Test Results
Thickness | Exposure Temperature | Initial Gasket Stress | |||
DN40 / PN40 Steel |
3.0 mm (1/8") |
230 °C (446 °F) |
30 MPa (4,351 psi) |
Yes, 60 bar (870 psi) |
Yes, 60 bar (870 psi) |
Test Method Overview
"The aim of the VDI guideline is to analyze and organize the applicable seal connection conditions based on the technical standard. Furthermore to complete the conditions, including latest research results, and advise the user in selection, interpretation, design, and assembling of flange joints in particular consideration of the gaskets." "The here described blowout safety test of seals in sealing systems with even flanges corresponds with the current state of test engineering [...] a seal itself cannot accomplish blowout safety. It always depends on the entire system of the flange joint.
General Test Procedure
Test Step 1
The blowout safety test is performed with nitrogen up to the 1.5-fold of the nominal pressure. Tests with higher pressures are allowed, if required. The internal pressure is to be increased stepwise, in steps of 5 bar to the above mentioned pressure. The holding period per pressure stage amounts to a minimum of 2 min.
As "blowout" is defined, if, within 5 s, a pressure decay of Δp ≥ 1 bar· (V0 = test room volume) is exceeded. The achieved internal pressure is to be indicated in the test record. If blowout did not occur until the maximum test pressure, the test is to be continued according to test step 2.
Test Step 2
The internal pressure is discharged and the surface pressure is reduced to 5 N/mm with regard to lifting force caused by the internal pressure. Variations of the surface pressure are to be stated in the testing report."
Source: Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e. V.: VDI2200: Tight flange connections - Selection, calculation, design and assembly of bolted flange connections, June 2007, page 4
Source: ibidem, page 64