Abstract
External loads on bolted flanged joints must be assessed in order to be in compliance with ASME and other international pressure vessel and piping codes. However, in the case of the ASME B31.3 piping code or ASME VIII, Division 1 pressure vessel code, there is not specific guidance on how to assess these loads. This has created a situation where piping designers have employed a variety of methods, ranging from very conservative to possibly non-conservative. A review of historical joint external load experiments is made in this paper, which highlights the relatively low risk of joint leakage due to external loads. In addition, an improved method of assessing the acceptability of external loads for any given joint is introduced and compared to both test results and existing assessment methods. The method presented is based on probability of leakage for standard piping joints using the method outlined in Appendix O of ASME PCC-1 [1]. This allows, in some cases, a much higher acceptable load than typically employed when using traditional methods such as the Equivalent Pressure method. By allowing higher external loads, it is possible to reduce the footprint of a process unit, which saves money, while maintaining safety.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
