Proceedings of the ASME 2014 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference

PVP2014
July 20-24, 2014, Anaheim, California, USA

PVP2014-28343

DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN RULES FOR THREE-SEGMENT PIPE CLAMP

CONNECTORS
David O Bankston Jr. Hsin Kuo, PhD, S.E.
Washington State University Bechtel National Inc.
Richland, Washington, USA Richland, Washington, USA

ABSTRACT
The design rules for clamped connections in the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII, Div. I, Appendix 24)
were developed for two-segment clamp connectors and must be
modified to accommodate alternative clamp configurations.
Developing a simplified rule-based model for predicting three-segment
pipe clamp connectors (3-PCC)connector pressure capacities will
greatly simplify the evaluation of 3-PCC connectors.
The first goal of this paper is to develop a general parametric design
rule set for multiple-clamp-segment pipe by expanding upon the
published requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
for two-segment pipe clamp connectors and pipe flanges using basic
principles. The next goal is to apply the design rule set to a typical 3-
PCC design and to summarize the rules.
The results of this paper provide a parametric rule-based approach to
evaluating the pressure capacity of a 3-PCC.
Pressure evaluation methods for two 180 deg. clamp-segment flanged
connections are provided in ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix
24 [1]. The purpose of this paper is to provide a similar evaluation of
3-PCC in accordance with basic principles of structural design and the
underlying theory of Appendix 24 [1] and Appendix 2 [2].
Dekker [3] proposed a rule set for pressure design of two- segment
clamp connections based on plastic theory. The author acknowledges
that greater 3-PCC pressure capacities might be achieved through the
use of plastic design, however has developed this paper strictly on
basic principles to maintain consistency with [1] and provides
reference to [3] as a point of academic interest.
Due to publication space limitations this paper is written as a
companion to [1] and merely illuminates content but does not restate
it. Note that assembly and component characteristic dimensions
referenced are shown in Annex A.

This paper has been developed in partial fulfillment of the NOMENCLATURE

requirements for the Master's Degree Program at Washington State
University. A hub flange outer diameter
b effective gasket/joint contact surface seating width
This work is performed in support of the US Department of Energy,
([1] Table. 2-5.2)
under contract to Bechtel National Inc., # DE-AC27-01RV14136.
b0 basic gasket or joint contact surface seating width
INTRODUCTION ([1] Table 2-5.2)
B inside diameter of hub
3-PCCs are have a long and successful service history in the nuclear, Bc1 distance from centerline of pin to centerline of
subsea, oil, gas, and chemical industries for fast and reliable remote Cover Clamp (in)
piping closures in environments that are hazardous to humans. C diameter of effective clamp-hub reaction circle
Cch height of cover clamp body at mid-section
3-PCCs are reasonably self-aligning and only require torque on a Ci inside diameter of clamp
single drive screw to close. Typically, the connectors are installed Cg effective clamp gap determined at diameter
remotely using robotic cranes, arms, or vehicles via a remote wrench. Ct effective clamp thickness
This simplifies assembly and ensures that users spend minimal time in Cw clamp width
dangerous environments. D outside diameter of the gasket seating surface
Dp1, Dp2 hinge and trunnion pin diameters
eb1, eb2, eb3 distance from center of the pin/trunnion to the
point where the clamp lug joins clamp body

