Metal to metal contact for gasketed assemblies: Generalisation of En 1591 European calculation code for circular bolted flanged connections

摘要

The aim of the work was to produce a method superior to that of the ASME code, but avoiding the complexity of finite element analysis.Bolted flange connections in general were submitted to loading variations that might generate damage to the sealing element. Because of increased start up and shut down activity, the larger loading variations on the gasket and the maximum allowable surface pressure might be exceeded. In particular the temperature changes and differentials, which occurred, could induce under or overloading of the bolts.