Evaluation of Gate Valve Flanges: Serrated vs Non-Serrated Under External Loading

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 22:09:33 +0000

Evaluation of Gate Valve Flanges: Serrated vs Non-Serrated Under External Loading Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/30/2024 - 16:09

Approach

This project investigates how serrated and non serrated flange connections perform when exposed to external loading. The goal is to understand whether one connection type begins to leak earlier than the other. To evaluate this, a series of four point bending tests were performed on Mueller Resilient Wedge Gate Valves with applied axial load.

The tested specimens were commercially available six inch ductile iron pipes that meet AWWA C600 standards. Each flange type, serrated and non serrated, was tested twice. Displacement was applied at a rate of one inch per minute for all tests.

Results

Several key observations were recorded during testing, including the locations of the first and second leaks and the leak rates associated with each failure point. These measurements were used to compare the two flange connection types and identify which configuration showed earlier or more significant leakage under load.

The results provide insight into how the surface condition of flange faces can influence sealing performance and reliability during external loading events.

Implications

Understanding how different flange face designs behave under combined bending and axial loading can help water utilities and industry partners make informed decisions about installation practices and material selection. The findings support safer and more cost effective maintenance planning for buried pipeline systems and critical valve connections.

These results can also guide manufacturers in refining flange face designs to limit leakage risk and improve long term performance across a variety of loading conditions.

Primary Investigator:

Brad Parker Wham

CIEST Personnel: Cory Ihnotic, Jessica Ramos

Industry Partners: Denver Water

Year: 2024

Appreciation is extended to John Daly and Katie Ross, along with all our pipe and coupling manufacturers, for their tremendous support.

The intent of this study is to investigate the difference between a serrated faced flange connection and a non-serrated faced flange connection; mainly to determine whether one would leak sooner than the other.

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Performance Assessment of iPVC Pipe and Coupling for Large Ground Movement

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Performance Assessment of iPVC Pipe and Coupling for Large Ground Movement Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 11/15/2022 - 00:00

Project Title: Performance Assessment of iPVC Pipe and Coupling for Large Ground Movement

Industry Partners: East Bay Municipal Utility District, Denver Water

CIEST Personnel: Nicholas Berty, Cory Ihnotic, Katherine O’Dell, Jessica Ramos

Primary Investigator: Prof. Brad Wham

Year: 2022

Project Summary: The intent of this study is to define the seismic response of iPVC pipeline systems with couplings and to illustrate procedures for interpreting laboratory results to seismically classify pipeline system performance following developing ASCE seismic guidelines. Twenty large-scale tests were performed on 6-in. diameter DR14 (PC305) iPVC pipe (C900) with five different commercially available reinforced connections. Test specimens were subjected to tension, compression, cyclic, and four point bending tests, determining the ultimate load capacity for each system in both axial and transverse directions. This study provides the first seismic classification for plastic pipe systems with reinforced connections.

Appreciation is extended to David Katzev and Katie Ross, along with all our pipe and coupling manufacturers, for their tremendous support.

Link to Report

The intent of this study is to define the seismic response of iPVC pipeline systems with couplings and to illustrate procedures for interpreting laboratory results to seismically classify pipeline system performance following developing ASCE seismic guidelines.

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