Coupled Physics Modelling for Bi-Directional Check Valve System

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a high speed on/off bi-directional check valve. The design was characterized using coupled-physics modelling tools, and a prototype was constructed and tested in the laboratory. The simulated and experimental results were compared. The high speed on/off bi-directional check valve (BDCV) utilizes positive feedback of flow forces and differential port pressure to quickly open and close the primary poppet. The coupled-physics model incorporates mechanical and fluid domains, which was solved through conducting finite element analysis (FEA) on a 2D planar model. After characterizing the BDCV, the system model was expanded for a single piston pumping system using two BDCVs and the simulation on system full displacement pumping was conducted. The modelling results showed a moderate agreement with measurements, which demonstrated the capability of the coupled physics model to effectively investigate the dynamic performances of a BDCV operating in a digital pump system.