Acoustic Vibration in a Stack Induced by Pipe Bends

Abstract

Acoustic vibration in two stack liners located inside a stack downstream of two induced draft fans occurred at high loads. Measurements confirmed that an acoustic wave developed in the fundamental diametral mode of the cylindrical stack liners. It manifested itself as a pure tone traveling through the stack to surrounding residential areas. It was suspected that turbulent flow in the pipe bends upstream of the stack and downstream of the fans was the source of the excitation. Laboratory scale model tests confirmed that the bends indeed acted as the source. Two guide vane configurations placed inside the bends were tested experimentally. The tests showed that properly placed guide vanes would reduce the acoustic levels in the stack. The paper gives a description and evaluation of the problem.