How to calculate the clamp connection? 1

[SJEC]

I am working on a 60 years old heat exchanger.
The client want rerate it to higher operating pressure.
However, it use clamp structure instead of girth flange see attached drawing for details.
I can not find any calculation method for this structure.

The only clamp calculation method is ASME Sec VIII div 2 4.17. however the structure is not exactly the same.

Is here anybody have experience to deal with it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Solidengg]

For accurate result you can use Finite Element Analysis like solidworks Simulation for doing the FEA of the clamp.

Aldrin Salvatierra
Mechanical Engineer/Lead Designer
Solid Engineering PH

 

[MJCronin]

SJEC....

There comes a point in the plodding progress of industry when you simply "gotta buy a new one".

Someone has to take a stand, no matter how many 25 year old MBAs are screaming "makeitwork, makeitwork, makeitwork"

Reworking and uprating 60 year old equipment is a gamble.

Will your MBA boss taking financial responsibility in case there is a catastrophic failure of this ancient heat exchanger under the uprated conditions ?

Or will you be blamed ?

 

[chicopee]

Is the higher operating pressure/operating temperature greater than the MAWP/MAT listed on the HX metal tag bearing the ASME/NB symbol and number?

 

[blacksmith37]

Years ago the ASME guy convinced me a vessel could not be restamped; maybe that changed?

 

[metengr]

No, it has not changed. The vessel will not and cannot be re-stamped by ASME, it will be issued a new nameplate under the National Board Inspection Code or API 510. ASME B&PV Code is a construction code and once the vessel leaves the shop, it comes under API or NBIC for in-service inspection, repairs and alterations.

 

[roca]

Spot on MJCronin