Comparison of PODMIX calculations with operational data from the instrumented boiler pods at Hartlepool and Heysham I

The measured distributions of steam and metal temperatures in the helical coil, once-through boilers at Hartlepool and Heysham I have been investigated using the two-dimensional, steady-state program PODMIX. A sensitivity analysis of the input parameters to PODMIX showed that appreciable modifications to the design data on boiler geometry and gas flow distribution were required in order to obtain good agreement between the program predictions and plant operational data in the 40% to 100% load range. With the revised input data the program was used to specify a set of boiler feed ferrules which should enable the Heysham I boilers to operate at full load within the specified temperature constraints. (author)