Technical Report Writing

on

Study of Circulation
within the Boiler circuit

Submitted by

Name: Sandipan Mallick

Department: ME
Semester: 8th
Roll Number:16900719113

Department of Mechanical
Engineering
ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY
AEDCONAGAR, HOOGHLY-712121
WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Abstract
Boiler circuit circulation is one of the crucial parameters that determine the overall efficiency
of a boiler system. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the flow rate
and velocity of the fluid within a boiler circuit. We used a combination of experimental and
theoretical methods to quantify the circulation patterns within a closed loop boiler system.
The results indicated that the fluid flow rate and velocity were influenced by various factors,
including the pipe diameter, fluid viscosity, temperature, and pressure. The findings of this
study could help optimize boiler circuit design and improve the overall performance of the
system.

Introduction
Boilers are widely used in various industrial processes for generating steam, heating, and
power production. A boiler system consists of several components, including heat
exchangers, pumps, valves, and pipes, which work together to transfer heat from the
combustion process to the fluid, which is usually water. The circulation within the boiler
circuit is essential for ensuring the efficient transfer of heat from the combustion chamber to
the fluid. Poor circulation can result in uneven temperature distribution, reduced heat transfer
rate, and increased energy consumption.
The circulation within the boiler circuit can be affected by various factors, including the pipe
diameter, fluid viscosity, temperature, and pressure. The objective of this study was to
investigate the factors that influence the flow rate and velocity of the fluid within a boiler
circuit. We used a combination of experimental and theoretical methods to quantify the
circulation patterns within a closed-loop boiler system.

Experimental Methods
The experimental setup consisted of a closed-loop boiler circuit, which included a heat
exchanger, pump, valves, and pipes. The fluid used in the system was water, and the
temperature was maintained at 90°C. The flow rate and velocity of the fluid were measured at
various points along the circuit using a flow meter and a pressure gauge.
The effect of pipe diameter on the flow rate and velocity of the fluid was investigated by
replacing the original pipes with pipes of different diameters. The flow rate and velocity were

Fig:Modellinmg and simulation of a natural circulation water-tube

steam boiler
measured at various points along the circuit, and the results were compared to determine the
impact of the pipe diameter on the circulation within the system.

Fig: Water circulation in water tube boiler

The effect of fluid viscosity on the flow rate and velocity of the fluid was investigated by
adding glycerol to the water to increase its viscosity. The flow rate and velocity were
measured at various points along the circuit, and the results were compared to determine the
impact of the fluid viscosity on the circulation within the system.
The effect of temperature on the flow rate and velocity of the fluid was investigated by
varying the temperature of the fluid from 70°C to 100°C. The flow rate and velocity were
measured at various points along the circuit, and the results were compared to determine the
impact of the temperature on the circulation within the system.
The effect of pressure on the flow rate and velocity of the fluid was investigated by varying
the pressure of the fluid from 1 bar to 3 bar. The flow rate and velocity were measured at
various points along the circuit, and the results were compared to determine the impact of the
pressure on the circulation within the system.

Theoretical Methods
The theoretical analysis of the circulation within the boiler circuit was carried out using
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The CFD model was constructed using
ANSYS Fluent software, and the simulation was performed using a steady-state analysis. The
model included the geometry of the boiler circuit, which consisted of pipes, valves, and heat
exchangers.
The fluid flow was modeled using the Navier-Stokes equations, and the standard k-epsilon
turbulence model was used to capture the turbulence effects. The boundary conditions for the
model were based on the experimental data obtained from the flow rate and velocity
measurements.

Results and Discussion

The results of the experimental and theoretical investigations showed that the flow rate and
velocity of the fluid within the boiler circuit were affected.

References:
1. Class notes.
2. Power Plant Engineering by P.K.Nag