Session: HT-06-01 Design and Analysis of High-Pressure Equipment for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

Paper Number: 62712

Start Time: Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 09:00 AM

62712 - Limit Loads of Bolted Flange Connections 

Calculation methods for bolted flange connections to ensure structural integrity and leak tightness are essential for the design of bolted flanged connections. Design rules for flanged joints in ASME BPVC's are based on elastic analysis using nominal bolt load. Limit loads for bolted flange connections subjected to internal pressure, external pressure, applied axial force and bending moment are derived. The limit load based design equations applies for raised face connections made-up face-to-face using self-energised and pressure-energised metal seal rings. The calculation method includes the design of self-energised and pressure-energised seal rings to seal against internal and external fluid pressure. Comparison is made between results from the limit load based design equations and elastic-plastic finite element analysis. All bolt tightening methods involve some degree of uncertainty. During bolting-up it is essential to achieve a minimum specified bolt preload without overloading the bolt. The method includes scattering in bolt loads from the bolting-up condition. Design against cyclic bending moment is of importance for subsea applications. Design principles to improve fatigue performance are provided. Equations and format for load-carrying capacities for the combined pressure, externally applied force and bending moment are provided.  The calculation method will be proposed as a Code Case for high pressure bolted flange connections.                                     

Presenting Author: Finn Kirkemo Equinor

Authors:

Przemyslaw Lutkiewicz Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies
Finn Kirkemo Equinor