Multi structural parameter analysis based on the labyrinth valve design with high pressure drop and low noise

Labyrinth channel design is a key for achieving high pressure loss for the labyrinth valve in a thermal power plant. However, the labyrinth channel structures are relatively complex, with many influencing parameters. An unreasonable design generates high noise, adversely affecting personnel and equipment. In this paper, pressure drop is used as a typical parameter for evaluating pressure loss performance, while cavitation, flow velocity, and transmission loss are used as characteristic parameters for assessing noise performance. A comprehensive evaluation criteria of noise performance is constructed. The numerical models with various stage numbers, entrance widths, channel depths, transition part parameters, and expansion coefficients are established, the effects of different structural parameters on the labyrinth channel pressure loss and noise performance are systematically studied to achieve a labyrinth valve design with high pressure loss and low noise. The results show that the influence of different structural parameters on the labyrinth channel pressure loss and noise performance is not the same. The parameter selection of multi-stage, small entrance width, medium channel depth, large transition part parameters, and high expansion coefficient is important way for realizing the design of high pressure loss and low noise labyrinth valve.