Cameron's DBA multistage choke is a multiple-pressure drop, anticavitation valve ideally suited for water injection. It controls the problems of cavitation, excessive noise, and vibration. To optimize performance, our DBA choke can be custom-designed to meet specific needs. A field-proven product, the DBA choke is backed by Cameron's commitment to service from our worldwide technical sales and service force.

Cavitation challenges

Cavitation threatens efficient flow control. Cavitation is the formation and sudden collapse of vapor bubbles in a flowing liquid. During the liquid’s passage through a valve, the pressure drops from the inlet pressure (P₁) to a minimum pressure (P_VC) in the vena contracta, just past the restriction. If the P_VC falls below the liquid’s vapor pressure (P_V), vaporization occurs and vapor bubbles form. As the liquid moves downstream from the vena contracta, the pressure recovers to P₂. If this outlet pressure, P₂, is above the vapor pressure, the vapor bubbles collapse. This effect induces high-pressure shock waves that can damage nearby metal surfaces. Other destructive effects of cavitation include high noise levels, vibration, and damage to valve and trim materials.