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Jul 05,2023

Public Notice of 2020 Higher Education Institutions’ Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award (Science and Technology) Projects


Public Notice of 2020 Higher Education Institutions’ Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award (Science and Technology) Projects

I. Project Name

Key Technologies and Industrialization of High-End Process Valves

II. Nominating Organization

Zhejiang University of Technology

III. Project Overview

Process valves are critical equipment in process industries such as petrochemicals, energy metallurgy, and power & mining. With the trend toward larger-scale and high-end development in these process industries, process valves frequently encounter harsh operating conditions—including high/low temperatures, high pressures, easy vaporization, solid particle content, and strong corrosivity—posing significant challenges to the independent R&D and application of high-end process valves. The key technological difficulties lie primarily in the following three areas: First, there is a lack of comprehensive consideration of the multiphase and multiphysical coupling flow characteristics induced by the severe operating conditions of high-end process valves; consequently, no numerical computational method has been developed for the full-flow field under such multiphase and multiphysical coupling mechanisms, making it impossible to accurately predict the internal flow characteristics and performance of these valves. Second, there has been insufficient research on the fluid dynamics characteristics and material strain analysis of process valves under extreme conditions, resulting in a dearth of structural design guidelines for high-end process valves and preventing the establishment of advanced structural design technologies tailored specifically for harsh operating environments. Third, there is no established integrated manufacturing and forming technology for high-end process valves under severe conditions, which makes it difficult to ensure superior performance under actual harsh operating conditions. Currently, these critical bottleneck technologies remain unresolved, leaving China heavily reliant on foreign imports for high-end process valves used in its process industries—a situation that severely hinders the independent construction of process industry facilities and the progress toward becoming a modern industrial powerhouse.

The project’s main innovative achievements are as follows:

(1) A numerical computational model and algorithm were proposed for multiphase flows under severe operating conditions, accounting for weakly compressible gas-phase flow, liquid-phase cavitation, and particle collisions. This addresses the issue of low accuracy in numerical simulations of flow characteristics under the multiphase and multi-field coupling mechanisms within process valves, thereby enabling precise prediction of process valve performance under severe operating conditions.

(2) A flow-structure design methodology was proposed, based on flow-field stability control, cavitation suppression, corrosion rate mitigation, and particle trajectory control. An integrated sealing structure—comprising rigid pressurization, spring preloading, and packing compensation—was established. This approach addresses structural failure issues arising from material strain under fluid loading, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of high-end process valves.

(3) We have developed a high-end process valve manufacturing and forming technology that integrates intermittent machining, all-welded construction, and surface treatment. This technology addresses the challenges of customized manufacturing processes for process valves operating under harsh conditions, ensuring the long-term reliability and stable operation of high-end process valves. As a result, we have achieved industrialization and widespread application of high-end process valves, including ultra-high-temperature, extra-large-diameter butterfly valves, high-pressure, all-welded ball valves, ultra-low-temperature globe valves, wear-resistant double-disc gate valves, and corrosion-resistant rotary plug valves.

The project’s products have been successfully applied by major national enterprises such as PetroChina, CNOOC, China Shenhua, and AVIC Engine Corporation, and have been exported to more than 20 countries and regions. Their key performance indicators outperform those of leading international brands in high-end process valves. Over the past three years, the project has generated cumulative additional sales exceeding 1.5 billion yuan and added profits of 150 million yuan. The project has been granted 26 invention patents and 2 software copyrights, published 12 SCI-indexed papers, released one monograph, and participated in the drafting and revision of 7 national and industry standards. This project has broken the foreign monopoly on China’s high-end process valve products, filled the gap in China’s independent R&D capabilities for high-end process valves, and provided critical equipment support for the independent construction and long-term development of China’s process industry facilities and energy strategic projects.

 

 

IV. Information on Key Contributors

Ranking

Name

Administrative
Position

Technology
Professional title

Engaged in professional work

Work
Unit

Level 2
Unit

Complete
Unit

Creative contributions to the major scientific and technological innovations of this project

1

Zhu Zuchao

National-Local Joint
Engineering Laboratory Director
Ren

Professor

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

The project leader and coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing the project’s overall plan and technical roadmap. They have made significant contributions to Innovation Points 1, 2, and 3 by proposing a numerical computation model and algorithm for multiphase flow that takes into account weakly compressible gas-phase effects; establishing a design methodology for over-flow structures based on flow-field stability control; and pioneering advanced manufacturing and forming technologies for high-end process valves that integrate discontinuous machining, all-welded construction, and surface treatment. They are one of the chief editors of Monograph 1, a key contributor to Inventions 1–4, and an author of Papers 1 and 3.

