Probabilistic Thermal and Electromagnetic Analyses of Subsea Solenoid Valves for Subsea Blowout Preventers

A prototype of subsea solenoid valve for subsea blowout preventers is designed and manufactured. The deterministic and probabilistic thermal and electromagnetic finite element analyses are performed by using ANSYS software. The effects of uncertainties of five material properties, four physical dimensions and an applied voltage on the maximum temperature within the valve and the electromagnetic force with a given air gap are researched by means of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and response surface method (RSM). The thermal and electromagnetic experiments were done to validate the finite element analysis results. The results show that the radius of magnetic ring, applied voltage and thermal conductivity of 440C stainless steel have significant effects on the maximum temperature of subsea solenoid valve. The radius of plunger and inside radius of plunger sleeve have significant effects on the electromagnetic force of subsea solenoid valve. The results of finite element analysis and thermal and electromagnetic experiments indicate good matches. Therefore, the probabilistic finite element analysis shows its advantages in improving the development process and performance of subsea solenoid valves.