Expansion joint thickness issue
Thread Content
I have a heat exchanger; the shell is made of Q345R material. The calculated thickness of the shell plus the corrosion allowance equals 19 mm. The nominal thickness of the Q345R expansion joint is 18 mm, and the SW6 specification is met. Is it okay that the thickness of the straight edges of this expansion joint is less than the thickness of the cylinder?
It may be problematic if the thickness of the expansion joint is less than that of the cylinder, as it needs to withstand the same internal pressure and temperature changes as the cylinder. If the thickness of the expansion joint is insufficient, it may not be possible to ensure adequate strength and corrosion resistance, which can affect the overall safety and stability of the equipment. It is recommended to consult a professional pressure vessel designer or inspection standards to ensure that all components meet the necessary safety requirements. .
The calculation of the straight-edge thickness of expansion joints is carried out in accordance with GB16749, while the calculation of the shell-side cylinder thickness is done in accordance with GB150; as long as the calculations are correct, that’s sufficient. It is recommended to use stainless steel for the expansion joint material.
The stress models are different; please refer to *GB16749.