CA1255984A - Anti-vibration bars for nuclear steam generators - Google Patents
Anti-vibration bars for nuclear steam generatorsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1255984A CA1255984A CA000492665A CA492665A CA1255984A CA 1255984 A CA1255984 A CA 1255984A CA 000492665 A CA000492665 A CA 000492665A CA 492665 A CA492665 A CA 492665A CA 1255984 A CA1255984 A CA 1255984A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vibration
- tubes
- bars
- tube bundle
- bar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D7/06—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits having a single U-bend
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F22—STEAM GENERATION
- F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
- F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
- F22B37/02—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
- F22B37/10—Water tubes; Accessories therefor
- F22B37/20—Supporting arrangements, e.g. for securing water-tube sets
- F22B37/205—Supporting and spacing arrangements for tubes of a tube bundle
- F22B37/206—Anti-vibration supports for the bends of U-tube steam generators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/007—Auxiliary supports for elements
- F28F9/013—Auxiliary supports for elements for tubes or tube-assemblies
- F28F9/0132—Auxiliary supports for elements for tubes or tube-assemblies formed by slats, tie-rods, articulated or expandable rods
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
- Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
- Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
- Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method of forming and installing anti-vibration bars into a tube bundle of a steam genera-tor is disclosed. The tube bundle comprises rows of tubes, each tube carrying a high temperature coolant.
Each of the resultant anti-vibration bars has a tubular configuration and is disposed between adjacent rows of the tube bundle for stabilizing the tubes against vibration caused by fluids recirculating at high velocities through the steam generator. The method of this invention com-prises the steps of inserting at least one anti-vibration bar between adjacent rows of the tube bundle and applying a pressurized fluid in the anti-vibration bar, thus ex-panding the anti-vibration bar to contact the tubes of the adjacent rows and to make a series of indentations there-in. Typically, the pressure of the fluid is increased incrementally up to a maximum level set such that the con-figuration of the steam generator tubes is not deformed.
The resultant anti-vibration bar is a hollow member and has first and second series of indentations disposed on opposing sides thereof and spaced from each other a uni-form distance corresponding to the spacing between adja-cent tubes of a row. The indentations are configured sim-ilarly to the shape of the tubes to provide intimate contact there between and to support the tubes against vibration.
A method of forming and installing anti-vibration bars into a tube bundle of a steam genera-tor is disclosed. The tube bundle comprises rows of tubes, each tube carrying a high temperature coolant.
Each of the resultant anti-vibration bars has a tubular configuration and is disposed between adjacent rows of the tube bundle for stabilizing the tubes against vibration caused by fluids recirculating at high velocities through the steam generator. The method of this invention com-prises the steps of inserting at least one anti-vibration bar between adjacent rows of the tube bundle and applying a pressurized fluid in the anti-vibration bar, thus ex-panding the anti-vibration bar to contact the tubes of the adjacent rows and to make a series of indentations there-in. Typically, the pressure of the fluid is increased incrementally up to a maximum level set such that the con-figuration of the steam generator tubes is not deformed.
The resultant anti-vibration bar is a hollow member and has first and second series of indentations disposed on opposing sides thereof and spaced from each other a uni-form distance corresponding to the spacing between adja-cent tubes of a row. The indentations are configured sim-ilarly to the shape of the tubes to provide intimate contact there between and to support the tubes against vibration.
Description
S~
-1- 52,011 ANTI-VIBR~TION BARS FOR NUCLEAR STEAM GENERATORS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
Field Of The Invention This invention relates to mechanisms for supporting the tubes of a nuclear steam generator to prevent vibration and, more particularly, to anti-vibration bars as disposed between rows of the tubes and the method of install-ing the anti-vibration bars to achieve reduced clearance with and thus support of such tubes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the sub-ject matter of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with -the accompanying drawlngs, wherein:
Fiyures 1~ and lB are respect~vel~ a perspec-tive view of a nuclear steam yenerator, wherein its U-shaped tubes are supported by an upper tube supportassembly in accordance with the teachings of this invention, and a cross-sectioned view particularly showing the anti-vibration bars of this invention and the manner in which they are assembled into the upper tube support assembly;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a test rig for receiving first and second rows of test tubes between which are disposed an anti-vibration bar;
Figures 3 and 5 show plan views of the rows of test tubes illustrating, respective~y, an anti-vibration
-1- 52,011 ANTI-VIBR~TION BARS FOR NUCLEAR STEAM GENERATORS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
.
