ASME UG-34 vs. Taylor Forge Bulletin Bulletin 45

[pdiculous963]

I am currently analyzing a bolted flat head that uses a full face gasket. Using the formulas in UG-34 I get a higher required thickness than what is calculated by PVElite. As it is a full face gasket, the PVElite output calls out that it will be designed per Taylor Forge Bulletin NO. 45. The difference in the calculations is that PVElite uses the gasket reaction diameter (G) in the thickness calculation, whereas fig. UG-34 (p) indicates that the bolt circle diameter should be used.

I assume in this situation the more applicable value to use is the value calculated using the bolt circle diameter since it is a clear requirement in the code (and clearly more conservative). Can anyone provide some guidance with this situation?

Thanks

 

[SnTMan]

pdiculous963, I agree with you that UG-34 is applicable. The scope of TF #45, as I recall, is ring flanges. You don't by chance have a non-zero flange I.D. do you? Check your inputs. My experience with CodeCalc / PVE is that it will calculate a blind per UG-34, even thougth it may give you messages about TF #45. You can confirm / deny from the output.

You can also run it from the shells module as a flat head, you have to input the proper attachment factor and dimensions.

Also, what version of PVE are you using? I have found 2013 uacceptably buggy and am not using it.

Regards,

Mike

 

[SnTMan]

Another thought, be sure the flange type is set to "Blind".

 

[pdiculous963]

I checked the output, it calculates per the UG-34 formula, just with the gasket reaction diameter. It is selected as a blind with a flange ID of zero. Using the shells and head is a good option I didn't consider, I just calculated by hand to verify the difference.

I'm using PVE 2013, and have noticed some bugs as well. Whenever something doesn't seem right I run it through 2012 to verify. I'll run this flange through 2012 tomorrow to check conformity.

Thanks for the input SnTMan.