Experimental and simulation studies for optimal position of different horn length in acoustic cleaning
The formation of ash deposits on heat transfer surfaces has been one of the main problems encountered in industrial process equipment, Ash deposits not only lower the heat transfer rates but also result in frequent maintenance and unscheduled shutdown. The various methods are adopted to prevent and clean ash, dust, scale and soot formation of which acoustic cleaning is more effective. In acoustic cleaning sound waves are sent inside the process equipment which propagate in all directions and impact energy to ash particulates which fluidize and jump up from fouled surfaces. The aim of this work is to find the optimum position where desired SPL and frequency is obtained for cleaning the process equipment. Single horn with different geometry (i.e. horn with 2,4,6,8 and 10 bends) are considered for experimental and simulation study at 3 different positions with respect to center line with different inlet pressure (1.5 bar, 2 bar and 2.5 bar) respectively and at each positions, SPL and frequency is noted. It is observed that, as horn is moved away from center line there is decrease in SPL whereas frequency is independent of positions, thus position 1 (i.e. along center line) is the most optimum position.