Title: Flow-pressure coupling characteristics analysis and leakage compensation optimisation of the pneumatic pump distributor

Authors: Zhi Zhang; Qingli Qi; Bofan Chen; Guoshuai Li; Yong Sang

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China ' Liaoning Hongyanhe Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Dalian, 116319, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China

Abstract: The main feedwater isolation valve is the vital safeguard in the emergency system of nuclear power plant. As the core actuation device of this valve, the dynamic reliability of the pneumatic system directly influences the stability of control valves. This study focuses on the system failures caused by the sticking motion of the pneumatic pump distributor. A system model incorporating pneumatic loop and hydraulic actuator is established on the AMESim simulation platform. Through fault analysis, the coupling mechanism between flow and pressure is revealed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed dynamic pressure compensation strategy effectively suppresses pressure fluctuations, while structural optimisation of the pressure-stabilising damping orifice enhances the critical friction threshold against spool jamming. This study effectively enhances the operational reliability of the distributor under transient conditions through parametric simulation, providing a theoretical foundation for the safety design of critical active components in nuclear power systems.

Keywords: distributor jamming; simulation analysis; AMESim; pneumatic pumps; pressure compensation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESMS.2026.155174

International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, 2026 Vol.17 No.4, pp.224 - 237

Received: 23 Mar 2025
Accepted: 23 Nov 2025
Published online: 28 Jul 2026 *

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