Relaxation Test Rig

TEMES fl.relax
TEMES fl.relax

Creep relaxation of the gasket can lead to a significant unloading of the bolts in flanged joints and to an increase of leakage. Creep relaxation depends on many parameters such as stiffness of the connection, initial gasket stress, temperature, rate of temperature change, time etc. Consequently, many tests have to be performed, and most of these tests require a long period of time to execute.
 
For this reason – in addition to the TEMES fl.ai1 test rig – amtec designed a simple mechanical fixture especially for creep/relaxation tests: TEMES fl.relax. This enables testing to be carried out more cost-effectively; if necessary, several test rigs can be used at the same time.

Design and Function

Essentially, the gasket is compressed between two stiff platens. It is possible to heat these platens while the rest of the test rig is isolated from this heated area. The compression force is applied by a hydraulic piston and the stiffness can be adjusted using an exchangeable stiffness module that is mounted in the same force-flow path as the gasket.

 

Different stiffness can be adjusted using different stiffness modules.

 

exchangeable stiffness members

 
The gasket deformation is measured directly using a dial gauge. The compression force (gasket stress) is measured indirectly via the calibrated deformation of the stiffness module. The signals of the dial gauges can be sent to a PC via a data logging unit.
 

measurement principle TEMES fl.relax

Used in Our Lab

Aside from offering the TEMES fl.relax test rig for purchase, this device is used in our testing laboratory, too. So we gain daily practical knowledge with our equipment, and are able to further development based on practical experience. For more information on amtec gasket testing services, see the menu Test laboratory.