Study of deformations and the prestressing process in pressure equipment flanges

The flanged joints of pressure equipment can show deformations due to the bolt tightening process, or being generated later during service.

The appearance of this type of problem may mean that the equipment is not suitable to continue with the operation, with the consequent economic impact that would entail a stop, repair or replacement of the affected components.

Unidad bridada

Through FEA simulation tools, it is possible to characterize and anticipate permanent or temporary deformations in this type of joint, either due to the operating and test conditions, or to the process of tightening the screws during assembly. The additional use of three-dimensional models, obtained using equipment scanning tools (Laser Scanner, FARO® focus s70), allows a faithful characterization of these and other defects (cracks, manufacturing defects, etc.), once they have already been produced.

Thus, a powerful methodology is available to:

  • Anticipate potential leaks at the flange joints.
  • Define or analyze the procedure and the tightening torque of the screws.
  • Assess fitness for service (FFS study) if excessive deformations have already been detected.
  • Study the non-linear behavior of the gasket material and flange under cyclical loads.
Analisis FFS de union bridada para evaluacion de deformaciones observadas.

Similarly, by performing an RCA analysis, it is possible to analyze the possible causes that have led to the failure of a joint in order to subsequently establish corrective measures, correct operating parameters or define new geometries and materials for the flange or gasket.

These types of services, developed on a regular basis by CADE’s advanced mechanics and simulation department, allow equipment manufacturers and plant operators to have an agile tool that guarantees the integrity of these joints, without affecting the operation of the equipment, and avoiding associated risks.

To carry out these studies we have the support offered by design codes such as API_579-1-ASME_FFS-1, ASME VIII, or the European standard for pressure vessels EN 13445.

Study of deformations and the prestressing process in pressure equipment flanges

Study of deformations and the prestressing process in pressure equipment flanges

The flanged joints of pressure equipment can show deformations due to the bolt tightening process, or being generated later during service. The appearance of this type of problem may mean that the equipment is not suitable to continue with the operation, with the consequent economic impact that would entail a stop, repair or replacement of the affected components. Through FEA simulation […]

Design and FEM analysis of equipment and conductors made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)

Design and FEM analysis of equipment and conductors made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)

There are many sectors (chemical and process industry, naval, aeronautical or food sector) and industrial applications in which it is necessary to design and validate equipment made with special materials (FRP- Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), due to to the special corrosion resistance requirements for which they have to provide service. This is the case of pressure […]

Fitness for service procedures for cracks like flaws

Fitness for service procedures for cracks like flaws

During the life cycle of many pressure vessels arise the necessity to maintain them in service after detecting crack-like flaws or delamination. For that, there are some methodologies that allow establishing a quantitative judgment about if it is possible to safely operate this equipment and also determine its remaining life until it must be repaired […]

STRESS ANALYSIS OF PIPES WITH RATIO D / t> 100

STRESS ANALYSIS OF PIPES WITH RATIO D / t> 100

On certain occasions, during the development of projects where large diameter pipes are involved, scenarios arise in which the diameter (D) / thickness (t) ratio is higher than 100. It is common to find this situation in systems with large diameter pipes that work at low pressure, in which the calculated thickness due to the […]

CFD analysis of heat recovery boilers– HRSG

CFD analysis of heat recovery boilers– HRSG

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD analysis) simulation of HRSG Boilers turns out to be a powerful engineering methodology in order to determine an optimal design to achieve maximum efficiency and avoid future operation issues, (such as incorrect mixing ratio, asymmetric burner performance, among others.). This type of simulations allows to analyze the behaviour of the chemical […]

Fitness for Service – Alternatives for equipment validation

Fitness for Service – Alternatives for equipment validation

Boiler and pressure equipment manufacturers face everyday strict design and manufacturing requirements to supply heat exchangers, pressure vessels or process equipment. The recognized international design and manufacturing codes that are prescribed for this type of equipment (ASME VIII Div. 1 & 2, EN13445, AD2000, etc.) specify those tests, trials, inspections and quality controls to be […]

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