2

Lin Zhe

None

Associate Professor

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

I primarily completed the numerical computational method for multiphase flows that takes into account particle collisions, as described in Innovation Point 1. I developed a particle-wall collision model and proposed a numerical computational model for multiphase flows under the coupled effects of multiple phases and multiple fields, enabling accurate prediction of multiphase flows within process valves. I serve as the principal investigator for one of the supporting projects of this initiative: the “National Natural Science Foundation Project—Research on Transient Gas-Solid Two-Phase Flow Characteristics and Wear during the Opening and Closing Processes of Process Valves.” I am one of the chief editors of Monograph 1, a key contributor to Inventions 1–3, the corresponding author and first author of Paper 3, and one of the authors of Paper 1.

3

Liu Qi

None

Lecturer

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

Primarily completed the numerical computation method for multiphase flow considering liquid-phase cavitation as described in Innovation Point 1, optimized the traditional cavitation numerical model, achieved accurate prediction of cavitation flow within process valves, and conducted cavitation experiments. Main contributor to Invention Patent 1.

4

Chen Desheng

None

Lecturer

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

The primary task was to complete the flow-field stability-based control method for over-flow structure design, as described in Innovation Point 2. We optimized the internal flow stability control structure of process valves, thereby enhancing their operational reliability and stability. Additionally, we conducted experiments on internal flow-field stability control within process valves.

5

Zhang Guang

None

Lecturer

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

Primarily, we will complete the flow structure design method based on particle trajectory control as described in Innovation Point 2. We will conduct visualization experiments on particle motion within process valves, establish the correlation between particle motion trajectories and wear on key valve surfaces, and propose a design methodology for preventing and controlling valve wear based on particle trajectory control.

6

Wang Ruohui

Board Secretary

Intermediate Engineer

Valve structural design

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

None

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

The primary tasks involved completing the seal structure design and the all-welded valve manufacturing technology as outlined in Innovation Points 2 and 3. Specifically, a seal structure design featuring rigid pressurization combined with spring pre-tightening was established, and an all-welded valve manufacturing process technology was proposed. This enabled the reliable design of high-pressure, fully welded valves.

7

Xia Chengrui

Chairman/General Manager

Senior Engineer

Corrosion-resistant valve design and development

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

None

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

Primarily completed the surface treatment technology for high-end process valves based on Innovation Point 3, proposing technologies for enhancing the adhesion of passivation oxide films on rare-metal alloy valve surfaces, ion modification, and anodizing treatments. These technologies have improved the high corrosion resistance and service life of process valves. I am a key contributor to Invention Patent No. 4.

8

Zhang Shougen

Deputy General Manager

Senior Engineer

Wear-resistant valve design and development

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

None

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

Primarily responsible for the design of wear-resistant structures under Innovation Points 2 and 3, as well as the industrialization and widespread application of valves. Proposed a height-difference structural design technique that effectively reduces wear on critical valve surfaces. Developed a series of wear-resistant valve products and successfully achieved their industrialization and widespread adoption. One of the primary inventors of Invention Patent No. 6.

9

Wang Chunchen

Chief Engineer

Senior Engineer

Valve structural design

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Technical Department

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Primarily, we will complete the flow field stabilization control method for process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 2, design various flow field stabilization structures for different valves, conduct visualization and pressure testing experiments on valve flow fields, identify the optimal structural configuration for valve flow passages, and develop process valve products that are stable and reliable in operation.

10

Chen Jie

Chief Engineer

Senior Engineer

Corrosion-resistant valve structural design

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

Technical Department

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

The primary focus was on the forming technology for manufacturing and processing high-end process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 3. The study analyzed the impact of various surface treatment technologies on the corrosion resistance of valves made from rare-metal alloys, and proposed advanced surface treatment processes for high-end process valves, which effectively enhanced both the corrosion resistance and service life of these valves.

11

Xiao Yabing

Deputy Director of the R&D Department

Senior Engineer

Wear-resistant valve structural design

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

R&D Department

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

Primarily, this work completes the structural design methodology for the flow passage components of process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 2. We conducted particle impact wear experiments to obtain insights into how various flow and structural parameters influence the distribution and extreme values of valve wear. This research reveals the underlying mechanisms of valve wear and proposes a wear prediction formula as well as a structural design approach for wear prevention and control.

12

Zheng Yifeng

Head of the Technology Department

Senior Engineer

Valve structural design

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Technical Department

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Primarily completed the forming technology for process valve manufacturing based on intermittent machining and all-welded construction, as described in Innovation Point 3. Proposed an intermittent machining technology and optimized the all-welded construction technology, enabling the comprehensive processing of high-end process valves and the development of a series of high-performance process valves. Main contributor to Invention Patent No. 5.

