Bolted flange joints are used in heat exchangers and piping of oil refineries, chemical refineries and various other industries. Above all, it is reported that bolted flange joints of longitudinal baffle type heat exchanger are easy to leak as compared with other type heat exchangers in start up of units. In this study, outside influence on operating and structure of longitudinal baffle type heat exchanger which affect sealing performance were analyzed using finite element analyses to prevent leakage accidents. As a result, it is understood that the sealing performance in bolted flange joints decreases remarkably when the shell of heat exchanger transforms like a bow with a rise in temperature. In addition, it is clarified that retightening, increases in bolt preload and thickness of gasket keep sealing performance well in bolted flange joints of longitudinal baffle type heat exchanger.

Volume Subject Area:
Computer Technology and Bolted Joints
Topics:
Bolted flanges, Finite element analysis, Heat exchangers, Sealing (Process), Simulation, Leakage, Accidents, Gaskets, Pipes, Shells, Temperature
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Copyright © 2011
 by ASME
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