Gate Valve (MA)

Gate valve in a moist air network

Since R2025a

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Libraries:
Simscape / Fluids / Moist Air / Valves & Orifices / Flow Control Valves

Description

The Gate Valve (MA) block represents an orifice with a translating gate, or sluice, as a flow control mechanism. The gate is circular and must slide perpendicular to the flow due to the constrains of the groove of its seat. The seat of the valve is annular. The flow passes through the bore, which is sized to match the gate. The overlap of the gate and the bore determines the opening area of the valve.

The flow can be laminar or turbulent, and it can reach up to sonic speeds. The maximum velocity happens at the throat of the valve where the flow is narrowest and fastest. The flow chokes and the velocity saturates when a drop in downstream pressure can no longer increase the velocity. Choking occurs when the back-pressure ratio reaches the critical value characteristic of the valve. The block does not capture supersonic flow.

Gate valves generally open quickly. Gate valves are most sensitive to gate displacement near the closed position, where a small displacement translates into a disproportionately large change in opening area. Consequently, gate valves have too high a gain in that region to effectively throttle or modulate flow. You can use this block as a binary switch to open and close moist air flows.

Gate Mechanics

In a real valve, the gate connects by a gear mechanism to a handle. When the handle is turned from a fully closed position, the gate rises from the bore and progressively opens the valve up to a maximum. Hard stops keep the disk from breaching its minimum and maximum positions.

The block captures the motion of the disk but not the detail of its mechanics. You specify the motion as a normalized displacement at port S. The input physical signal carries the fraction of the instantaneous displacement over its value in the fully open valve.

If you want to model the action of the handle and hard stop, use Simscape mechanical blocks to capture the displacement signal. However, in many cases, it suffices to know what displacement to impart to the disk and you do not need to model the mechanics of the valve.

Gate Position

The block models the displacement of the gate but not the valve opening or closing dynamics. The signal at port S provides the gate position.

Numerical Smoothing

When the Smoothing factor parameter is nonzero, the block applies numerical smoothing to the normalized gate position. Enabling smoothing helps maintain numerical robustness in your simulation.

For more information, see Numerical Smoothing.

Opening Area

The area open to flow as the gate retracts is:

$$A_{open}=\frac{\pi d_0^2}{4}-A_{shielded},$$

where d₀ is the Valve orifice diameter. The area shielded by the gate in a partially open valve is:

$$A_{shielded}=\frac{d_0^2}{2}{\cos }^{-1}\left(\frac{\Delta l}{d_0}\right)-\frac{\Delta l}{2}\sqrt{d_0^2-{\left(\Delta l\right)}^2},$$

where Δl is the gate displacement, which is the sum of the signal at port S and the Gate position when fully covering orifice.

The figure shows a front view of the valve when maximally closed, partially open, and fully open, from left to right. The figure also shows the parameters and variables in the opening area calculation.

Valve Parameterizations

The block behavior depends on the Valve parametrization parameter:

• Cv flow coefficient — The flow coefficient C_v determines the block parameterization. The flow coefficient measures the ease with which the moist air can flow when driven by a certain pressure differential.

• Kv flow coefficient — The flow coefficient K_v, where $$K_v=0.865C_v$$, determines the block parameterization. The flow coefficient measures the ease with which the moist air can flow when driven by a certain pressure differential.

• Sonic conductance — The sonic conductance of the resistive element at steady state determines the block parameterization. The sonic conductance measures the ease with which the moist air can flow when choked, which is a condition in which the flow velocity is at the local speed of sound. Choking occurs when the ratio between downstream and upstream pressures reaches a critical value known as the critical pressure ratio.

• Orifice area based on geometry — The size of the flow restriction determines the block parametrization.

The block scales the specified flow capacity by the fraction of valve opening. As the fraction of valve opening rises from 0 to 1, the measure of flow capacity scales from its specified minimum to its specified maximum.

Momentum Balance

The block equations depend on the Valve parameterization parameter. When you set Valve parameterization to Cv flow coefficient, the mass flow rate, $$\dot{m}$$, is

$$\dot{m}=C_v\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{N}_{6}Y\sqrt{(p_{in}-p_{out}){\rho }_{in}},$$

where:

• C_v is the value of the Maximum Cv flow coefficient parameter.

• S_open is the valve opening area.

• S_Max is the maximum valve area when the valve is fully open.

• N₆ is a constant equal to 27.3 for mass flow rate in kg/hr, pressure in bar, and density in kg/m³.

