4. Conclusion
The CFD investigation into fluid path modifications of the filling
valve has confirmed the effectiveness of the method. It
appears to be feasible to increase the filling rate and reduce
or eliminate cavitation through the current device by simple
changes to the valve configuration such as raising the valve
stem 10 mm further than standard position, increasing the
angle of inlet tube and increasing the entry height of the inlet
tube. Thus, the product filling rate can be increased, at the
same time reducing the pressure drops that may be injurious
to product quality. If the cylindrical valve body shape is
retained, however, these changes have a negative impact on
the CIP performance.
Thereafter, a semi-spherical valve body is designed with
2 mm increase in outlet diameter and 5◦ decrease of angle of
the inlet tube that joins the valve body. Unlike other designs
of cylindrical shape the semi-spherical shape showed an
increase of wall shear stress and turbulent intensities. Therefore,
cleanability by CIP methods using semi-spherical shape
has been improved significantly. Performance of this semispherical
valve body also showed an increased mass flow of
47% over the original design.