Analysis and solving problem of the pipe break in the steam generator

Abstract

In this paper was analyzed the tubes rupture in the third superheater and reheater of a steam generator operating at 25% and 100% load. It is performing an analysis, which was developed in: computational fluidynamic modeling to know the distributions of velocity and temperature profiles flue gas within the generator, and aerodynamic re-design based on deflectors of flows. The analysis indicates that tubes rupture occurs by the high-speed recirculation of gases just after of the superheater, resulting hot spots in the area generating the rupture. A baffle was proposed has a solution, it helps to reorient the flow and reduce the probability of vortex formation. This proposal was optimized for multiple operating loads and a deflector placed at 0, 6º, 9º, 12º and 15º of inclination, and it was found that the best option to prevent gas recirculation was tilting 9°. This method can be extended to several steam generators in operation experiencing the same root-cause, avoiding great expenses generated by the rupture of the tubes and the unavailability in energy production.