Sparger noise

[AB CST]

I have a problem with high noise levels from a sparger. During startup, steam from an HRSG bypasses the steam turbine. Pressure is reduced through a valve, water is injected, and the steam in the 36" line is then dumped via a sparger into the large duct that leads to the air-cooled condenser. The duct is filled with low-pressure steam, not water. The concern is what is causing the high noise levels (120 dBA near the sparger but only 95 dBA near the valve), and if damage could result from whatever is causing the noise and vibration. The peak frequency range is around 500 Hz. I'd appreciate any ideas on what could be causing the high sound levels and what my major concerns should be.

 

[EdStainless]

Two ideas, neither good.
Either something has already come loose and is flapping around
Or you attemperator is dumping too much water and you have very wet steam (with some puddles of water) in the line, in which case things will be coming apart very soon.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[LittleInch]

Type and design of the sparger? They come in different formats.

Any measurements of pressure and temperature of the steam d/s of your water injection?

500 htz must sound like a rumble??

Steam composition sounds like your issue.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[hacksaw]

What's the valve calculation show you?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Absent any real or imagined skill in the area, based on efforts to circulate liquid in tanks with air spargers, I'd try a sintered sparger.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[hacksaw]

On second reading og the original post, you are dealing with sparger noise.

Most spargers self destruct if they are traditional designs.

Contact your supplier, there are low noise/low vibration designs, even special sparger valves. They are not cheap.