FUGITIVE EMISSION FOR DIFFERENT SEALS AND FLANGE DESIGNS - TEST RESULTS AND DESIGN PREDICTION

In today's environment, the functionality of a sealing solution is highly valued. The ability to provide a solution with high sealing integrity and low fugitive emissions follows the industry trend for developing a more environmentally friendly solution. There are some existing standards and methodologies that provide a basis for practical testing activities. Other methodologies, such as FEA and hand calculations, are available to evaluate the seal tightness on a theoretical basis during the design stage and predict fugitive emissions values. Test measurement for fugitive emissions is subject to the design of the flange and seal components, the quality of those components, and the test set-up methods employed. This paper will focus on the comparison of different flange designs currently available in the market, as well as a comparison of various metal to metal seal types. The scope of this paper covers flanges designed to ASME B16.5, API 6A, non-standard flanges (e.g. compact flanges) as well as clamp connectors. For metal seals, this paper will cover HX, BX and Techlok seal rings. Test methodologies and set up will be detailed and the test results listed, with the theoretical predicted fugitive emissions values also provided for comparison. Results for previous compact flange analysis are also included for reference.