Tasks

a) Chimney

• Gathering and processing of experience to ensure undisturbed chimney operation
• Establishing and assessing operating conditions (operating modes, flow conditions, thermal and chemical influences)
• Establishing structural design data
• Evaluation of construction methods
• Notes on execution, design recommendations
• Outlining of design problem solutions for extraordinary operating conditions
• Recommendations for condition monitoring
• Active co-operation in context with the preparation or revision of relevant national and European standards (e.g. DIN EN 13084, EN 1993-3-2)

• b) Cooling towers

• Establishing and assessing basic data of cooling technology for structural design
• Establishing structural design data for large cooling towers
• Development of calculation and assessment processes taking into account the required serviceability and a corresponding stability concept
• Presentation and assessment of various cooling processes
• Analysis of operating conditions and resulting effects on building structures
• Optimisation of structural cooling facilities
• Definition of material requirements/quality assurance measures
• Design and execution instructions
• Exerting substantial influence on the applicable construction regulations and checks and approvals by authorities

c) Special structures

• Planning, design and execution of vessels and silos
• Design and execution of pipings (exhaust pipes, cooling water pipes, flue gas ducts after FGD)
• Basic design and dimensioning for boiler supporting structures (under consideration of permissible subsidence values)

Service

• Advice in the planning, execution, repair or upgrading of chimneys and cooling towers
• Information concerning planning and execution of protective coatings for concrete surfaces
• Support with damage analyses and repairs

Current Topics

• Chimneys - evaluation of the construction methods, notes on design and commissioning (M 642 U); special constructional aspects for the operation of chimney without reheating of flue gas after FGB (M 643 U)
• VGB Guideline "Structural Design of Coaling Towers (R 610 Ue); revision for the adjustment to new national and European standards
• Protection measures for coaling towers and chimneys against operational and environmental impacts (R 612 Ue); revision due to new knowledges
• Application of special concretes for the erection of chimneys and coaling towers
• Lifetime management, Condition monitoring (R 613 U, B 602)