13

Xiao Han

None

Senior Engineer

Wear-resistant valve structural design

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

R&D Department

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

Primarily responsible for the development of a series of wear-resistant valve products under Innovation Point 3, conducting research on the effects of different structural and flow parameters on valve wear, and identifying the optimal structure for wear-resistant valves. This has effectively extended the service life of the valves and led to the development of a complete series of wear-resistant valve products. One of the primary inventors of Invention Patent No. 6.

14

Cui Baoling

None

Professor

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

Primarily responsible for the numerical simulation of internal flow in process valves under innovation point 1. Based on a multiphase flow numerical model that accounts for weakly compressible gas-phase flow, liquid-phase cavitation, and particle collisions under severe operating conditions, we conducted numerical simulations of internal flow within process valves under various operating conditions, thereby establishing the correlation between operational parameters and internal flow characteristics. I am the primary contributor to Invention Patents 1, 3, and 4, the first author of Paper 1, and one of the authors of Paper 3.

15

Kim Ho-cheol

None

Associate Professor

Fluid Machinery and Engineering

Zhejiang University of Technology

Mechanical and Automatic Control
Manufacturing College

Zhejiang University of Technology

Primarily conducted research on the wear mechanism of process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 2. Performed numerical simulations and experimental studies on the distribution and extreme values of corrosion within process valves, elucidated the corrosion mechanisms of these valves, and proposed a predictive model for corrosion in process valves. First author of Paper 2.

16

Wang Xuefeng

Technical Department Manager

Engineer

Corrosion-resistant valve structural design

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

Technical Department

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

Primarily responsible for the structural design of the wear prevention system for process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 2. Based on a valve corrosion prediction model, numerical simulation analysis is conducted to evaluate internal corrosion in process valves. Combined with experimental studies, the effects of valve structure and medium parameters on corrosion are determined, enabling the identification of the optimal structural design for preventing corrosion in process valves. Furthermore, a series of corrosion-resistant process valves has been developed.

17

Chen Jinfa

Chairman

Senior Engineer

Valve structural design

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

None

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Primarily responsible for the development of manufacturing and forming technologies for process valve components, as outlined in Innovation Point 3. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the structural design of the entire series of process valves, and develop targeted intermittent machining processes, all-welded processes, and surface treatment processes. This will result in a comprehensive manufacturing and forming technology for high-end process valves, and enable the development of a full range of high-end process valve products.

18

Xia Chongmao

None

Engineer

Corrosion-resistant valve product development

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

R&D Department

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

The primary task is to complete the structural design methodology for the flow passage components of process valves, based on mitigating corrosion rates, as described in Innovation Point 2. The study investigates the distribution of the flow field of highly corrosive media within the valve, establishes the correlation between structural parameters and shear stress in the flow field, and proposes a corrosion prevention structural design approach aimed at reducing shear stress in the flow field.

19

Li Laicong

None

Engineer

Wear-resistant valve product development

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

R&D Department

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

Primarily completed the overall sealing design for mid-to-high-end process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 2. Addressing the leakage issues caused by prolonged use of process valves, we developed and designed an integral sealing structure, establishing a comprehensive sealing design technology that integrates rigid pressurization, spring pre-tightening, and packing compensation.

20

Wu Zhiqiang

None

Engineer

Valve structural design

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

R&D Department

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

The primary task was to complete the all-welded process technology for high-end process valves as outlined in Innovation Point 3. Focusing on large-caliber, high-pressure valves, we conducted an in-depth analysis of their structural design and developed a comprehensive all-welded processing technology for high-end process valves.

 

V. Information on the Principal Implementing Units

Ranking

Unit Name

The extent to which this project provides support.

1

Zhejiang University of Technology

Zhejiang University of Technology served as the lead institution for this project and provided the necessary facilities, human resources, material resources, and financial support to ensure its successful completion. The university played a crucial role in delivering the project’s core content and made significant contributions to Innovation Points 1, 2, and 3. This project was financially supported by funds from the National Natural Science Foundation, the Zhejiang Provincial Key R&D Program, and the university’s own funding for discipline development. Through a “industry-academia-research-application” collaboration model, the project promptly promoted and applied technological innovations, achieving remarkable economic and social benefits.

