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Limiting fugitive emissions from flanges

Journal Article · · Plant Engineering (Chicago)
OSTI ID:43078
 [1]
  1. Garlock, Inc., Palmyra, NY (United States)
The EPA regulations state that no more than 500 parts per million volumetric (ppmv) of any volatile hazardous air pollutant (VHAP) can be emitted from a bolted flange connection. In answer to these regulations, a study was made to find out what types of gaskets and conditions are able to satisfy the new regulations. Five variables, common to bolted flange connections, were examined: gasket type, gasket compressive load, flange surface finish, gasket thickness, and internal system pressure. Two common types of gasket material were used in testing; compressed fiber sheet (CFS) and filled restructured PTFE sheet (RPTFE). The most critical variable to attaining low fugitive emissions is the compressive load on the gasket. The next important variable is gasket material. RPTFE gaskets are less permeable than CFS gaskets and seal better. Effects of surface finish, gasket thickness, and internal pressure have a minor effect, if the proper gasket material is used and compressed adequately.
OSTI ID:
43078
Journal Information:
Plant Engineering (Chicago), Journal Name: Plant Engineering (Chicago) Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 49; ISSN PLENAV; ISSN 0032-082X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English