A detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was carried out to evaluate the seal and the initial conclusion was that it required complete re-design. In this work, analysis and interpretation was used to establish the modelling method for the seal. The FEA model that was developed for seal optimisation contained elasto-plastic material response, frictional contact modelling, advanced pressure field application and thermal modelling. To maintain sealing contact pressure, the seal has to overcome differential radial movement between the vessel and the end cap during pressure loading. The optimisation process developed a novel profiled seal contact that reduced contact stresses by 48%, eliminating seat damage occurring during pressure loadings.
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