STRESS ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF IMPROVED GATE VALVE CONSTRUCTION

This study explores the stress resistance of an improved valve design under high-pressure conditions, focusing on stress distribution across both the sealing element and the valve body. A 2D model of the valve was created in AutoCAD and analyzed using Python’s Matplotlib, simulating performance under pressures up to 75 MPa, 5 MPa above the operational limit. Results reveal critical stress patterns, with stress concentrations reaching up to 325 MPa along the inner radius of the sealing element and valve body. Radial, longitudinal, and circumferential stresses were evaluated, showing a gradual decrease in compressive forces from the inner to outer surfaces. The contact areas between the sealing element and valve body emerged as critical zones, with high-pressure exposure raising the risk of early material fatigue and functional degradation. Overall, the improved valve design exhibits significant resilience under high-pressure conditions. However, sustaining this performance over time will require proactive inspection and maintenance to prevent premature wear and material fatigue. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing valve designs and improving durability in high-pressure applications within the oil and gas industry. The analysis demonstrates that the improved valve design can withstand high pressures effectively, but highlights the importance of routine inspection and maintenance to prevent premature failure due to material fatigue. Continuous monitoring, particularly around the inner radius and critical contact areas, is recommended to ensure operational longevity and reliability under fluctuating pressure conditions. Keywords: Linear motion valve, body, finite element analysis, wear, seal.