Comparative thermal stress analysis of gasketed and non-gasketed flange joints for safe operating conditions

Abstract

The performance of a flanged joint is characterized mainly by its 'strength' and 'sealing capability'. A number of analytical and experimental studies have been conducted to study these characteristics under only internal pressure loading. However, with the advent of new technological trends for high temperature and high-pressure applications, an increased demand for more complex analysis is recognized. The effect of steady-state thermal loading is a well-recognized problem and makes the analysis more complex. To investigate joint strength and sealing capability under combined internal pressure and different steady-state thermal loadings, a comparative three-dimensional non-linear finite-element analysis of gasketed and non-gasketed flange joints is carried out and their behaviour is discussed. To determine the safe operating conditions or actual joint load capacity, both the flange joints are further analysed for different internal pressures and temperatures.

Effect of thermal loading on sealing behavior of single and twin-gasketed flange joints

“…An effective method of increasing the bolt preload was proposed for better performance. Abid et al 6 investigated the joint strength of gasketed and nongasketed flange joints under operating conditions. The gasket was modeled as solid plate neglecting its nonlinear properties.…”

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.…”

Effect of Bolt Scatter on Different Sizes of Gasketed Bolted Flange Joints: A Comparative F.E. Study

“…The major problems faced are the bolt and gasket damage, flange yielding and leakage during bolt up and operating conditions. Detailed experimental and numerical studies are carried out by [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] highlighting the above mentioned problem associated with the gasketed flange joints. Behaviour of the gasketed flange joints for class 900# and different sizes ranging from 0.5-24 inch is analyzed during bolt up and internal pressure loading for comparative study using detailed 2-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA).…”