Field Of The Invention This invention relates to mechanisms for supporting the tubes of a nuclear steam generator to prevent vibration and, more particularly, to anti-vibration bars as disposed between rows of the tubes and the method of install-ing the anti-vibration bars to achieve reduced clearance with and thus support of such tubes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the sub-ject matter of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with -the accompanying drawlngs, wherein:
Fiyures 1~ and lB are respect~vel~ a perspec-tive view of a nuclear steam yenerator, wherein its U-shaped tubes are supported by an upper tube supportassembly in accordance with the teachings of this invention, and a cross-sectioned view particularly showing the anti-vibration bars of this invention and the manner in which they are assembled into the upper tube support assembly;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a test rig for receiving first and second rows of test tubes between which are disposed an anti-vibration bar;
Figures 3 and 5 show plan views of the rows of test tubes illustrating, respective~y, an anti-vibration
2~ bar before and after deformation, whereas Figures 4 and 6 are side views respectively of the arrangements of Figures
3 and 5 showing the anti-vibration bar in cross-section;
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the test rig of Figure 2 as coupled to a controllable source of pres-surized fluid;
Figures 8A and 8B show respectively an oval shaped anti-vibration bar and such a bar in contact with a U-shaped tube;
~'~
A v~
S~4 -2- 52,011 Figures 9A and 9B show respectively a second embodiment of this invention in the form of a hollow rectang-ularly shaped anti-vibration bar and the manner in which it contacts a U-shaped tube; and Figures lOA and lOB show respectively a third embodiment of -this invention in the form of a rectangularly shaped anti-vibration bar with foldable side portions and the manner in which such a vibration bar contacts a U-shaped tube.
Description Of The Prior Art A nuclear steam generator 8 of the type found in the prior art is shown in Figures lA and lB of the attached drawings, as comprising a bundle 11 of a large number of vert-oriented U-shaped tubes 13. The tubes 13 are disposed in a lower, cylindrically shaped shell 9 of the steam generator8, whose bottom end is associated with a channel head 17, typic-ally of a hemi-spherical configuration as shown in Figure lA.
The channel head 17 is divided by a partition 18 into a first half typically known as a hot le~ 20, and a second hal.e typically known as a colrl ler~ 22. The hiyh-temperature coolank water from the nuclear reactor is introduced into the steam generator 8, through a primary coolant inlet 24 into the hot leg 20. The high-temperature coolant passes from the hot leg 20 into the exposed openings of the plurality of U-shaped tubes 13, passing there through to be introduced into the cold leg 22 and, finally, exiting from the steam generator 8 through a primary coolant outlet 26.
That portion of the steam generator 8, primarily including the tube bundle 11 and the channel head 22 is re-ferred to as an evaporator section 10. As shown in Figure lA, the steam generator 8 further includes a steam drum section 32 comprising an upper shell 30, which contains a moisture separator 34. Feedwater enters the steam generator 8 through inlet nozzle 28 disposed in the upper shell 30 to be distrib ~ted and mixed with the water removed by the moisture separator 34. This feedwater travels down an annular channel surrounding the tube bundle li and is introduced into the bottom of the tube bundle 11. The mixture of feedwater and d~' ~S5~3~34 -3- 52,011 recirculating water boils as the high temperature coolant is circulated through the U-shaped tubes 13 of the tube bundle 11. The steam so produced rises into the steam drum section 32. The moisture separator 34 removes the entrained water from the steam kefore the steam exits from the steam generat-or 8 through a steam outlet 36 to a turbine generator (not shown).
As shown in Figure lA, the U-shaped tubes 13 are supported in the configuration of the tube bundle 11 by a series of lower tube supports 12 and an upper tube support plate 14. As shown in Figures lA and lB, the upper tube support assembly 14 complises a plurality of retainer rings 16a, 16b and 16c. As best shown in Figure lA, each of the retainer rings 16 is of generally oval configuration. The major and minor diameters of the retainer rings 16a, b and c are progressively smaller, noting that -the retainer 16c is disposed at the upper-most portion of ~he tube bundle 11.
pluralit~ of 9et9 of anti-vlbratlon bars 15 .is disposed between adjacent rows oE the U-shaped tubes 13. One such set of anti-vibration bars 15 is shown in Figure lB, it being understood that successive sets of similar anti-vibration bars 15 are disposed behind and in front of the illustrated set. Each of the anti-vibration bars 15a, 15b and lSc is of a V~shaped configuration with the ends thereof extending to the circumference of the tube bundle 11 and connected to a corresponding one of the retainer rings 16. For example, one end of the anti-vibration bar 15a is secured as by tack-welding to the retainer ring 16a and, in similar fashion, the other end of the anti-vibration bar 15a is secured to the same retainer ri.ng 16a. Figure lB illustrates a cross-sectioned view taken through the tube bundle 11 showing that the anti-vibration bars 15a, 15b and 15c are disposed to support the upper ends of the U-shaped tubes 13, noting the arrangement of the U-shaped tubes 13a to 13n in a row.
A
5~
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the test rig of Figure 2 as coupled to a controllable source of pres-surized fluid;
Figures 8A and 8B show respectively an oval shaped anti-vibration bar and such a bar in contact with a U-shaped tube;
~'~
A v~
S~4 -2- 52,011 Figures 9A and 9B show respectively a second embodiment of this invention in the form of a hollow rectang-ularly shaped anti-vibration bar and the manner in which it contacts a U-shaped tube; and Figures lOA and lOB show respectively a third embodiment of -this invention in the form of a rectangularly shaped anti-vibration bar with foldable side portions and the manner in which such a vibration bar contacts a U-shaped tube.
