Mechanical thermal stresses and creep analysis of boiler tubes

Abstract

The boiler tubes are operated continuously at high temperature and pressure. Hence at high pressure for forces acting on the boiler tubes will be high. This research paper focuses on the analysis of one of the long term effect of continued application of high pressure on boiler tubes which causes creeping. By utilizing finite element modelling software, AUTODESK INVENTOR the effect of pressure with the increase in temperature distribution across the steam generator tube was evaluated. The increase of heat transfer rate across the wall caused the oxide scale thickness to grow more rapidly than normal condition. The thermal conductivity in the boiler tubes, life of boiler tubes and creep damage is also analyzed in this research paper. The AUTODESK INVENTOR result is analyzed to determine the main and interactive effects of operating conditions. The effect of steam on boilers and creep damage in comparison with temperature were researched. Optimum condition identification in order to maximize the remnant life of the tubes while minimizing the creep damage was done. Creep is the time dependent deformations that occur when a material is subjected to high level of stresses at elevated temperature for prolonged period. Matlab was also used to analyse how the failure occurs.