The Uses of Large Diameter Conical Valves for Reservoirs

The GZF series fixed conical valves are typically used as free discharge valves for bypass valves in hydraulic turbine generator sets or for continuous flow rate control. Named for their inverted conical plug valve cores, they are commonly referred to as conical valves and also known as energy dissipation valves due to their excellent energy dissipation effects. In addition to having a conical valve core at the end of the flow channel, all moving parts are located outside the valve's flow passage, ensuring a smooth internal flow path with high flow rates and minimal pressure drop losses. Throughout the operating range, they do not produce cavitation or vibration; they also maintain good flow control at low flow rates. Their structure consists of a fixed inverted cone, supported by advanced hydraulic design shapes and four guide vane blades to reduce vibration. Flow control is achieved by the forward and backward movement of an external sliding sleeve. The valve body is equipped with metal-to-metal seats or supplementary soft-seated valves, or a combination of both to ensure sealing performance. When discharged into the atmosphere, the water flow spreads at a wide conical angle and breaks down into a thin spray form, dissipating energy into the air. According to actual requirements, a different type of guide cover can be installed at the outlet to control the water flow area, which not only mixes air with water thoroughly but also concentrates the flow.

The results of the fixed cone valve testing show no significant vibration, which depends on the amount of air in the water flow. When the fixed cone valve is fully open, the discharge coefficient is approximately 0.86, regardless of whether there is a guide cover or not. The cone valve can be roughly divided into several parts: buried pipe (or transition pipe), cone valve body, sleeve, actuator, pull rod, and transmission mechanism. The valve body is fixed, and the actuator opens and closes the outer sleeve through the transmission mechanism to achieve the opening and closing of the valve body.