Description Of The Prior Art A nuclear steam generator 8 of the type found in the prior art is shown in Figures lA and lB of the attached drawings, as comprising a bundle 11 of a large number of vert-oriented U-shaped tubes 13. The tubes 13 are disposed in a lower, cylindrically shaped shell 9 of the steam generator8, whose bottom end is associated with a channel head 17, typic-ally of a hemi-spherical configuration as shown in Figure lA.
The channel head 17 is divided by a partition 18 into a first half typically known as a hot le~ 20, and a second hal.e typically known as a colrl ler~ 22. The hiyh-temperature coolank water from the nuclear reactor is introduced into the steam generator 8, through a primary coolant inlet 24 into the hot leg 20. The high-temperature coolant passes from the hot leg 20 into the exposed openings of the plurality of U-shaped tubes 13, passing there through to be introduced into the cold leg 22 and, finally, exiting from the steam generator 8 through a primary coolant outlet 26.
That portion of the steam generator 8, primarily including the tube bundle 11 and the channel head 22 is re-ferred to as an evaporator section 10. As shown in Figure lA, the steam generator 8 further includes a steam drum section 32 comprising an upper shell 30, which contains a moisture separator 34. Feedwater enters the steam generator 8 through inlet nozzle 28 disposed in the upper shell 30 to be distrib ~ted and mixed with the water removed by the moisture separator 34. This feedwater travels down an annular channel surrounding the tube bundle li and is introduced into the bottom of the tube bundle 11. The mixture of feedwater and d~' ~S5~3~34 -3- 52,011 recirculating water boils as the high temperature coolant is circulated through the U-shaped tubes 13 of the tube bundle 11. The steam so produced rises into the steam drum section 32. The moisture separator 34 removes the entrained water from the steam kefore the steam exits from the steam generat-or 8 through a steam outlet 36 to a turbine generator (not shown).
As shown in Figure lA, the U-shaped tubes 13 are supported in the configuration of the tube bundle 11 by a series of lower tube supports 12 and an upper tube support plate 14. As shown in Figures lA and lB, the upper tube support assembly 14 complises a plurality of retainer rings 16a, 16b and 16c. As best shown in Figure lA, each of the retainer rings 16 is of generally oval configuration. The major and minor diameters of the retainer rings 16a, b and c are progressively smaller, noting that -the retainer 16c is disposed at the upper-most portion of ~he tube bundle 11.
pluralit~ of 9et9 of anti-vlbratlon bars 15 .is disposed between adjacent rows oE the U-shaped tubes 13. One such set of anti-vibration bars 15 is shown in Figure lB, it being understood that successive sets of similar anti-vibration bars 15 are disposed behind and in front of the illustrated set. Each of the anti-vibration bars 15a, 15b and lSc is of a V~shaped configuration with the ends thereof extending to the circumference of the tube bundle 11 and connected to a corresponding one of the retainer rings 16. For example, one end of the anti-vibration bar 15a is secured as by tack-welding to the retainer ring 16a and, in similar fashion, the other end of the anti-vibration bar 15a is secured to the same retainer ri.ng 16a. Figure lB illustrates a cross-sectioned view taken through the tube bundle 11 showing that the anti-vibration bars 15a, 15b and 15c are disposed to support the upper ends of the U-shaped tubes 13, noting the arrangement of the U-shaped tubes 13a to 13n in a row.
A
5~
-4- 52,011 This invention relates to a novel configuration and method of constructing such anti-vibration bars 15.
Anti-vibration bars 15 are installed in the U-bend region of the tube bundle 11 to control tube vibration caused by the steam/water mixture flowing by the U-shaped tubes 13. In the absence of anti-vibration bars 15, the U-shaped tubes 13 would vibrate and, if not controlled, would leak resulting in the loss of the primary coolant into the steam supplied to the turbine generator.
Anti-vibration bars of the prior art are typic-ally of uniform cross-section, e.g., square or cylinder. On the other hand, the U-shaped tubes 13 are of substantially uniform cylindrical cross-section with the result that there is a gap/clearance between the anti-vibration ~ars 15 and the U-shaped tubes 13. Gaps between the U-shaped tubes 13 and the anti-vibration bars 15 are not desirable for tube performance or from a reliability point of view and are difficult to make small. The U-shaped tubes 13 and the anti-vibration bars 15 have dimensioned tolerances ~nd are assem-bled such that close contact there between is difficu~t tomaintain. For example, normal tolerances occur in the ou-ter diameters of the anti-vibration bars 15 and the U~shaped tubes 13. The forming tof the U-shaped tubes 13 results in oval cross-sections in their bend areas and their straight portions may not be aligned precisely parrallel with each other. Further, the openings within the tube support plate 14 may not be precisely spaced so that the spacing between adjacent U-shaped tubes 13 in the region of their bends rnay not be uniform.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO~
It is thereEore an object of this invention to provide new and improved anti-vibration bars that have decreased clearance from the U-shaped tubes of a nuclear steam generator, whereby the degree of tube support is improved.