• Y is the expansion factor.

• p_in is the inlet pressure.

• p_out is the outlet pressure.

• ρ_in is the inlet density.

The expansion factor is

$$Y=1-\frac{p_{in}-p_{out}}{3p_{in}{F}_{\gamma }{x}_T},$$

where:

• F_γ is the ratio of the isentropic exponent to 1.4.

• x_T is the value of the xT pressure differential ratio factor at choked flow parameter.

The block smoothly transitions to a linearized form of the equation when the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, rises above the value of the Laminar flow pressure ratio parameter, B_lam,

$$\dot{m}=C_v\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{N}_6{Y}_{lam}\sqrt{\frac{{\rho }_{avg}}{p_{avg}(1-B_{lam})}}(p_{in}-p_{out}),$$

where:

$$Y_{lam}=1-\frac{1-B_{lam}}{3F_{\gamma }{x}_T}.$$

When the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, falls below $$1-F_{\gamma }{x}_T$$, the orifice becomes choked and the block switches to the equation

$$\dot{m}=\frac{2}{3}{C}_v\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{N}_6\sqrt{F_{\gamma }{x}_T{p}_{in}{\rho }_{in}}.$$

When you set Valve parameterization to Kv flow coefficient, the block uses these same equations, but replaces C_v with K_v by using the relation $$K_v=0.865C_v$$. For more information on the mass flow equations when the Valve parameterization parameter is Kv flow coefficient or Cv flow coefficient, [2][3].

When you set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance, the mass flow rate, $$\dot{m}$$, is

$$\dot{m}=C\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{\rho }_{ref}{p}_{in}\sqrt{\frac{T_{ref}}{T_{in}}}{\left[1-{\left(\frac{\frac{p_{out}}{p_{in}}-B_{crit}}{1-B_{crit}}\right)}^2\right]}^m,$$

where:

• C is the value of the Maximum sonic conductance parameter.

• B_crit is the critical pressure ratio.

• m is the value of the Subsonic index parameter.

• T_ref is the value of the ISO reference temperature parameter.

• ρ_ref is the value of the ISO reference density parameter.

• T_in is the inlet temperature.

The block smoothly transitions to a linearized form of the equation when the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, rises above the value of the Laminar flow pressure ratio parameter B_lam,

$$\dot{m}=C\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{\rho }_{ref}\sqrt{\frac{T_{ref}}{T_{avg}}}{\left[1-{\left(\frac{B_{lam}-B_{crit}}{1-B_{crit}}\right)}^2\right]}^m\left(\frac{p_{in}-p_{out}}{1-B_{lam}}\right).$$

When the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, falls below the critical pressure ratio, B_crit, the orifice becomes choked and the block switches to the equation

$$\dot{m}=C\frac{S_{open}}{S_{Max}}{\rho }_{ref}{p}_{in}\sqrt{\frac{T_{ref}}{T_{in}}}.$$

The Sonic conductance setting of the Valve parameterization parameter is for pneumatic applications. If you use this setting for moist air with high levels of trace gasses or are modeling a fluid other than air, you may need to scale the sonic conductance by the square root of the mixture specific gravity.

For more information on the mass flow equations when the Valve parameterization parameter is Sonic conductance, see [1].

When you set Valve parameterization to Orifice area based on geometry, the mass flow rate, $$\dot{m}$$, is

$$\dot{m}=C_d{S}_{open}\sqrt{\frac{2\gamma }{\gamma -1}{p}_{in}{\rho }_{in}{\left(\frac{p_{out}}{p_{in}}\right)}^{\frac{2}{\gamma }}\left[\frac{1-{\left(\frac{p_{out}}{p_{in}}\right)}^{\frac{\gamma -1}{\gamma }}}{1-{\left(\frac{S_{open}}{S}\right)}^2{\left(\frac{p_{out}}{p_{in}}\right)}^{\frac{2}{\gamma }}}\right]},$$

where:

• S_open is the valve opening area.

• S is the value of the Cross-sectional area at ports A and B parameter.

• C_d is the value of the Discharge coefficient parameter.

• γ is the isentropic exponent.

