There is noise near the large steam-water separator of the waste heat boiler used in sulfur-based acid production. . . (It sounds like the noise coming from the separator in the middle of the steam drum.)
Thread Content
In the waste heat boiler used for sulfur-based acid production, a phenomenon was observed: when the load is low, no sound can be heard. However, when the load is above 80% and the boiler’s evaporation rate is 65 t/h, a \"buzzing\" sound similar to that of boiling water can be heard at the middle section of the steam-water separator located in the drum (near the steam outlet). Upon closer inspection, it seems that this sound is caused by the steam-water separator situated near the middle of the drum. I believe this could be considered a problem related to steam-water imbalance. Are there any hidden risks? Although this is a matter related to boiler technology inspections, we are only discussing this phenomenon as part of casual conversations among process production staff. . . Does anyone who knows much about waste heat boilers exist? Share your opinion. Thank you!
The flow rate of the steam stream remains relatively stable, whereas the flow rate of the flue gas varies more significantly. It is necessary to determine whether there are any limits on the maximum flow rate in this area. Abnormal noises occurring during the operation of the equipment are not normal, and appropriate measures should be taken to address such situations.
It could be the sound of vibration from the corrugated plate separator at the top of the steam drum
Yes. It’s probably the sound coming from the steam-water separator located in the middle of the drum. I was wondering if this poses any risks
There must be some abnormality in the internal structure of the steam drum, such as parts coming loose or falling off. Issues can occur with the water distribution pipes, chemical addition pipes, drain pipes, as well as the upper and lower steam-water separators. It is recommended to identify the location of the problem as soon as possible, shut down the equipment, and open access panels to enter the steam drum for inspection in order to determine the cause. Many serious problems stem from seemingly minor issues; there have been many such cases, though they are not made public. In chemical plants, the more knowledgeable a person is, the more cautious they tend to be, while those with only a superficial understanding are often more reckless. The end result is always greater losses and deep regret； However, our plant’s economizer I (which combines a high-temperature superheater and an economizer) experienced vibration issues at high loads during its initial commissioning; yet after years of operation, no abnormalities have been observed.
Thank you very much for your reply, but it’s certain that it’s not the situation you described. :) Economizer I (it should be the low-temperature superheater, right)? Is the vibration in the water pipes caused by the deoxygenated water becoming overheated and vaporizing after passing through the high-temperature section of Economizer I?
Which location is having the issue? Has the cause been identified? Yes, it’s the low-temperature superheater; I typed it wrong. Vibration caused by vaporization is just one small aspect; the reasons for vibration are more complex.
It should have little impact; it’s just a phenomenon that occurs. It’s likely the sound is caused by steam escaping from the gas-liquid separator in the middle. If the steam load is reduced by three to four tons, the sound will become quieter
Recommendation 1: Pay close attention to the feedback from the operators, as they are the only group who work 24/7. They have firsthand knowledge of any abnormalities in the equipment, and their information is the most comprehensive. Recommendation 2: The steam drum poses significant risks; therefore, it is important to pay attention to any other abnormal conditions, such as flue gas temperature, condensed acid, exhaust fumes, and any shifts in the position of the smoke box in all directions
Is it because the heat exchange area of the economizer is smaller, so there is no vibration at low loads?