How do I Calculate the Temperature of a Down Stream Gas Valve?

Engineers try to limit temperature rise at gas valves.

The flow of gas through a valve produces an energy differential across it. When this change performs no mechanical work, it forms heat, which raises the gas valve's temperature. A greater rate of flow through the valve creates more heat. A stronger pressure on the valve similarly produces more heat. The temperature change of the gas valve depends on this level of heat and on the surface area of the valve.

Instructions

1. Multiply the pressure on the valve, measured in pounds per square inch, by the rate of flow through it, measured in gallons per minute. If, for example, the valve experiences a pressure of 250 pounds per square inch and 0.015 gallons go through it per minute: 250 x 0.015 = 3.75.

2. Divide this product by 1.714, a conversion constant: 3.75 / 1,714 = 2.19.

3. Divide the answer by the square footage of surface area that the valve offers. If the valve has, for instance, a surface area of 0.9 square feet: 2.19 / 0.9 = 2.43. This is the temperature rise across the valve.

4. Add the temperature rise to the valve's temperature without any gas pressure. It the valve's initial temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit: 120 + 2.43 = approximately 122.5 degrees.

References

• North Dakota State University: Thermal Properties
• Womack Systems: Cooling in Hydraulic Systems

Resources

• Sawyer Systems: Formulas
• Ram Industries: Fluid Power Formulas
• Rousseau Controls: Formula