Steam Generator Tube Support Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube support designs for steam generator systems, particularly those with helical tubes, face challenges such as complex assembly, stress induction due to thermal expansion, and increased assembly time, as well as potential material defects and loose parts during operation.
Innovation Solution
A tube support assembly featuring a support bar with projections that extend beyond the external diameter of the heat transfer tubes, providing secure separation and stabilization, and a sheet with tabs that support tubes with a thickness equal to or greater than the distance between them, facilitating easier installation and reducing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perforated support plates are used to support helical tubes, then tube support is achieved, but additional welding or bending processes are required which increase assembly time and introduce material defects
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into multiple protrusions that individually engage with tubes, allowing each tube to be supported independently without requiring additional fastening operations. This segmentation enables direct insertion of helical tubes while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to automatically engage with and support the tubes through their geometric configuration alone, without requiring external welding or bending operations. The structure serves its own support function through its inherent design, eliminating the need for additional assembly processes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid clamps are used to hold tubes in place, then tube position is secured, but thermal expansion stress is induced in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate with protrusions provides a compliant support structure that can accommodate thermal expansion movements. The protrusions maintain tube position stability while allowing for thermal movement, preventing stress concentration that would occur with rigid clamps.
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used to mount and hold individual tubes, then secure tube support is achieved, but assembly and disassembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into a single integrated support plate structure with multiple protrusions. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate mounting parts, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure tube support through the combined action of all protrusions.
4Manufacturing precision
If mounting holes and fit-up shims are used in the support structure, then tube alignment is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and tube movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate features localized protrusions with specific geometric qualities designed to automatically align with and support tubes. This local quality approach provides precise alignment through the shape and positioning of individual protrusions, eliminating the need for complex mounting holes and fit-up shims.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube support assembly for a steam generator system is disclosed herein, including a sheet or support bar configured to support a plurality of heat transfer tubes of the steam generator system and a set of projections extending from a surface of the sheet or support bar. A distance that the set of projections extend from the surface of the sheet or support bar may be greater than, or equal to, an external diameter of a heat transfer tube. The adjacent tubes of the plurality of tubes may be separated from each other by one or more projections.