Boiler Drum-level Modeling

In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to describe the dynamics of the drum-level of a natural circulation boiler. A boiler-drum is divided into two parts; the upper part contains saturated steam while the lower part contains a steam/water mixture. The ratio of the steam in that mixture is defined in this work as the steam volumetric ratio. On the other hand, balance equations are applied to the drum. The resulting equations are used to model the drum-level. The importance of the resulting model comes from the direct modeling of drum level which is usually computed off-line with the aid of empirical formulas and assumptions. Safe operation of boilers requires perfect level controller which cannot be designed without proper modeling. Simulation of the water level dynamics for step changes in heat rate and steam demand are compared with those in the literature. The results show that the drum level can be obtained from the basic balance equations.