~ Z~S~.D 3 ~
Anti-vibration bars 15 are installed in the U-bend region of the tube bundle 11 to control tube vibration caused by the steam/water mixture flowing by the U-shaped tubes 13. In the absence of anti-vibration bars 15, the U-shaped tubes 13 would vibrate and, if not controlled, would leak resulting in the loss of the primary coolant into the steam supplied to the turbine generator.
Anti-vibration bars of the prior art are typic-ally of uniform cross-section, e.g., square or cylinder. On the other hand, the U-shaped tubes 13 are of substantially uniform cylindrical cross-section with the result that there is a gap/clearance between the anti-vibration ~ars 15 and the U-shaped tubes 13. Gaps between the U-shaped tubes 13 and the anti-vibration bars 15 are not desirable for tube performance or from a reliability point of view and are difficult to make small. The U-shaped tubes 13 and the anti-vibration bars 15 have dimensioned tolerances ~nd are assem-bled such that close contact there between is difficu~t tomaintain. For example, normal tolerances occur in the ou-ter diameters of the anti-vibration bars 15 and the U~shaped tubes 13. The forming tof the U-shaped tubes 13 results in oval cross-sections in their bend areas and their straight portions may not be aligned precisely parrallel with each other. Further, the openings within the tube support plate 14 may not be precisely spaced so that the spacing between adjacent U-shaped tubes 13 in the region of their bends rnay not be uniform.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO~
It is thereEore an object of this invention to provide new and improved anti-vibration bars that have decreased clearance from the U-shaped tubes of a nuclear steam generator, whereby the degree of tube support is improved.
~ Z~S~.D 3 ~
-5- 52, 011 It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a new and improved method for installing anti-vibration bars between rows of U-shaped tubes in a manner that the contact surface of the anti-vibration bars is conformed to the configuration of the U~shaped tubes.
In accordance with these and other objects of this invention, this invention provides a new method of forming and installing anti-vibration bars into a tube bundle of a steam generator, the tube bundle comprised of rows of tubes, each tube carrying a high temperature coolant. Each of the anti-vibration bars has a tubular configuration and is disposed between adjacent rows o:E the tube bundle for stabilizing the tubes against vibration caused by fluids flowing through the steam generator. The method of this invention comprises the steps of inserting at least one anti-vibration bar between adjacen~. rows of the tube bundle and applying a pressurized Eluid -to the hollow anti-vibration bar, thus expanding the b~r circum~erence to contact the tubos ~ ~he adjacent: rows and to provide a series of contacts with minimum clearances.
Typically, the pressure of the fluid is applied at a pressure sufficient such that the configuration of the steam generator tubes is not deformed. In one illustrative embodiment, the maximum pressure level has been found to be 5000 PSI. The resultant anti-vibration bar is a hollow member and has first and second series of contacts disposed on opposing sides thereof and spaced a uniform distance from each other corresponding to the spacing between adjacent tubes of a row. The contact spacings are minimized to provide effective support the tubes ayainst vibration.
Preferably, the anti-vibration bars are of an oval conEigur-ation with the first and second series of contacts aligned with the minor axis of the oval configuration.
~ss~
In accordance with these and other objects of this invention, this invention provides a new method of forming and installing anti-vibration bars into a tube bundle of a steam generator, the tube bundle comprised of rows of tubes, each tube carrying a high temperature coolant. Each of the anti-vibration bars has a tubular configuration and is disposed between adjacent rows o:E the tube bundle for stabilizing the tubes against vibration caused by fluids flowing through the steam generator. The method of this invention comprises the steps of inserting at least one anti-vibration bar between adjacen~. rows of the tube bundle and applying a pressurized Eluid -to the hollow anti-vibration bar, thus expanding the b~r circum~erence to contact the tubos ~ ~he adjacent: rows and to provide a series of contacts with minimum clearances.
Typically, the pressure of the fluid is applied at a pressure sufficient such that the configuration of the steam generator tubes is not deformed. In one illustrative embodiment, the maximum pressure level has been found to be 5000 PSI. The resultant anti-vibration bar is a hollow member and has first and second series of contacts disposed on opposing sides thereof and spaced a uniform distance from each other corresponding to the spacing between adjacent tubes of a row. The contact spacings are minimized to provide effective support the tubes ayainst vibration.
Preferably, the anti-vibration bars are of an oval conEigur-ation with the first and second series of contacts aligned with the minor axis of the oval configuration.
