Gasket Loading Assessment in EN 13445-3

Flanges can be assessed within the pressure vessel design code EN 13445 using the Taylor and Forge method. Part of this assessment is to determine if there is sufficient loading on the gasket during both seating and operation load cases. The required gasket forces for these two load cases can be found using the gasket m & y values.

The image below shows two load cases, seating and operating. During the seating load case it is seen that the force on the gasket is equal to the force generated by tightening the bolts.

Once a gasket has been seated the force required on the gasket to maintain a seal is less. In the operating load case on the right, it can now be seen that the force on the gasket is equal to the same bolt force minus the force due to the vessel internal pressure.

Our online training course "Flanges according to EN 13445" will help you through the design of flanges conform EN 13445 and our learning path “Designing according to the EN13445 code" provides a detailed explanation at the design rules for pressure vessels in EN 13445.