Seismic Response of a Large Electrostatic Precipitator Considering Non-Linear Effects Using a Simplified Model

Abstract eng:
A study of the seismic response considering nonlinear effects of a large electrostatic precipitator obtained from a model based on a simplified representation of the hanging interior components of the system and a standard modeling of the steel support structure is carried out. The behavior of the casing is represented by a combination of “frame” elements for the ribs and frames and "shell" elements for the casing itself both in the longitudinal direction (flue gas flow direction) and in the transverse direction. For the internal components, two levels of modeling are considered. The simplified model considers “simple pendulum type elements” with masses distributed along the length and flexural “frame” type elements. The possible interaction (pounding) between the hanging elements and the casing is also considered in the analysis. For a “second level” model of the interior components, “frame” and “shell” elements are also used, as appropriate to the geometry and characteristics of the components. The mass distributions are obtained from the geometric description of the components considering the different materials. “Added mass” is considered to represent the weight of the dust in the collector plates. The support conditions of the internal elements are modeled using "springs" and nonlinear link elements (“gap”) with properties that represent their mechanical behavior including the possible pounding of hanging elements against the casing or internal beams. In both cases the support structure is modeled using “frame” elements and “hinges” according to the actual configuration of the attachment of the equipment to the support structure. The earthquake action is represented by actual ground motion records from different sites where rather extensive earthquake induced damage were observed. Different types of events are considered (near fault records and subduction zone records). The results of the analyses for different earthquake ground motions are discussed in terms of overall system behavior, internal parts behavior, and maximum loads acting on the support structure and the foundation.

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