~ss~
6- 52,011 DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings and, in particu-lar, to Figure 2, there is shown a test rig 40 for receiving and imparting a series of indentations 50 to an anti-vibration bar 15. The test rig 40 comprises an upper plate 42a, front and back plates 42d and 42b and a lower plate 42c, rigidly held together by bolts as shown. The upper plate 42b has first and second rows of openings 46 and 48, for respectively receiving first and second rows of test tubes 13l' and 13l. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, ~he anti-vibration bar 15 is disposed between the first and second rows Oe test tubes 13' and 13l'. Each o:E the Eirst set of openings 48 has a conEigurakion and dimension substantially slmilar -to tho~e o the test tubes 13 Eor riyidly clisposlny khe test tube3 13, wherea~ each o the second set oE open-ings 46 is of substantially oval configuration to permit the second set of test tukes 13ll to be directed toward the first rows of test tube 13' ~s~
Referring now to the drawings and, in particu-lar, to Figure 2, there is shown a test rig 40 for receiving and imparting a series of indentations 50 to an anti-vibration bar 15. The test rig 40 comprises an upper plate 42a, front and back plates 42d and 42b and a lower plate 42c, rigidly held together by bolts as shown. The upper plate 42b has first and second rows of openings 46 and 48, for respectively receiving first and second rows of test tubes 13l' and 13l. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, ~he anti-vibration bar 15 is disposed between the first and second rows Oe test tubes 13' and 13l'. Each o:E the Eirst set of openings 48 has a conEigurakion and dimension substantially slmilar -to tho~e o the test tubes 13 Eor riyidly clisposlny khe test tube3 13, wherea~ each o the second set oE open-ings 46 is of substantially oval configuration to permit the second set of test tukes 13ll to be directed toward the first rows of test tube 13' ~s~
-7- 52,011 whereby the spacings between corresponding pairs of the test tubes 13' and 13" may be variably set, thus duplicat-ing the inconsistent spacings be~ween U-shaped tubes 13 of a typical tube bundle 11. As illustrated in Figure 2, a set of micrometer heads 44a, 44b and 44c may be manually rotated to variably set the spacings between opposing test tubes 13' and 13".
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the oval-shaped, tubular anti-vibration bars 15 have initially a uniform 1~ minor diameter before they are compres ed as will be explained. The anti-vibration bars lS of this invention are tubular in character to permit their deformation by the application of fluidized pres~ure, whereby a minimun gap contact lq achieved with the U-shaped tube3 13, thus imp~ovlnq the vibra~ion support provided to the~e tubo~
13. In particular a~ shown in Figure 5, a series of indentations 50a, 50b and 50c, etc., is provided in the anti-vibration bar lS by applying a pressurized fluid thereto. The diameter B along the minor axi 5 of the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15 is shown in Figure 4 before the application of pressure. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, opposing indentations 50a, 50b, 50c, etc., are imparted to the anti-vibration bar 15 and the minor diameter A of the anti-vibration bar 15 there be-tween is slightly increased by the application of pres-surized fluid with respect to the minor diameter B. The application of the fluidized pressure increases signii-cantly the minor diameter C of the deformed anti-vibration bar lS at a point approximately midway between adjacent indentations 50. It is realized that deformation may incxease slightly the minor diameter A from the original minor diameter B. As particularly illustrated in Figure 5, the surfaces of the indentations 50 tend to conform to the configuration of the opposing test tubes 13' and 13~, whereby the size of the gap~ between the anti-vibration ~SS9~
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the oval-shaped, tubular anti-vibration bars 15 have initially a uniform 1~ minor diameter before they are compres ed as will be explained. The anti-vibration bars lS of this invention are tubular in character to permit their deformation by the application of fluidized pres~ure, whereby a minimun gap contact lq achieved with the U-shaped tube3 13, thus imp~ovlnq the vibra~ion support provided to the~e tubo~
13. In particular a~ shown in Figure 5, a series of indentations 50a, 50b and 50c, etc., is provided in the anti-vibration bar lS by applying a pressurized fluid thereto. The diameter B along the minor axi 5 of the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15 is shown in Figure 4 before the application of pressure. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, opposing indentations 50a, 50b, 50c, etc., are imparted to the anti-vibration bar 15 and the minor diameter A of the anti-vibration bar 15 there be-tween is slightly increased by the application of pres-surized fluid with respect to the minor diameter B. The application of the fluidized pressure increases signii-cantly the minor diameter C of the deformed anti-vibration bar lS at a point approximately midway between adjacent indentations 50. It is realized that deformation may incxease slightly the minor diameter A from the original minor diameter B. As particularly illustrated in Figure 5, the surfaces of the indentations 50 tend to conform to the configuration of the opposing test tubes 13' and 13~, whereby the size of the gap~ between the anti-vibration ~SS9~
-8- 52,011 bars 15 and the tubes is minimized. The minimized gap between the tubes and anti-vibration bars 15 improves the support provided by the anti-vibration bars 15 to the test tubes 13, thereby reducing the vibration and the risk of primary coolant leakage. Maintaining the gap slze at 3 mil or less is believed to result in the desired tube sup-port and vibration reductionO
The mechanical deformation of anti-vibration bars 15 is carried out after the assembly and installation of the U-shaped tubes 13 as the tube bundle 11. In a pre-ferred embodiment of this invention, method and apparatus are provided for a hydraulically deforming anti-vibration bars 15 as i]lustrated in Figure 7~ Figure 7 illustrates an anti-vibration bar lS dispose between first and 3econd ~OW9 of the test tubes 13' and 13" as supported by the te~t rig 40 a~ explalned above. A pump 72 ~upplies a reg-ulated, pressurized fluld, such as water, to the anti-vibration bar 15, whereby the anti-vibration bar 15 is expanded and a series of indentations SOa, 50b, 50c, etc., as shown in Figure 5, is imparted to the anti-vibration bar 15. It is understood that in the pre-ferred method of compressing and installing the anti-vibration bars 15, that the V-shaped tubes 13 are first assembled into the tube bundle 11 as illustrated in Figures lA and ~, and thereafter the pump 72 is coupled sequentially or in other de~irable order to each of the anti-vibration bars 15 to impart the desired deformations.
