The reed type valve is a key component of reciprocating compressors affecting the efficiency and reliability of the machines. This paper analyzed the flow characteristic firstly

and then simulated the distributions of pressure field and velocity field in the steady and transient flows based on the CFD method

where the effects of those parameters

such as flow section ratio

spread angle and valve lift

on valve pressure loss were investigated. The results showed that a small flow section ratio and a small spread angle may reduce the pressure loss of the discharge valve. But due to the limitation of valve plate design space

the small values of these two parameters couldn't be obtained easily. Although the higher valve lift could reduce the pressure loss effectively

which increased the reed wear and reduced the reed life. The reasonable valve lift can be obtained by the CFD method. The study of the flow characteristic could provide basis for the optimization design of reed valve.