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 f hub stress correction factor (see [1] and [2]) WC total resultant effective clamping force on one
G diameter at the location of the gasket load reaction clamp hub shoulder
gbar equivalent to in [1] We total effective clamping force
h hub taper length Z clamp-hub taper angle including friction (see [1])
hbar equivalent to in [1] hub transition angle
hD radial distance from effective clamp-hub reaction β11, β12, β21, β22 clamping angle limit
circle to the circle on which HD acts 1, 2 clamp half angles
hG radial distance from effective clamp-hub reaction θ drive screw eccentricity angle
circle to the circle on which HG acts clamp shoulder angle
hn hub neck length friction angle for any clamp
h0 factor, B g
0
hT radial distance from effective clamp-hub reaction DEVELOPMENT OF RULES FOR THREE SEGMENT
circle to the circle on which HT acts PIPE CLAMP CONNECTORS
h2 average thickness of hub shoulder
H total hydrostatic end force This paper evaluates and develops a rule-based approach to determine
HD hydrostatic end force on bore area an allowable internal pressure for a typical three-segment pipe clamp
HC clamp component axial resistance force connector (3-PCC). Unlike many other Appendices in the ASME code,
Hf clamp component axial centerline resistance
the theoretical basis of [1] is not readily available. Therefore,
pressure
HG gasket load, difference between the flange design considerable effort has been expended in re-deriving the basis of this
bolt load and the total hydrostatic end force Appendix in order to modify it to a new clamp configuration.
Hm axial seating load for self-energizing gasket
Hp total joint-contact surface compression load
HT difference between the total hydrostatic end force
and the hydrostatic end force on the bore area of
the hub
Ic moment of inertia of clamp relative to neutral axis
of entire section
Ih moment of inertia of hub shoulder relative to
neutral axis of entire section
K1 clamping force frictional coefficient
La1, La3 distance from edge of trunnion to the point where
the clamp lug joins the clamp body
Lh1, Lh32, lh23 clamp lug height
Lh31, lh21, lh22, lh24 clamp lug characteristic dimension
Lw1, Lw2 lug width
lm effective clamp lip moment arm
MH reaction moment at hub neck
MO total rotational moment at the hub
N outside diameter of hub neck
P design pressure
PCC clamping centerline distributed force per arc length
Q transverse shear coefficient
R translation coefficient between total effective
clamping force and drive clamp force W C2
Rb geometric translation coefficient between drive
clamp force and bolt load FIGURE 1: ASSEMBLY CRITICAL STRESS LOCATIONS
rc inside radius of clamp
rPLH1, rPLH3 clamp pin-lug hole diameter The stresses in the 3-PCC clamps, trunnion and hinge pins, and
rPLY1, rPLY3 clamp pin-lug yoke diameter
associated hinge yokes are calculated in accordance with basic
rTLH2 clamp trunnion-lug hole diameter
rTLY2 clamp trunnion-lug yoke diameter principles and evaluated against the ASME stress limits for allowable
S1 ... S14 critical assembly stresses combined tension and bending, bearing, and shear stresses. The code-
SOC, SAC clamp operating and assembly allowable stress based limits for these stresses and their associated stress locations are
SOH, SAH hub operating and assembly stress allowable stress shown in Figure 1 and Table 1. Note that stress states S10 through S14
SOP, SAP hinge pin operating and assembly allowable stress are stress checks in addition to those contained in [1].
SOT, SAT trunnion operating and assembly allowable stress
T thickness of hub shoulder (see [1] Fig. 24-1)
Tb drive screw preload
W bolt load in [1]

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 TABLE 1: 3-PCC ALLOWABLE DESIGN STRESSES
Stress Integrating over the included clamp angle ω, the effective clamping
Allowable Stress Description
Category force of any clamp WC is given by:
S1 1.5 SOH or 1.5 SAH Hub Longitudinal Stress
β
S2 SOH Hub Hoop Stress
S3 0.8 SOH or 0.8 SAH Hub Axial Shear Stress ω ω
β
S4 0.8 SOH or 0.8 SAH Hub Radial Shear Stress
S5 1.5 SOC or 1.5 SAC Clamp Longitudinal Stress
S6 1.5 SOC or 1.5 SAC Clamp Tangential Stress where the clamp half angles are represented by:
S7 0.8 SOC or 0.8 SAC Clamp Lip Shear Stress
S8 SOC or SAC Clamp Lug Bending Stress β β
S9 (1) Clamp/Hub bearing Stress
S10 1.5 SOC or 1.5 SAC Pin Yoke Combined Stress Solving for the clamp center-plane radial clamp force per arc length,
S11 0.8 SOC or 0.8 SAC Yoke Shear Stress
S12 SOC or SAC Yoke Eye Tensile Stress
S13a (2) Hinge Pin/Yoke Bearing Stress (1)
S13b (3) Trunnion Pin/Yoke Bearing Stress
S14a 0.8 SOP or 0.8 SAP Hinge Pin Shear Stress The clamp center-plane radial clamp force per arc length, in terms of
S14b 0.8 SOT or 0.8 SAT Trunnion Pin Shear Stress the closure force Hf of any clamp and clamp-hub taper angle Z, is
(1) 1.6 times the lower of the allowable stresses for hub material (SOH, SAH) given by :
and clamp material (SOC, SAC ).
(2) 1.6 times the lower of the allowable stresses for hinge pin material (SOP, (2)
SAP ) and clamp material (SOC,SAC ).
(3) 1.6 times the lower of the allowable stresses for trunnion pin material
(SOT, SAT ) and clamp material (SOC,SAC ).

