SUCCESSFUL SEALING OF HEAT EXCHANGERS DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY IN A GASKET SYSTEM

摘要

Research into the historical use and subsequent failure of double-jacketed type gaskets in heat exchangers has yielded the characteristics necessary for leak elimination and the realization that maintaining a seal cannot be achieved by gasket specification alone. An evaluation of the heat exchanger, stud load, tightening method, gasket specification, proper installation procedures, process conditions, as well as stud selection must each be carefully considered to consistently create an effective seal. This paper highlights field test data from a refinery on the differential thermal expansion of flanges and how the gasketed connection is affected. Laboratory test data, specifically Ra.S.T. data, which mimics the radial shearing effects on a gasket in a heat exchanger, as well as verifying the affects on the gaskets in the field, is also presented. The details of the new technology in a gasket system for heat exchangers, perfected in conjunction with Chevron and Lamons Gasket Company, will be presented along with its successful implementation at a major petrochemical refinery.