Iterative Coupled Shell/Tube Simulation of Waste Heat Boilers using Computational Multiphysics
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Date
2019-08-02
Authors
Guiguer, Victor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
Removal of sulphur from fossil fuels is important in order to avoid the emission of
sulphur oxides into the atmosphere, exposure to which has negative health and environ-
mental effects. Sulphur is removed from refinery petrochemical products via the Claus
process which contains a waste heat boiler (WHB). These WHBs are exposed to extreme
temperatures and corrosive conditions, yet they are expected to operate continuously for
years at a time.
Typically WHBs have been designed using empirical correlations and heuristics, but
more recently using process and multiphysics simulation. In this work a proof of concept
for the numerical simulation of a WHB and its protective insulation is demonstrated.
Continuum multiphysics models for both shell and tube side of a WHB are developed. An
iterative coupling method for the determination of steady-state numerical solution of these
models is then used to simulate a sub-region of a typical WHB.
Simulation results for the tube-side of the WHB predict both the temperature profile
and nature of the turbulent energy transport in the inlet region, highlighting complex flow
profiles. Simulations of the shell-side of the WHB predict the multiphase convective boiling
behaviour in the bulk (far from wall effects). Finally, preliminary results of the coupled
shell/tube configurations are presented and compared to previous results.
Description
Keywords
multiphysics, simulation, euler-euler, boiling, turbulence