Comparative Modal Analysis of Gasketed and Nongasketed Bolted Flanged Pipe Joints: FEA Approach

Abstract

It is widely known that resonance can quickly lead to failure in vibrating bolted flanged pipe joints. Condition monitoring is performed time to time in some industries for smooth operation of a system, whereas mostly trial-and-error tests are performed to control vibration. During all this process, the inherent design problems are not considered. A bolted flange joint in piping system is not a simple problem, being the combination of flange, gasket, bolts, and washers. The success of a bolted flanged pipe joint is defined by the “static mode of load” in the joint. However, it has been recognized that a “dynamic mode of load” governs in a gasketed bolted flanged pipe joint, which leads to its failure due to flange rotation, providing flange yielding, fatigue of bolts, and gasket crushing. This paper presents results of detailed 3D finite element and mathematical modal analysis under bolt up to determine natural frequencies and mode shapes of gasketed flanged joints with and without raised face in comparison to the nongasketed flange joint.

An Experimental Study on the Relaxation of Bolts

“…In a gasketed joint, the presence of the gasket and rotation of flanges results in joint relaxation and improper preloading of the bolts. In addition to this, gasket crushing and flange yielding limits higher pre-load [1,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. Bolt quality and proper tooling has been proven to be important factors in getting proper pre-load in the joint [1].…”

Performance Testing of a Gasketed Bolted Flange Pipe Joint Under Combined Pressure and Thermal Loading

“…Gasketed flanged pipe joints are considered prone to failure, in terms of strength and sealing capability, during bolt up and operating conditions of even internal pressure loading only. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Their performance can be worse under combined loading applications. 1,[3][4][5][6]8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] However, it is also reported that a gasketed joint can perform well provided the joint assembly is made properly and with great care, which may be possible in a controlled laboratory environment but cannot be ensured in the field applications.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Their performance can be worse under combined loading applications. 1,[3][4][5][6]8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] However, it is also reported that a gasketed joint can perform well provided the joint assembly is made properly and with great care, which may be possible in a controlled laboratory environment but cannot be ensured in the field applications. 1,[3][4][5]11,[13][14][15]17 Although certain numerically studies were performed under combined pressure and different (static and transient) thermal loadings up to 400 • C, 6,8,12,16,[20][21][22]…”

“…1,[3][4][5][6]8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] However, it is also reported that a gasketed joint can perform well provided the joint assembly is made properly and with great care, which may be possible in a controlled laboratory environment but cannot be ensured in the field applications. 1,[3][4][5]11,[13][14][15]17 Although certain numerically studies were performed under combined pressure and different (static and transient) thermal loadings up to 400 • C, 6,8,12,16,[20][21][22][23][24] a limited number of experimental studies are available for the testing of bolted flanged pipe joints under combined pressure and thermal loading. [21][22][23] Helium leak tests are normally conducted at low pressure and room temperature; Sawa et al 23 have reported the helium leak testing of a gasketed bolted flange joint (GBFJ) assembly under a combined pressure of 5 MPa and temperature of 200 • C and have discussed the performance of the bolted flanged pipe joint.…”

Análise por elementos finitos da junta de vedação e dinâmica de um compressor hermético

“…Os autores concluíram que a configuração na forma de U da o melhor desempenho com taxa de vazamento não mensurável sob carga aplicada representada em termos de tensão global de 0,67 Mpa. Foi feita análise de tensão usando o método de elementos finitos com a ferramenta ABAQUS®, e se conclui que o projeto da ranhura em U tem o melhor desempenho de vedação Abid et al (2012). apresentam resultados detalhados de análise modal por elementos finitos 3D e análise modal matemática para determinar as frequências naturais e modos de vibrar de junções flangeadas, para junta de vedação, com e sem rebaixo na face; fazendo a comparação com junção flangeada sem junta de vedação.…”