Fluidelastic and Vortex Induced Vibration of a Finned Tube Array

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuo Hirota ◽  
Tomomichi Nakamura ◽  
Hirohiko Kikuchi ◽  
Kazunori Isozaki ◽  
Hirotaka Kawahara
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Acoustic Resonance ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Flow Induced Vibration ◽  
Design Guideline ◽  
Vortex Induced Vibration ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Critical Velocities ◽  
Vibration Tests

Fluidelastic and vortex induced vibration are important problems in operating heat exchangers. Many studies have been conducted to solve the problems. As a result, design guideline has already existed for the flow-induced vibration of a tube bundle. On the other hand, some kinds of heat exchanger use finned tube array in order to improve the efficiency of the heat transfer. For finned tube array, some studies for vortex induced acoustic resonance have been conducted, where Strouhal numbers are obtained. However fluctuating lift coefficients due to vortex are important from the viewpoint of tube vibration. Moreover, critical velocities for fluidelastic vibration are also important. In this study, fluidelastic and vortex induced vibration tests were conducted for a triangular finned tube array. Two different frequencies of the vortex shedding were observed. For this tube array, Strouhal numbers were 0.13–0.15, 0.37–0.39. However vortex induced forces were too weak to excite the finned tubes. For this tube array, averaged Connors’ constant K was 6.8.

Flow-Induced Vibration in Spiral Finned Gas Tube Bundle Heat Exchangers

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Acoustic Resonance ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Flow Induced Vibration ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
The Past ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Fluidelastic Instability

In the past finned tube bundle heat exchangers were often subject of severe damages due to flow-induced vibration followed by high amounts of loss for the operator. A case of practical importance is the design of spiral finned gas tube bundle heat exchangers that still have been investigated in literature only seldom. Both acoustic resonance and fluidelastic instability can lead to tube rupture within a short period of operation. In this paper analytic calculation methods for tube Eigenfrequencies are extended to spiral finned tubes. The results are in agreement with static and vibrational experiments. Stability criteria for fluidelastic instability are derived by flow channel experiments extending Connor’s equation to the design of spiral finned tube bundles. A number of cases of damage is described. The importance of correct damping values is demonstrated. The scheme reported in this paper is able to avoid damages in spiral finned tube bundle heat exchangers due to fluidelastic instability.

Modeling and Simulation of Cross-Flow Induced Vibration in a Multi-Span Tube Bundle

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahab Khushnood ◽  
Zaffar M. Khan ◽  
M. Afzaal Malik ◽  
Zafarullah Koreshi ◽  
Mahmood Anwar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Fatigue Cracking ◽  
Acoustic Resonance ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
Variable Geometry ◽  
Flow Induced Vibration ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Tube Bundles

Flow-induced vibration in steam generator and heat exchanger tube bundles has been a source of major concern in nuclear and process industry. Tubes in a bundle are the most flexible components of the assembly. Flow induced vibration mechanisms, like fluid-elastic instability, vortex shedding, turbulence induced excitation and acoustic resonance results in failure due to mechanical wear, fretting and fatigue cracking. The general trend in heat exchanger design is towards larger exchangers with increased shell side velocities. Costly plant shutdowns have been the motivation for research in the area of cross-flow induced vibration in steam generators and process exchangers. The current paper focuses on the development of a computer code (FIVPAK) for the design (natural frequencies, variable geometry, tube pitch & pattern, mass damping parameter, reduced velocity, strouhal and damage numbers, added mass, wear work rates, void fraction for two-phase, turbulence and acoustic considerations etc.) of tube bundles with respect to cross flow-induced vibration. The code has been validated against Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers (TEMA), Flow-Induced Vibration code (FIV), and results on an actual variable geometry exchanger, specially manufactured to simulate real systems. The proposed code is expected to prove a useful tool in designing a tube bundle and to evaluate the performance of an existing system.

The Flow Characteristics of Flue Gas Between the Fins of a Single Spiral Finned Tube

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengzhong Sun ◽  
Yuetao Shi ◽  
Zhihang Han ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Xinyuan Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Research ◽  
Flue Gas ◽  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Cold State ◽  
State Test

The spiral finned tubes are used as the substitute of bare tubes in heat exchangers, which is an effective method to reduce abrasion and fouling in boilers. The cold state test with PDA system has been made to study the distribution of granule concentration between fins. This experimental research has laid the foundation of analysis for further study why the spiral finned tube can reduce abrasion and fouling.

Inspection Method of Finned Tube and Finned Heat Exchanger

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ju Ding ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Shuhong Liu ◽  
Shenghui Wang ◽  
Jielu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Eddy Current ◽  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Air Cooling ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Detection Technology ◽  
Pressure Test ◽  
Current Detection

Abstract The finned tube heat exchanger is one of the earliest and most successful discoveries in the process of improving tube heat exchange. This method is still the most widely used of all kinds of tube heat transfer surface enhancement heat transfer methods. It is not only suitable for single-fin tube heat exchangers, which are widely used in power, chemical, petrochemical, air-conditioning engineering and refrigeration engineering. Conventional heat exchanger with smooth tubes can be inspected through the pressure test during the manufacturing process. Finned tubes and finned heat exchangers with inner thread structure have some difficult to pass the water pressure test. The same situation exists in regular inspections. Due to structural reasons, it is difficult to carry out regular surface inspections[1]. For these two situations, two different testing methods are required to ensure quality. This article introduces in detail the methods of inspecting finned tubes and finned heat exchangers. Hierarchical comparison of alternatives in hydrostatic testing project, and the eddy current detection technology of the finned tube under the condition of in-service air cooling. The far-field eddy current method is chosen for inspection. And by comparing the standard sample tube, it is mainly used to adjust the sensitivity of the eddy current detector and ensure the accuracy of the test results[2]. The results show that the eddy current detection technology can be more accurate and reliable. The corrosion of the finned tube under service air cooling is detected, and a reliable basis is provided for judging the use of the finned tube and finned heat exchanger[3].

