Structural Analysis of 36 Inch Condensor Unit for Nuclear Application
OBJECTIVE
This project was undertaken to understand Structural, Thermal and Seismic responses of a horizontally mounted condenser unit used for a nuclear waste treatment facility. The condenser unit was built in the northwest United States for the Department of Energy.
Finite element model of condenser unit |
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Resultant displacement due to weight of the assembly and liquid |
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von-Mises Stress contour plot-inertial loads |
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METHODOLOGY
A finite element model of all the major components of the condenser unit was constructed using shell elements. The model consisted of the main vessel, channel shell, plenum shell and closures, heads, saddles, nozzles, tube sheet, and internal baffles that support the tubes.
The assembly was subjected to nozzle loading, internal pressure due to various chambers being full or under vacuum, thermal loads, and piping thermal loads as specified by the client in accordance with the ASME section VIII Division 1 guidelines.
The ‘seismic response’ due to acceleration in all three directions was calculated and compared to the allowable stresses used as generally accepted practice in the nuclear industry. First fundamental frequency of vibration was calculated to meet the design requirements.
The unit conformed to the ASME Section VIII Div 1 guidelines.
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