RMC-05-93 New Gasket System Technology For Sealing Heat Exchangers

Description:

Research into the failure of double-jacketed-type gaskets in heat exchangers has provided the critical elements necessary for leak elimination and the realization that maintaining a leak-free connection cannot be achieved by gasket specification alone. An evaluation of the heat exchanger’s bolted flange assemblies, including stud load, tightening method, gasket specification, proper installation procedures, process conditions, and stud selection must each be considered to consistently create leak-free connections. This paper highlights field test data from a refinery on the differential thermal expansion between flanges and how the gasketed connection is affected. Laboratory test data, specifically RaST data, which mimics the radial shearing effects on a gasket in a heat exchanger, as well as verifying the effects on the gaskets in the field, are also presented. The details of the new gasket system technology for heat exchangers will be presented along with its successful implementation at a major petrochemical refinery.