CFD
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been successfully used in the chemical and hydrocarbon industries as a tested, validated and now regularly accepted modeling tool. The science and technology of CFD has matured to the point where performance predictions are made with a degree of confidence from models covering a wide range of complex furnace, burner and reactor geometries. CFD allows the engineer to explore operational parameters previously considered impossible or prohibitively expensive using normal design analysis.
This type of modeling is a very helpful tool for reviewing the furnace currents in applications where burner spacing is very tight and there is a high probability of strong furnace flue gas currents which can potentially affect burner flame shapes, quality and emissions. In such cases, CFD modeling can be used to predict how certain burners will work within a given furnace design. If the furnace currents are too strong, adjustments can be made to the burner(s) and/or furnace(s) to prevent a potential problem.
Another area where CFD modeling is very useful is for determining the combustion air flow distribution to each burner assembly in forced draft applications. To ensure that the each burner is receiving the proper amount of combustion air, the air distribution system (i.e. ductwork, common plenum, etc.) must be able to provide plus or minus 3% of the combustion air to each burner assembly. Such modeling can determine if modifications to the air distribution system need to be addressed for the system to work properly.
As you can see below, there are some cases where CFD modeling allows problems to be prevented and answers to complex combustion and air distribution issues to be explored in a more detailed and meaningful method than previously possible. Used correctly, CFD modeling can be a very informative tool that can save money by preventing problems from occurring.
