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.