2

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

As the primary completing unit of the project, we collaborated with Zhejiang University of Technology to carry out R&D work on this project. Our key contributions include: (1) Participating in the research on the overall structural design and manufacturing/forming processes for high-end process valves operating under harsh conditions; (2) Taking charge of the research on intermittent machining and all-welded fabrication technologies; (3) Jointly collaborating to develop and manufacture a series of high-pressure, high-temperature valves; and (4) Being responsible for promoting and applying the large-diameter, high-temperature, high-pressure valve series in enterprises across industries such as energy and aerospace.

3

Weiduli Valve Co., Ltd.

As the primary completing unit of the project, we collaborated with Zhejiang University of Technology to carry out R&D work on this project. Our key contributions include: (1) Participating in the research on the overall structural design and manufacturing/forming processes for high-end process valves operating under harsh conditions; (2) Taking charge of the research on corrosion and cavitation prevention structural designs as well as surface treatment technologies; (3) Jointly developing a series of corrosion- and cavitation-resistant process valves; (4) Overseeing the promotion and application of this series of corrosion- and cavitation-resistant valves in enterprises across industries such as chemical engineering and metallurgy.

4

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

As the primary completing unit of the project, we collaborated with Zhejiang University of Technology to carry out R&D work on this project. Our key contributions include: (1) Participating in the research on the overall structural design and manufacturing/forming processes for high-end process valves operating under harsh conditions; (2) Taking charge of research on wear prediction, wear prevention structural design, and methods for designing the overall sealing structure of valves; (3) Jointly collaborating to develop and manufacture a series of solid-containing wear-resistant valves; (4) Being responsible for promoting and applying the series of solid-containing multiphase flow valves in enterprises such as power and metallurgy companies.

 

VI. List of Major Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Specifications, etc.

( 1) Intellectual Property Catalog

Intellectual Property Category

Intellectual Property Name

Country

(Region)

Authorization number

Authorization Date

Rights holder

Inventor

Valid status of the invention patent

Invention patent

A new type of magnetically controlled regulating valve

China

ZL201610708494.8

2018.12.04

Zhejiang University of Technology

Lin Zhe, Ma Chuanjing, Liu Qi, Zhu Zuchao

Valid patent

Invention patent

A ball valve for coal-water slurry transportation

China

ZL201510922735.4

2018.01.12

Zhejiang University of Technology

Lin Zhe, Zhang Yifan, Xu Benliang, Zhu Zuchao

Valid patent

Invention patent

Flat gate valve for dilute-phase pneumatic conveying

China

ZL201510167711.2

2017.05.03

Zhejiang University of Technology

Zhu Zuchao, Lin Zhe, Ma Guangfei, Cui Baoling, Xu Hongguang

Valid patent

Invention patent

A multi-sealed and diverter-type pressure-reducing throttling shut-off valve

China

ZL201110077587.2

2012.07.11

Zhejiang University of Technology

Cui Baoling, Song Zhiwei, Zhu Zuchao, Zhang Yuliang, Xia Chengrui

Valid patent

Invention patent

A high-temperature, high-pressure hard-sealed ball valve

China

ZL201610429563.1

2018.01.12

Wuzhou Valve Co., Ltd.

Hu Jiantian, Chen Xinghan, He Xiangping, Zheng Yifeng, Li Junhui, Chen Changben, Ye Kaiqiang, Jiang Yilong

Valid patent

Invention patent

A wear-resistant gate valve structure

China

ZL201510685147.3

2017.11.24

Zhejiang Gute Pneumatic Technology Co., Ltd.

Zhang Shougen, Ye Jianshan, Xiao Han, Zheng Rusheng

Valid patent

 

( 2) List of Representative Papers and Monographs

Author

Paper/Book Title

Journal/Publication of Papers/Books

Volume, Issue, and Page Numbers

Publication time

Journal Category

Zhu Zuchao, Lin Zhe

Process Valve Fluid Dynamics

Mechanical Industry Press

ISBN 978-111-62768-5

2019

Monograph

Baoling Cui Zhe Lin Zuchao Zhu Huijie Wang Guangfei Ma

Influence of the ball valve’s opening and closing process on external performance and internal flow characteristics

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

80:

193-202

2017

SCI

Haozhe Jin Zhijian Zheng Guofu Ou Lite Zhang Jie Rao Geping Shu Chao Wang

Failure Analysis of a High-Pressure Differential Regulating Valve in Coal Liquefaction

Engineering Failure Analysis

55:

115-130

2015

SCI

Zhe Lin Huijie Wang Zhaohui Shang Baoling Cui Chongxi Zhu Zuchao Zhu

Effect of cone angle on the hydraulic

Characteristics of a globe control valve

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

28(3):

641-648

2015

SCI