Recent buckling experiences with spiral wound flexible graphite filled gaskets
- Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Florham Park, NJ (United States)
Given the long and successful history of spiral wound asbestos filled gaskets as widely used in petrochemical plants and refineries, the evolution to flexible graphite filled spiral wound gaskets was expected to be relatively straightforward. For the most part, the transition to flexible graphite has occurred with relatively good success consistent with its improved sealing performance. However, recent experiences reported with buckling type instability problems of flexible graphite filled spiral wound gaskets warrants another look at the industry practices covering this type of gasket. The paper presents findings from 2 different but related instability problems involving spiral would flexible graphite filled gaskets. The first involved Class 1500 and 2500 spiral wound gaskets fitted with inner retaining rings which suffered severe inward buckling with initial boltup. The second experience pertains to Class 600 and lower gaskets supplied without inner retaining rings. Gaskets supplied in both cases complied fully with ASME B16.20 requirements, which highlights possible inadequacies in this standard for spiral wound gaskets. Efforts have been initiated to work with manufacturers in their assessment of fundamental design considerations and with appropriate Code committees to address apparent deficiencies discovered with the industry standards for this type of gasket.
- OSTI ID:
- 404144
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960706--; ISBN 0-7918-1773-3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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