Optimum Heating of Thick Wall Pressure Components of Steam Boilers

A method for determining time-optimum fluid temperature changes is presented. In contrast to present standards, two points at the edge of the opening are taken into consideration. The optimum fluid temperature changes are assumed in the form of a simple time function. It is possible to increase the fluid temperature stepwise and then the fluid temperature can be increased with a constant rate at the beginning of the heating process. Due to the stepwise increase in fluid temperature, heating time of a thick-walled component is of the same order as in the case of calculations according to EN 12952-3 European Standard, but the total circumferential stresses on the edge of the hole do not exceed the allowable value.