Bending Test Conducted on the Pikotek 6" Class 1500# VCS Flange Gasket

This report details the results associated with testing of the 6" Class 1500# VCS flange gasket considering both pressure and bending loading. Previous testing was conducted on this flange type; however, the maximum applied bending moment was 50,000 ft-lbs. An additional round of tests were undertaken to determine what bending moment was required to induce leakage. During the bending test, a moment of 130,000 ft-lbs. was applied to the flange assembly with no decrease in pressure. Application of additional loading was not possible because of plasticity induced in the test fixture assembly. Based upon these results, the conclusion is that the Pikotek gasket maintained sealing even to the point where a solid 6.625 inch diameter solid bar was permanently deformed during application of the bending loads.

 

Experimental Testing of the Pikotek 6" 1500 HP VCS Flange Gaskets

This test was made of a 6" Class 1500# VCS flange gasket considering both pressure and bending loads. Testing involved a hydrotest to 9,900 psi (one and a half times the working pressure), cyclic testing to 6,600 psi using nitrogen gas, and a bending test which involved the application of 50,000 ft-lbs. in conjunction with five pressure cycles to 6,600 psi using nitrogen gas. The objective in testing was to verify that no leakage would occur under any of the imposed loading conditions. Leakage was determined by pressure-monitoring in addition to a bubble leakage detection system. The results of the testing indicate that the Pikotek gasket design satisfied the minimum requirements of the test procedure.

 

Cyclic Thermal and Pressure Testing of the Pikotek 2" Class 2500 Gasket

A series of' tests were conducted involving thermal and pressure cycles on a Pikotek VCS gasket installed in a set of 2-in ANSI 2500# blind flanges. The test procedure was based upon the methods outlined in Appendix F of API Specification 6A. Cyclic pressures up to 18,550 psi were applied in conjunction with thermal cycling from 0ºF to 300ºF. Three complete thermal and pressure cycles were applied to the gasket. No damage was detected to the gasket between cycles and it successfully completed all phases of the test program without leaking or damage to the gasket material.

 

Comparative Finite Element Analysis of Pikotek VCS and RTJ Gasket

An FEA study was conducted in order to assess how a 6" 1500 RTJ connection would perform using a Pikotek VCS gasket versus a traditional RTJ gasket. under the conditions of a 5,000 psi internal pressure and 130,000 ft-lbs bending moment. The study involved establishing a base model (for the Pikotek case) and a RTJ connection model with an oval style R46 RTJ. Compression tests where conducted and the results used to generate representative FE material models for each of the respective gaskets. The analysis showed that whilst the flange had started to yield, the pikotek gasket still maintained sufficient stress to continue generating a seal. The comparative analysis shows that the potential for a leak path exists for a RTJ assembly subjected to the same test conditions.

 

Home | About pikotek | What's New | Products | Customer References
Applications | Engineering | Contact Us

Copyright © 1997-2000, Pikotek, Inc.