Effect of Bolt Scatter on Different Sizes of Gasketed Bolted Flange Joints: A Comparative F.E. Study

Abstract

The performance of gasketed bolted flange joint depends on the proper joint assembly. During gasketed joint assembly, joint relaxation is a known phenomenon which is concluded due to the bolt scatter. Non-uniform gasket stress is concluded due to the bolt scatter using torque control method and due to the presence of the elastic interaction and flange deformation. In this paper, flange bending stress, flange rotation, bolt bending, stress variation at gasket and centring ring of the gasketed flange joints for class 900# and different sizes from 0.5-24 inch is analyzed during bolt up and internal pressure loading for comparative study. Bolt scatter and overall joint relaxation behaviour is discussed in detail for different sizes.