As shown in Figure 7, the pump 72 is coupled by a conduit 64 and a fluid coupling 64b to the one end of the anti-vibration bar 15. The opposite end of the anti-vibration bar lS is attached to a fluid coupling 64a, which serves to prevent the leakage of ~he pressurized fluid, thus serving to permit the increase of pressure within the anti-vibration bar 15. The pump 72, which may in one illustrative embodiment comprise a model ;
S~
The mechanical deformation of anti-vibration bars 15 is carried out after the assembly and installation of the U-shaped tubes 13 as the tube bundle 11. In a pre-ferred embodiment of this invention, method and apparatus are provided for a hydraulically deforming anti-vibration bars 15 as i]lustrated in Figure 7~ Figure 7 illustrates an anti-vibration bar lS dispose between first and 3econd ~OW9 of the test tubes 13' and 13" as supported by the te~t rig 40 a~ explalned above. A pump 72 ~upplies a reg-ulated, pressurized fluld, such as water, to the anti-vibration bar 15, whereby the anti-vibration bar 15 is expanded and a series of indentations SOa, 50b, 50c, etc., as shown in Figure 5, is imparted to the anti-vibration bar 15. It is understood that in the pre-ferred method of compressing and installing the anti-vibration bars 15, that the V-shaped tubes 13 are first assembled into the tube bundle 11 as illustrated in Figures lA and ~, and thereafter the pump 72 is coupled sequentially or in other de~irable order to each of the anti-vibration bars 15 to impart the desired deformations.
As shown in Figure 7, the pump 72 is coupled by a conduit 64 and a fluid coupling 64b to the one end of the anti-vibration bar 15. The opposite end of the anti-vibration bar lS is attached to a fluid coupling 64a, which serves to prevent the leakage of ~he pressurized fluid, thus serving to permit the increase of pressure within the anti-vibration bar 15. The pump 72, which may in one illustrative embodiment comprise a model ;
S~
9~ 52,011 S-440-60-SS as manufactured by SPRAGUE, pumps the fluid via the conduit 66 and coupling 64b to the anti-vibration bar 15. A pressure gauge 68 is coupled in circuit between the pump 72 and the anti-vibratio~ bar 15, whereby a mea-~urement of fluid pressure is obtained~ Further, a pres-sure recorder 70 is connected to the pressure gauge 68, whereby a record of the fluid pressure may be kept, primarily, to ascertain the maximum fluid pressure. The pressure gauge 68 and the pressure recorder 70 may illus-tratively take the form of those models D-HS and LS-600-650 as manufactured by BLH and LINSEIS, respec-tively.
In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, an oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15', as illustrated in Figures 3A and 8B, having a major diameter of 0.40 inches and a minor diameter o~ 0.30 inches wa~ disposed between first and second rows 13' and 13" as positioned by the test rig 40. Fluid pressure was established within the anti-vibration bar 15 and gradually increased by the pump 72 to a maximum pressure. Illustratively, the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15' may have a wall thickness of 0.02 inches and be made of that stainless steel known as type 304.
As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the pairs of test tubes 13' and 13" are deposed at six locations 1! 2, 3, 4, S, and 6, each pair spaced 1 inch from an adjacent pair. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this method of deformation, the spacin~s of the tube paixs 1 to 6 were set respectively to be .372, .340, .372, .300~ .372 and .300, as would simulate the variations and spacings found within the tubes 13 of a typical tube bundle 11.
The pressure was incrementally raised by the pump 72 in steps of 500 PSI until a maximum of 5000 PSI was reached, ~L2~S~
-la- 52, 011 before returning the pressure to 0. The following series of relatively uniformed diameters A and C rPsulted:
Pressure, Di~eter ~inch) at Loc2tion ~S~ 1 1-2 2 2-3 3 3-4 4 4-5 ~ 5~6 6 0 .292 .295 .Z95.296 .298 .296 .297 .297 .29~ .257 .25~
500 - -.~18 .317 .~20.314 .315 .316 .300 .31~: .311 .314 .~00 1000 .331 .344 .340. ~4~ .3Z9 .341 .300 .33'~ .320 .335 .300 15C0 .372 .349 .3q~.35~ .372 .352 .300 .351 .372 .345 .300 2000 .372 .369 .340.365 .37~ .364 .300 ~36" .37~ .36~ .3G0 1 0 2509 .372 .381 .340.379 .372 .379 .~00 .376 .37~ .374 .30~
3000 .372 .3es .3~0.35~ .372 .3~.3Uû .3~4 .372 .3~1 .300 3500 .372 ;3sa .~40.39s .372 .396 .300 .3~ .372 .39a .30tJ
4000 .372 .4~0 .340.401 .372 .402 .30~ .359 .372 .404 .30~
45G0 .372 .409 .340.409 .372 .409 .300 .40i .372 .404 .300 50G~ .372 .410 .340.411 .372 .412 .30~ .409 .372 .4~9 .300 O .372 .39. .3~.389 .37~ .395 .300 .364 .372 .3a7 .300' Further, tests have ~hown that when the pressure is ral~ed greater than a predetermined maximum, e.g., 5000, ~or the particular ovAl-shaped anti-vibration bar 15', that the anti-vibration bar 15' may deform the cylln-drical configuration of the tubes 13. Such deformation of the U-shaped tubes 13 may threaten their structural integ-rity, which must be avoided by limiting the predetermined maximum in view of the particular construction, e.g., material and dimensions, of the anti-vibration bar 15.
