operation was measured using an eddy current displacement sensor to validate the mathematical model. Meanwhile, a finite element model was established to simulate the impact process of ring valves. The results indicated that great impact speed and inclining motion could result in high impact stress and it increased nearly in a direct proportional with the growth of impact speed and inclining angle. In order to reduce the magnitude of impact stress, the lift of valve was controlled by adjusting the design parameters and it was also validated experimentally. The comparison of impact between valve plate to seat and limiter has also been conducted in this paper, showing that valve plate suffered more impact stress when it impacted the seat, and a new method to reduce the impact magnitude had been presented.