Leakage Analysis on Non-axisymmetric Gasket of the Shelltube Heat Exchanger Header

Abstract

This paper focuses the flanged static sealing structure of shell-tube heat exchange header, builds an static sealing model based on FEM(Finite Element Method),studies the effect of bolt preload and working medium load on the gasket actual contact stress. The results indicate that: an approximately linear relationship exists among the gasket contact stress, bolt preload and working medium load. When the pressure is gradually increasing, the flat end-plate’s outward convex deformation results in the decreasing gasket stress in the center and even leakage. After locating the above leakage reason, the flange gasket structure is improved, and the bolt distribution and bolt preload is adjusted accordingly. The problem of leakage has been solved, approves that the calculating method of gasket sealing is an effective approach.