Prediction of Thermoacoustic Vibration of Burner/Furnace Systems in Utility Boilers

Seven burner/furnace systems, three of which vibrated and four of which did not vibrate in operation are evaluated for thermoacoustic oscillations. The evaluation is based on the Rijke and Sondhauss models representing the combined burner/furnace (cold/hot) thermoacoustic systems. Frequency differences between the lowest vulnerable furnace acoustic frequencies in the burner axial direction and those of the systems’ Rijke and Sondhauss frequencies are evaluated to check for resonances. Most importantly, the stability of the Rijke and Sondhauss models is checked against the published design stability diagram of Eisinger (1999, “Eliminating Thermoacoustic Oscillations in Heat Exchanger and Steam Generator Systems,” ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 121, pp. 444–452) and Eisinger and Sullivan (2002, “Avoiding Thermoacoustic Vibration in Burner/Furnace Systems,” ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 124, pp. 418–424). It is shown that thermoacoustic oscillation can be well predicted by the published design stability diagram with the vibrating cases falling into the unstable zone above the stability line and the nonvibrating cases congregating in the stable zone below the stability line. The evaluation suggests that the primary criterion for predicting thermoacoustic oscillations is the stability of the thermoacoustic system and that frequency differences or resonances appear to play only a secondary role. It is concluded, however, that in conjunction with stability, the primary criterion, sufficient frequency separation shall also be maintained in the design process to preclude resonances. The paper provides sufficient details to aid the designers.