Effects of Nut Thinning due to Corrosion on the Sealing Performance in Bolted Flange Joints Under Internal Pressure

In the damage evaluation (and analysis) of the bolted flange joints, it is most important to evaluate the reduction in the sealing performance. Although the marginal nut height found by Alexander’s theory [1] serves as a value smaller about 20% than standard nut height, even if it becomes thin 20% or more on a track record and experience, leakage does not occur. In this study the effects of nut thinning due to corrosion on the sealing performance in 3-inch bolted flange joints under internal pressure by use of FEM calculations. The following results are obtained the relationship between stripping bolt load and nut height is developed, and the marginal nut height for the sealing performance is calculated.