This paper presents an experimental study of the turbulent flow in a curved duct which simulates part of a thermal-electrical power plant. Ashes, carried in the power plant by the flow of gases from the furnace, impinge on the pipes of the economizer, after passing a curved duct, and produce erosion of the pipes, leading to failures which stop plant operation. Flow distribution after the curve increase the erosion near the concave wall of the duct. Classical solutions for flow redistribution in curves, like vanes, are not applicable since they could increase operational risks due to the erosion of the vanes. This problem was investigated in a scale model of the curved duct, in which, for simplicity, air was used as the working fluid. Flow visualizations with wall tuft method, Pitot tube and hot wire measurements were applied. Based on the results, modifications in the test section were made, using boundary-layer control techniques. The results show that the flow redistribution after the curve was improved, and the modifications, when implemented in the plant, may lead to safer and economical operational conditions.
Turbulent Flow; Curved Rectangular Ducts; Hot Wire Anemometry