Referring now to 9A and 9B, there is shown a further embodiment of this invention, in which an anti-vibration bar 15" is configured as a rectangle having relative thick top and bottom side~ 15a and 15c as 3~ compared to side walls 15b and 15d. Dimensions B ancl C as shown in Figure 9A are respectively 0.30 and 0.50 inches.
Figure 93 illustrates the anti-vibration bar 15" after it was pneumatically expanded, whereby the side 15d is curved.
Referring now to Fiyures lOA and lOB, a third embodiment is illustrated, wherein anti-vibration bar 15'" has side walls 15f and 15h interconnected by ~2555~334 -11- 52,011 ~lexible side walls 15e and 15g. The dim~nsions B and C
are similar to those of the anti-vibration bar 15" as shown in Figure 9A. Of the three illustrative embodiments, the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15' is the preferred embodiment in that it is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
In considering thi~ invention, it should be remembered that the provided disclosure is illustrative - only and the scope of this invention should be determinPd by the appended claims.
In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, an oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15', as illustrated in Figures 3A and 8B, having a major diameter of 0.40 inches and a minor diameter o~ 0.30 inches wa~ disposed between first and second rows 13' and 13" as positioned by the test rig 40. Fluid pressure was established within the anti-vibration bar 15 and gradually increased by the pump 72 to a maximum pressure. Illustratively, the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15' may have a wall thickness of 0.02 inches and be made of that stainless steel known as type 304.
As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the pairs of test tubes 13' and 13" are deposed at six locations 1! 2, 3, 4, S, and 6, each pair spaced 1 inch from an adjacent pair. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this method of deformation, the spacin~s of the tube paixs 1 to 6 were set respectively to be .372, .340, .372, .300~ .372 and .300, as would simulate the variations and spacings found within the tubes 13 of a typical tube bundle 11.
The pressure was incrementally raised by the pump 72 in steps of 500 PSI until a maximum of 5000 PSI was reached, ~L2~S~
-la- 52, 011 before returning the pressure to 0. The following series of relatively uniformed diameters A and C rPsulted:
Pressure, Di~eter ~inch) at Loc2tion ~S~ 1 1-2 2 2-3 3 3-4 4 4-5 ~ 5~6 6 0 .292 .295 .Z95.296 .298 .296 .297 .297 .29~ .257 .25~
500 - -.~18 .317 .~20.314 .315 .316 .300 .31~: .311 .314 .~00 1000 .331 .344 .340. ~4~ .3Z9 .341 .300 .33'~ .320 .335 .300 15C0 .372 .349 .3q~.35~ .372 .352 .300 .351 .372 .345 .300 2000 .372 .369 .340.365 .37~ .364 .300 ~36" .37~ .36~ .3G0 1 0 2509 .372 .381 .340.379 .372 .379 .~00 .376 .37~ .374 .30~
3000 .372 .3es .3~0.35~ .372 .3~.3Uû .3~4 .372 .3~1 .300 3500 .372 ;3sa .~40.39s .372 .396 .300 .3~ .372 .39a .30tJ
4000 .372 .4~0 .340.401 .372 .402 .30~ .359 .372 .404 .30~
45G0 .372 .409 .340.409 .372 .409 .300 .40i .372 .404 .300 50G~ .372 .410 .340.411 .372 .412 .30~ .409 .372 .4~9 .300 O .372 .39. .3~.389 .37~ .395 .300 .364 .372 .3a7 .300' Further, tests have ~hown that when the pressure is ral~ed greater than a predetermined maximum, e.g., 5000, ~or the particular ovAl-shaped anti-vibration bar 15', that the anti-vibration bar 15' may deform the cylln-drical configuration of the tubes 13. Such deformation of the U-shaped tubes 13 may threaten their structural integ-rity, which must be avoided by limiting the predetermined maximum in view of the particular construction, e.g., material and dimensions, of the anti-vibration bar 15.
Referring now to 9A and 9B, there is shown a further embodiment of this invention, in which an anti-vibration bar 15" is configured as a rectangle having relative thick top and bottom side~ 15a and 15c as 3~ compared to side walls 15b and 15d. Dimensions B ancl C as shown in Figure 9A are respectively 0.30 and 0.50 inches.
