Hydrodynamic Computations of Pressures Generated by Steam Pipe Rupture
Abstract
Calculations were made to determine the pressure loads generated by the impact of steam jets from a broken process pipe upon the inner wall of a surrounding concentric guard pipe. Longitudinal and circumferential breaks were considered, with various guard pipe diameters. The data obtained can be used in designing guard pipes for high-pressure steam process pipes. Circumferential and longitudinal 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) and 50.8 mm (2.0 in.) wide breaks in a 0.914 m (36 in.). O. D. process pipe carrying 8.3 MPa (1200 psia) saturated steam were considered. Spaces between the process pipe and the guard pipe ranged from 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) to 152.4 mm (6 in.). The entire flow fields, including shock waves, were calculated with a two-dimensional hydrocode. The main loading on the guard pipe was determined to be the steady-flow pressure generated subsequent to the process pipe rupture. This pressure drops rapidly as the pipe spacing is increased, so from the standpoint of steam jets, pipe spacings of several inches are desirable. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 23, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102046
Entities
People
- D. L. Lehto
- J. M. Ward
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory