Prediction of risers’ tubes temperature in water tube boilers

A dynamic model is developed which enables the prediction of risers’ tubes temperature of water tube boilers under various operating conditions. The model is composed of fluid dynamics model representing the fluid flow in the drum-downcomer-riser loop and a dynamic thermal model of the riser’s temperature. The model gives a detailed account of the two-phase heat transfer process which takes place between the risers’ inner walls and the water–steam mixture flow inside the tubes. The model is used to simulate various operational scenarios of water tube boilers. Results of the simulation provide insight into the dynamic interactions of the boiler’s main variables including the drum pressure, water volume, steam quality and risers’ temperature. Such a model is useful in checking operational scenarios before their actual plant implementation, can be a basis for developing boiler start up procedures and online temperature predictions to prevent eminent tube overheating.