Further Evidence for Acoustic Resonance in Full Size Steam Generator and Tubular Heat Exchanger Tube Banks

Abstract

In the previous publications by Eisinger, F.L., Francis, J.T., and Sullivan, R.E., 1996, “Prediction of Acoustic Vibration in Steam Generator and Heat Exchanger Tube Banks”, ASME Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, Vol. 118, pp. 221–236 and Eisinger, F.L. and Sullivan, R.E., 1996, “Experience with Unusual Acoustic Vibration in Heat Exchanger and Steam Generator Tube Banks”, Journal of Fluids and Structures, Vol. 10, pp. 99–107, prediction criteria for acoustic vibration or acoustic resonance were formulated utilizing flow and acoustic parameters derived from operating steam generator tube banks. Various parameters were used in those formulations, including the dominant parameter MΔp where M is the Mach number of the crossflow through the tube bank and Δp is the pressure drop through the tube bank. Here we present further evidence derived from operating experience of full size steam generator and tubular heat exchanger tube banks of which 19 experienced acoustic vibration or acoustic resonance and 27 experienced no vibration or no acoustic resonance within the operating flow range. The present data show that the decisive parameter predicting the acoustic vibration or acoustic resonance of a tube bank is the acoustic particle velocity. The acoustic particle velocity separates the acoustically vibrating banks from those non-vibrating very clearly. The behavior is demonstrated graphically showing the dimensionless acoustic particle velocity as a function of input energy parameter MΔp, Mach number M, Reynolds number Re and also Helmholtz number He = MS where S is the Strouhal number. This finding indicates that the acoustic particle velocity criterion shall be used in conjunction with the previously used criteria as the basis for the prediction of acoustic resonance in full size steam generator and tubular heat exchanger tube banks.