Film Condensation of R-113 on In-Line Bundles of Horizontal Finned Tubes

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 479-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Honda ◽  
B. Uchima ◽  
S. Nozu ◽  
H. Nakata ◽  
E. Torigoe
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Film Condensation ◽  
Line Bundles ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Fin Tube ◽  
Fin Tubes ◽  
Annular Fins

Film condensation of R-113 on in-line bundles of horizontal finned tubes with vertical vapor downflow was experimentally investigated. Two tubes with flat-sided annular fins and four tubes with three-dimensional fins were tested. The test sections were 3×15 tube bundles with and without two rows of inundation tubes at the top. Heat transfer measurements were carried out on a row-by-row basis. The heat transfer enhancement due to vapor shear was much less for a finned tube bundle than for a smooth tube bundle. The decrease in heat transfer due to condensate inundation was more marked for a three-dimensional fin tube than for a flat-sided fin tube. The predictions of the previous theoretical model for a bundle of flat-sided fin tubes agreed well with the measured data for low vapor velocity and a small to medium condensate inundation rate. Among the six tubes tested, the highest heat transfer performance was provided by the flat-sided fin tube with fin dimensions close to the theoretically determined optimum values.

Design, Assembly, and Inspection of Advanced U-Bend/Antivibration Bar Configurations for PWR Steam Generators

1989 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-377
Author(s):  
P. J. Langford
Keyword(s):  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Operating Experience ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Work Rate ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Steam Generators ◽  
Flow Induced Vibration ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Water Reactor ◽  
Vibration Tests

Tube vibration and wear potential in the U-bend region of pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generators is reduced by enhanced design bases and fabrication procedures. Applicable vibration mechanisms are described and related to field experience to focus the development program which led to the enhancements. Technical bases were developed from flow-induced vibration tests and shaker tests in which the tube/antivibration bar (AVB) wear-producing forces and motions were characterized in terms of work rate. Fixtures to control weld shrinkage and instruments to measure tube/AVB fit-up were developed for fabrication. Assembly and application experience, including measurement of fabricated tube bundle/AVB fit-up, is summarized for several advanced steam generators. Implications for enhanced operating experience relative to conventional design configurations are noted.

The Effect of Fins on Fluidelastic Instability in In-Line and Rotated Square Arrays

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Lumsden ◽  
David S. Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Effective Diameter ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tube Arrays ◽  
Fluidelastic Instability ◽  
Bare Tube

The study of fluidelastic instability in tube arrays has been ongoing for four decades. Although much research has been conducted, a full understanding of the mechanisms involved is still not available. Designers of cross-flow heat exchangers must depend on experience and empirical data from laboratory studies. As new designs are developed, which differ from these experimental facilities, there is an increased risk of failure due to fluidelastic instability. An experimental program was conducted to examine fluidelastic instability in in-line and rotated square finned tube arrays. Three arrays of each geometry type were studied; two with serrated, helically wound finned tubes of different fin densities, and the third, a bare tube which had the same base diameter as the finned tubes. The finned tubes under consideration were commercial finned tubes of a type typically used in the fossil and process industries. The addition of fins to tubes in heat exchangers enhances heat transfer due to the increased surface area and the turbulence produced by the flow moving over the fins. The resulting flow pattern/distribution due to the fins is therefore much more complicated than in bare tube arrays. Previous research has shown that an effective diameter of a finned tube is useful in the prediction of vortex shedding. This concept is used to compare the finned tube results with the existing bare tube array guidelines for fluidelastic instability. All of the tube arrays in the present study have the same tube pitch, and have been scaled to have the same mass ratio. Results for the rotated square arrays show that the use of an effective diameter is beneficial in the scaling of fluidelastic instability and the finned tube results are found to fit within the scatter of the existing data for fluidelastic instability. For in-line square arrays, the results indicate that fins significantly increase the stability threshold.

Comparison Between Numerical and Experimental Gas Side Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop of a Tube Bank With Solid and Segmented Circular I-Fins

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rene Hofmann ◽  
Heimo Walter
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finned Tube ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Finned Tubes ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Staggered Arrangement ◽  
Flow Experiments

In the present work, a comparison between numerical and experimental gas side heat transfer and pressure drop for a tube bundle with solid and segmented circular finned tubes in a staggered arrangement is investigated. For the numerical simulations a three dimensional model of the finned tube are applied. Renormalization group theory (RNG) based k–ε turbulence model was used to calculate the turbulent flow. Experiments have been carried out to validate the numerical predictions. The numerical results for the Nu-number and pressure drop coefficient show a good agreement with the data from measurement. A comparison between solid and segmented finned tubes from the global calculation of the Nu-numbers within the analyzed Re-range shows an enhancement by applying segmented finned tubes rather than finned tubes with solid fins.

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