The block smoothly transitions to a linearized form of the equation when the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, rises above the value of the Laminar flow pressure ratio parameter, B_lam,

$$\dot{m}=C_d{S}_{open}\sqrt{\frac{2\gamma }{\gamma -1}{p}_{avg}^{\frac{2-\gamma }{\gamma }}{\rho }_{avg}{B}_{lam}^{\frac{2}{\gamma }}\left[\frac{1-B_{lam}^{\frac{\gamma -1}{\gamma }}}{1-{\left(\frac{S_{open}}{S}\right)}^2{B}_{lam}^{\frac{2}{\gamma }}}\right]}\left(\frac{p_{in}^{\frac{\gamma -1}{\gamma }}-p_{out}^{\frac{\gamma -1}{\gamma }}}{1-B_{lam}^{\frac{\gamma -1}{\gamma }}}\right).$$

When the pressure ratio, $$p_{out}/p_{in}$$, falls below$${\left(\frac{2}{\gamma +1}\right)}^{\frac{\gamma }{\gamma -1}}$$ , the orifice becomes choked and the block switches to the equation

$$\dot{m}=C_d{S}_{open}\sqrt{\frac{2\gamma }{\gamma +1}{p}_{in}{\rho }_{in}\frac{1}{{\left(\frac{\gamma +1}{2}\right)}^{\frac{2}{\gamma -1}}-{\left(\frac{S_{open}}{S}\right)}^2}}.$$

For more information on the mass flow equations when the Valve parameterization parameter is Orifice area based on geometry, see [4].

Mass Balance

The block conserves mass through the valve

$$\begin{array}{l}{\dot{m}}_A+{\dot{m}}_B=0\\ {\dot{m}}_{wA}+{\dot{m}}_{wB}=0\\ {\dot{m}}_{gA}+{\dot{m}}_{gB}=0\\ {\dot{m}}_{dA}+{\dot{m}}_{dB}=0\end{array}$$

where ṁ is the mass flow rate and the subscript w denotes water vapor, the subscript g denotes trace gas, and the subscript d denotes water droplets.

Energy Balance

The resistive element of the block is an adiabatic component. No heat exchange can occur between the fluid and the wall that surrounds it. No work is done on or by the fluid as it traverses from inlet to outlet. Energy can flow only by advection, through ports A and B. By the principle of conservation of energy, the sum of the port energy flows is always equal to zero

$${\varphi }_{\text{A}}+{\varphi }_{\text{B}}=0,$$

where ϕ is the energy flow rate into the valve through ports A or B.

Assumptions and Limitations

• This block does not model supersonic flow.

Examples

Compare Test Harnesses for Moist Air Flow Control Valves

This example uses test harnesses to compare the Ball Valve (MA), Gate Valve (MA), and Poppet Valve (MA) blocks. A test harness is a minimum viable model that you can use to parameterize blocks or isolate dynamics.

Model

Simulation Results from Scopes

This figure shows the mass flow rate through each of the valves. All three valves start closed and slowly open before reaching their maximum area. At the maximum area, the mass flow rate also reaches its maximum and cannot increase further. Each curve has a different profile while opening because each valve has a different area profile that depends on the valve geometry.

Ports

Input

S — Gate displacement, m

physical signal

Physical signal port associated with the valve gate displacement, in m. A positive signal retracts the gate and opens the valve.

Conserving

A — Valve inlet or exit

moist air

Moist air conserving port associated with the opening through which the flow enters or exits the valve. The direction of flow depends on the pressure differential established across the valve. The block allows both forward and backward directions.

B — Valve inlet or exit

moist air

Moist air conserving port associated with the opening through which the flow enters or exits the valve. The direction of flow depends on the pressure differential established across the valve. The block allows both forward and backward directions.

Parameters

Valve orifice diameter — Diameter of the bore of the valve

0.01 m (default) | positive scalar

Diameter of the bore of the valve and of the gate that controls the opening area. The orifice is assumed to be constant in cross section throughout its length from one port to the other.

Gate position when fully covering orifice — Gate offset

0 m (default) | positive scalar

Gate offset when the valve is closed. A positive, nonzero value indicates a partially open valve when the signal at port S is 0. A negative, nonzero value indicates an overlapped valve that remains closed for an initial positive displacement set by the physical signal at port S.

Valve parameterization — Parameterization used to specify flow characteristics of orifice

Orifice area based on geometry (default) | Cv flow coefficient | Kv flow coefficient | Sonic conductance

Method to calculate the mass flow rate.

• Cv flow coefficient — The flow coefficient C_v determines the block parameterization.

• Kv flow coefficient — The flow coefficient K_v, where $$K_v=0.865C_v$$, determines the block parameterization.

