Design of low pressure flanges
Design of low pressure flanges
(OP)
Hello, I am currently working on a case for re-rating of pressure vessel.
The vessel is currently designed for 6 kPa and needs to be re-rated for 20 kPa.
I am checking the manway flange design (its a non standard flange- ring type flange with plate used as blind cover).
I tried ASME Appendix 2 design, however its not passing in gasket seating condition, however there is no overstress in operating condition.
My question is, since this is an existing vessel, is it necessary to re-check the flange design for gasket seating condition?
I would appreciate if you have some idea about similar issue.
The vessel is currently designed for 6 kPa and needs to be re-rated for 20 kPa.
I am checking the manway flange design (its a non standard flange- ring type flange with plate used as blind cover).
I tried ASME Appendix 2 design, however its not passing in gasket seating condition, however there is no overstress in operating condition.
My question is, since this is an existing vessel, is it necessary to re-check the flange design for gasket seating condition?
I would appreciate if you have some idea about similar issue.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
what code was it designed to?
what's a "ring type flange" exactly?
6kPa (0.06 bar / 0.9 psi) is not normally a PV.
Try TEMA?
But yes, if you're re-rating the vessel to something above its MAWP then you need to re-do everything.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Regards
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
1) "the manway flange design (its a non standard flange- ring type flange with plate used as blind cover)" Provide dimensional and other details Including materials of construction, MW sketch, etc .... Provide photos
2) What is the bottom anchorage of the tank/vessel ? (if any) ... This may give you more problems than the flanges for a rerating ssituation
3) As stated above, the Code of record is important. Do you know anything at all about this existng vessel certification ?
More info ...
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
If it fails for the Gasket Seating case, this could be because 1) You did the flange calculation incorrectly, 2) The original manufacturer did the flange calculation incorrectly (it happens), or 3) the vessel owner changed to a different gasket without first confirming that the new gasket meets Code requirements.
Also contrary to what was claimed above there is no restriction against Code-stamping a vessel with a design pressure below 100 kPa/15 psi.
-Christine
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
To re-rate the existing vessel for new operation, it needs to be verified the vessel design data and the current condition, such as wall thickness, nozzle classes, etc., and re-certified per new operation condition.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Regards,
Mike
The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Regards
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Few comments:
1) The vessel is indeed neither ASME U stamped nor PED compliant, as original design pressure was 6kPa. Hence the design is based on "sound engineering practice".
2) Gasket material is sigraflex HD.
3) I have compared the flange dimensions with API 650 manway flange and there are few differences, hence I cannot qualify this flange based on API 650.
4) The flange has raised face and a confined gasket which is creating problems in gasket seating conditions. Had it been a full face gasket, it would have easily passed the taylor forge calculations.
5) I was trying to qualify this flange so that no modification is required in the vessel (since the pressure increase is from 6 kPa to 20 kPa, my intention is to retain the existing vessel as far as possible)
6) I was trying to use app 2 to calculate and qualify the flange, as I do not know any other "sound engineering practice"to do so.
I have following options on my mind:
1) Replace the manway flange and cover with a new flange-cover pair having full face gasket and more no. of bolts.
2) Machine the raised face on both flange and cover to make it flat face flange and use full-face gasket.
3) Use the existing flange as is by hydrotesting/pneumatic testing the vessel at higher pressure (~20kpa)
any views on this?
Regards,
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
1) Try increasing allowable stress
2) Add stiffening bar 10 mm x 50 mm on the cover plate
Regards
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Try looking at TEMA flange design.
Asme VIII App 2 flange design is notoriously conservative and often fails b16.5 flanges
For the BCD you seem to have a low number of bolts.
Is this a vessel holding only gas?
Did it ever get hydrotested?
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Vessel is holding only gas. It was hydrotested full of water.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
If it didn't fail then it won't now.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Regards
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
If complete documentation is not available, this equipment is scrap.
And it also contains gas!!
Regards
RE: Design of low pressure flanges
Overkill yes, but makes it easy.
Or do an API 650 manway.
usually a full face gasket results in lower surface pressure, but needs more bolts or a larger BCD.
What are the "taylor forge" calculations?
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.