COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE STUDY OF GASKETED AND NON-GASKETED FLANGE JOINTS UNDER COMBINED INTERNAL PRESSURE, AXIAL AND BENDING LOADING – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

In this paper result of an extensive comparative experimental study of a gasketed and non-gasketed flange joint with different assemblies with different combined load combinations is carried out to investigate joint performance i.e. joint strength and sealing capability. Actual joint load capacities are determined under both the design and proof test pressure with maximum additional external loading (axial and bending) that can be applied for safe joint performance. In addition, application of combined load is also discussed in the light of equivalent pressure approach.