The effects of thermal transients on flange sealing

The analysis developed in this project is used to determine the thermal and mechanical effects of temperature on the operation of bolted flanged joints. The goal of the study was to provide a theoretical basis for the development of a method of analysis of these effects, to be used in the design process of pressure vessel and piping equipment. The research established the temperature profile of the joint components during steady state operation and also during dynamic thermal transients. These temperature profiles were then used to determine the mechanical effects (deformation and load) on each of the joint components.; Analytical equations were developed to determine the steady state temperature profile of the joint components. These equations were then modified, and extended, to allow the determination of the temperature profile in the joint at critical stages during thermal transient operation. These temperature profiles were then used to determine the mechanical deformation and also the mechanical interaction of the joint components. The complete analytical method allows the analysis of the full effects of temperature on bolted flanged joints.; Finite Element Analysis is used to verify the developed theoretical equations, for both the temperature distribution and the subsequent mechanical interaction. The analytical results for steady state temperature distribution where also verified by comparison to experimentation on a NPS 3 inch ASME flange and by comparison with temperature measurements taken on operational heat exchangers in a refinery. The developed theoretical method for the analysis of the transient effects of temperature was verified by comparison to Finite Element Analysis. Additionally, laboratory experimentation was performed on a specially constructed 24 inch test rig to confirm the overall validity of both the Finite Element Analysis and the developed analytical approach.