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TECHNICAL BRIEFS

# Acoustic Resonance in a Package Boiler and Its Solution—A Case Study

[+] Author and Article Information
Frantisek L. Eisinger, Robert E. Sullivan

Foster Wheeler North America, Inc., Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, NJ 08809

J. Pressure Vessel Technol 129(4), 759-762 (Aug 09, 2006) (4 pages) doi:10.1115/1.2767369 History: Received January 09, 2006; Revised August 09, 2006

## Abstract

Strong acoustic resonance with acoustic pressures reaching up to $165dB$ developed in the boiler bank of a package boiler at full load. At first, the resonance developed at a lower frequency in the downstream portion of the tube bank and was suppressed by an acoustic baffle covering the downstream section of the flow channel. After about one year of operation, a second resonant condition developed. Tests confirmed that, again, a strong resonant condition developed at a higher frequency in the unbaffled upstream portion of the flow channel. Computer analysis confirmed that the initial resonance occurred at the first acoustic mode of the flow channel while the follow-up resonance occurred at the second mode of the flow channel expressed as a first-mode resonance in a different (upstream) location. An extension of the acoustic baffle covering the entire depth of the tube bank eliminated the vibration. This paper gives a description of the problem and summarizes the theoretical and experimental results substantiating the findings.

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## Figures

Figure 1

General arrangement of the package boiler tube bank

Figure 2

Gas temperatures and flow velocity profile along flow path in boiler bank

Figure 3

Acoustic pressure levels along flow path of package boiler based on initial sound measurements at frequency of 132Hz

Figure 4

Computed acoustic mode shape within tube banks of package boiler; shown is first transverse acoustic mode at 138Hz

Figure 5

Plan view of boiler bank with acoustic baffle installed in downstream portion

Figure 6

Acoustic pressure levels along flow path of package boiler based on sound measurements at frequency of 164Hz with the acoustic baffle installed in the downstream portion of boiler bank

Figure 7

Computed acoustic mode shape within tube banks of package boiler; shown is second transverse acoustic mode at 162Hz

Figure 8

Plan view of boiler bank with acoustic baffle installed in downstream and upstream portion

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