• Sonic conductance — The sonic conductance of the resistive element at steady state determines the block parameterization.

• Orifice area based on geometry — The size of the flow restriction determines the block parametrization.

Discharge coefficient — Discharge coefficient

0.64 (default) | positive scalar in the range of [0,1]

Correction factor that accounts for discharge losses in theoretical flows.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Orifice area based on geometry.

Maximum Cv flow coefficient — Cv coefficient that corresponds to maximally open component

4 (default) | positive scalar

Value of the C_v flow coefficient when the restriction area available for flow is at a maximum. This parameter measures the ease with which the moist air traverses the resistive element when driven by a pressure differential.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Cv flow coefficient.

xT pressure differential ratio factor at choked flow — Ratio of pressure differentials

0.7 (default) | positive scalar

Ratio between the inlet pressure, p_in, and the outlet pressure, p_out, defined as $$(p_{in}-p_{out})/p_{in}$$ where choking first occurs. If you do not have this value, look it up in table 2 in ISA-75.01.01 [3]. Otherwise, the default value of 0.7 is reasonable for many valves.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Cv flow coefficient or Kv flow coefficient.

Maximum Kv flow coefficient — Kv coefficient that corresponds to maximally open component

3.6 (default) | positive scalar

Maximum value of the K_v flow coefficient when the restriction area available for flow is at a maximum. This parameter measures the ease with which the moist air traverses the resistive element when driven by a pressure differential.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Kv flow coefficient.

Maximum sonic conductance — Sonic conductance corresponding to maximally open component

12 l/(bar*s) (default) | positive scalar

Value of the sonic conductance when the cross-sectional area available for flow is at a maximum.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance.

Critical pressure ratio — Ratio of downstream and upstream pressures at which the flow first chokes

0.3 (default) | positive scalar

Pressure ratio at which flow first begins to choke and the flow velocity reaches its maximum, given by the local speed of sound. The pressure ratio is the outlet pressure divided by inlet pressure.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance.

Subsonic index — Exponent used to characterize mass flow in subsonic flow regime

0.5 (default) | positive scalar

Empirical value used to more accurately calculate the mass flow rate in the subsonic flow regime.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance.

ISO reference temperature — ISO 8778 reference temperature

293.15 K (default) | scalar

Temperature at standard reference atmosphere, defined as 293.15 K in ISO 8778.

You only need to adjust the ISO reference parameter values if you are using sonic conductance values that are obtained at difference reference values.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance.

ISO reference density — ISO 8778 reference density

1.185 kg/m^3 (default) | positive scalar

Density at standard reference atmosphere, defined as 1.185 kg/m3 in ISO 8778.

You only need to adjust the ISO reference parameter values if you are using sonic conductance values that are obtained at difference reference values.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Valve parameterization to Sonic conductance.

Leakage flow fraction — Ratio of flow rates

1e-6 (default) | positive scalar

Ratio of the flow rate of the orifice when it is closed to when it is open.

Smoothing factor — Numerical smoothing factor

0.01 (default) | positive scalar in the range [0,1]

Continuous smoothing factor that introduces a layer of gradual change to the flow response when the orifice is in near-open or near-closed positions. Set this parameter to a nonzero value less than one to increase the stability of your simulation in these regimes.

Laminar flow pressure ratio — Pressure ratio at which flow transitions between laminar and turbulent regimes

0.999 (default) | positive scalar

Pressure ratio at which flow transitions between laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The pressure ratio is the outlet pressure divided by inlet pressure. Typical values range from 0.995 to 0.999.

Cross-sectional area at ports A and B — Flow area at moist air ports

0.01 m^2 (default) | positive scalar

Area normal to the flow path at each port. The ports are equal in size. The value of this parameter should match the inlet area of the components to which the resistive element connects.

References

[1] ISO 6358-3, "Pneumatic fluid power – Determination of flow-rate characteristics of components using compressible fluids – Part 3: Method for calculating steady-state flow rate characteristics of systems", 2014.

[2] IEC 60534-2-3, “Industrial-process control valves – Part 2-3: Flow capacity – Test procedures”, 2015.

[3] ANSI/ISA-75.01.01, “Industrial-Process Control Valves – Part 2-1: Flow capacity – Sizing equations for fluid flow underinstalled conditions”, 2012.

[4] P. Beater, Pneumatic Drives, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2007.

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced in R2025a