FEM Stress Analysis and Sealing Performance in Non-circular Flange Connections with Gaskets Subjected to Internal Pressure

Abstract

The contact gasket stress distributions of a non-circular flange connection with a compressed asbestos sheet gasket subjected to internal pressure were analyzed taking account a hysteresis of the gasket by using finite element method (FEM). Leakage tests were also conducted using an actual non-circular flange connection with a compressed asbestos sheet gasket under internal pressure. By using the contact gasket stress distributions and the results of the leakage tests, the new gasket constants were calculated. A difference in the new gasket constants was substantial between the values obtained from the present study and those by the PVRC procedure. In addition, a method to determine the initial clamping bolt force (bolt preload) for a given tightness parameter was demonstrated.