Influence of the Drive Mechanism on Torque Performance of Ultra-High Pressure Gate Valves

Abstract Gate valves serve as critical switching devices for controlling natural gas flow, but under ultrahigh pressure and extreme temperature conditions, their operational torque becomes excessively high, preventing rapid actuation. Therefore, reducing gate valve torque holds significant importance in practical production. This study investigates the influence of drive mechanisms on the operational torque of 175 MPa ultrahigh pressure Christmas tree gate valves through finite element simulation, single-factor analysis, and physical experiments based on operational conditions. Results indicate nominal diameter, and number of engaged threads exhibit limited effects on torque in trapezoidal threaded pairs; valves using trapezoidal threaded pairs demonstrate substantially higher torque than those employing ball screw assemblies; consequently, a ball screw assembly with 100 mm nominal diameter and 4 mm ball diameter was selected. Ambient temperature torque testing showed torque increasing gradually from 125 N·m to 250 N·m after 160 actuation cycles. Simulations yielded 143.3 N·m (lubricated) and 358 N·m (unlubricated), with experimental results consistently within simulated ranges, validating simulation accuracy. This confirms the feasibility of the simulation-experimental methodology with minimal error, providing critical references for ultrahigh pressure Christmas tree gate valve design and production.