Investigation of the sealing and stiffness of rectangular, removable panels in gas flow systems

Abstract

Chemical plants, world wide, would not exist in the form known to us if the bolted flanged connection was not available as a convenient means of joining together various pieces of equipment. Most of the flanges used are circular flanges because of the favourable circular geometry. <br><br> Non-circular flanges are often required, be it for connection to other equipment or for access. In this scenario removable, rectangular cover plates are necessary on the inlet and outlet headers of air-cooled heat exchangers, to ensure access to the inner tubes and tubeplates, and to provide adequate space to perform maintenance operations. <br><br> Physical deformation of the cover plate and flange assembly has resulted in gasket and tube weld leaks of the air - cooled heat exchangers on unit 39 (Anode Coke Plant) at the Secunda site of SASOL. <br><br> In this study a finite element analysis, by means of the ANSYS program, is used to investigate the cause of the damage to the cover plate and flange assembly.