Figure 93 illustrates the anti-vibration bar 15" after it was pneumatically expanded, whereby the side 15d is curved.
Referring now to Fiyures lOA and lOB, a third embodiment is illustrated, wherein anti-vibration bar 15'" has side walls 15f and 15h interconnected by ~2555~334 -11- 52,011 ~lexible side walls 15e and 15g. The dim~nsions B and C
are similar to those of the anti-vibration bar 15" as shown in Figure 9A. Of the three illustrative embodiments, the oval-shaped anti-vibration bar 15' is the preferred embodiment in that it is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
In considering thi~ invention, it should be remembered that the provided disclosure is illustrative - only and the scope of this invention should be determinPd by the appended claims.
Claims (3)
1. Anti-vibration bars structurally supporting tubes carrying high temperature coolant in a steam generator, said anti-vibration bars being disposed between adjacent rows of tubes and expanded from a rest state to an expanded state as pressure is applied to the interior of said anti-vibration bars, each of said anti-vibration bars being configured as a hollow member of a rectangular shape, said rectangular shape comprising a pair of opposing wall lengths and a pair of opposing wall widths, each of said wall lengths have a thick-ness greater than that of said wall widths to facilitate ex-pansion of said opposing wall lengths away from each other and into contact respectively with tubes of adjacent rows, said wall lengths having sufficient rigidity to resist de-formation as said bars are expanded to their expanded state so that said wall lengths make a line contact with their respective tubes.
2. The anti-vibration bars as claimed in claim 1, each of said wall widths has a fold when said bars are in their rest state to facilitate expansion of said bars to their expanded state.
3. The anti-vibration bars as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said wall widths has a thickness of approximately 0.02 inch.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US67072884A | 1984-11-13 | 1984-11-13 | |
| US670,728 | 1984-11-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1255984A true CA1255984A (en) | 1989-06-20 |
Family
ID=24691616
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000492665A Expired CA1255984A (en) | 1984-11-13 | 1985-10-10 | Anti-vibration bars for nuclear steam generators |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0186957B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0631712B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN85108329A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1255984A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3567953D1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES8800408A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA858048B (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2603364B1 (en) * | 1986-08-27 | 1988-11-10 | Framatome Sa | METHOD FOR PLACING TUBES IN A STEAM GENERATOR |
| NO933519L (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1995-04-03 | Kvaerner Rosenberg As | A method of providing a particularly stiffened tube bundle against vibration, and thus a stiffened tube bundle |
| JP2991027B2 (en) * | 1994-02-15 | 1999-12-20 | 住友金属工業株式会社 | Heat exchanger and tube bending method used for manufacturing U-bend tube for heat exchanger |
| JP6071298B2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2017-02-01 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Method for additionally installing gap expansion jig for heat transfer tube and vibration suppressing member |
| JP2014043970A (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2014-03-13 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Vibration suppression member and arrangement method of vibration suppression member |
| CN103868051B (en) * | 2012-12-13 | 2015-08-26 | 中国核动力研究设计院 | PWR nuclear power plant steam generator march-past vibrationproof bar structure |
| FR3008779B1 (en) * | 2013-07-19 | 2018-01-26 | Areva Np | ANTI-VIBRATION BAR FOR TUBE BEAM OF A STEAM GENERATOR |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB813152A (en) * | 1956-04-09 | 1959-05-13 | Konink Machinenfabriek Gebr St | Improvements in and relating to heat exchangers |
| US3199582A (en) * | 1962-04-06 | 1965-08-10 | Foster Wheeler Corp | Heat exchanger tube anti-vibration structure |
| GB1188564A (en) * | 1967-11-14 | 1970-04-22 | Hick Hargreaves And Company Lt | Tube supports |
| US3864811A (en) * | 1972-09-20 | 1975-02-11 | Hick Hargreaves And Company Lt | Methods of assembling tube supports |
| GB1532100A (en) * | 1977-06-29 | 1978-11-15 | Ass Elect Ind | Tubular heat exchangers |
-
1985
- 1985-10-10 CA CA000492665A patent/CA1255984A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-18 ZA ZA858048A patent/ZA858048B/en unknown
- 1985-11-07 ES ES548633A patent/ES8800408A1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-11-12 CN CN198585108329A patent/CN85108329A/en active Pending
- 1985-11-13 JP JP60252983A patent/JPH0631712B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-11-13 DE DE8585308234T patent/DE3567953D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-11-13 EP EP85308234A patent/EP0186957B1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3567953D1 (en) | 1989-03-02 |
| JPH0631712B2 (en) | 1994-04-27 |
| ES8800408A1 (en) | 1987-11-01 |
| ZA858048B (en) | 1986-06-25 |
| CN85108329A (en) | 1986-10-15 |
| EP0186957B1 (en) | 1989-01-25 |
| JPS61122495A (en) | 1986-06-10 |
| ES548633A0 (en) | 1987-11-01 |
| EP0186957A1 (en) | 1986-07-09 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |