Experimental research regarding gaskets durability

This paper presents the results of an experimental research regarding ‘It’ gaskets behavior, used for sealing flanged joints of the pressure vessels and pipes working in variable pressure conditions. The experimental installation and the processing method of experimental data for tested gaskets are described in the frame of this paper. Research results are presented by graphics, depending of geometrical gaskets parameters: variation of cycle amplitude of internal pressure vs. numbers of working cycles of flanged joints before tightness loss. Experimental data are used for establishing a general relation of gasket durability, taking into account their different thicknesses and widths in pulsating pressure conditions. This relation may be used in flanged joints designing for the determination of the safe lifetime of gasket, the most sensitive element of this construction.