Allowable stress states are developed based on an effective clamping

force (We) analogous to the flange design bolt load (W) in [2]. Note
that since the clamp segments are generally of similar length and in
combination cover most of the hub flange, the loads are considered
homogeneously distributed (or averaged) across all of the clamps and
no allowance is made for uneven force distribution between clamps.

The following is a generalized approach to ASME operating condition

evaluation for clamp connections with two or more hinged clamp
segments:

FIGURE 3: OPERATING CONDITION FORCE BALANCE

The unseating resistance force of any clamp in the axial direction X is

given by:

(3)

where, the clamping angle  of any clamp is given by:

Clamp Axial Load in Terms of Clamp Force

Combining (1),(2), and (3):

(4)

where:

FIGURE 2: OPERATING CONDITION GENERAL CASE

β β

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 The total effective axial clamping force We, is: Summing moments about point 3 in Fig. 5:
(5)
(6)
For a 3-PCC, "m" is equal to 3. For a two segment connector:
where:
,

Therefore, for a two-segment connector Eq. (5) becomes the operating θ θ

bolt load equation Eq. (1) of [1]:
From (4):

(7)

The following is a generalized static evaluation of the 3-PCC
assembly:
Clamp Axial Load in Terms of Drive Screw Preload
Also note that:
θ (8)
From the above static relations it is possible to calculate all of the
internal stress states of the assembly. Note that in this evaluation pin
friction and tangential friction (traction) at the clamp lips is ignored. In
typical practice these components are heavily lubricated and their
frictional losses can be conservatively neglected in the calculation of
component stresses. Normal friction at the clamp lip is accounted for
as part of the Z term in a similar manner to [1].

Effective Axial Clamping Force We

The distribution of the force We may vary around the circumference of

the hub depending on the arrangement and lengths of the clamp
segments. As the clamp configuration investigated here covers most of
the hub flange, We is considered uniformly distributed over the sum of
all included clamping angles .

In the stress evaluations developed later the calculated We value is

substituted as follows:

For the Assembly Condition:

FIGURE 4: 3-PCC FORCE BALANCE From (5), the effective axial clamping force We may be expressed in
terms of the drive screw preload Tb as:

(9)

where, θ

For the Operating Condition:

The clamp is limited to the equilibrium condition limit; all of the

seating and hydrostatic forces are directly resisted by the clamp.

(10)

Required Drive-Screw Preload

The required drive screw preload for assembly conditions may be

obtained from [1] Eq. (5) for W.

FIGURE 5: ISOLATED DRIVE CLAMP (11)

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 The required drive screw preload for operating condition may be S3: HUB AXIAL SHEAR STRESS
obtained from (9) and (10).
From [4] Eq. 8.1-13, the maximum transverse shear stress is given by :
(12)
, for our cross-section:
HUB ROTATIONAL MOMENT
This shear equation is the basis for [1] Eq. (9), and represents the shear
Hub stresses are calculated based on a hub rotational moment MO at the flange and hub neck interface. Therefore, for three clamp
which differs in magnitude and direction for the assembly and segments Eq. (9) may be rewritten as:
operating cases.
(16)
In the stress evaluations that follow the local moment MO is
substituted accordingly:

For the operating condition the designer should develop local moments S4: HUB RADIAL SHEAR STRESS
in accordance with the basis of [1] Section 24-5. Performing this
activity is beyond the page limitations of the current paper. (17)

For the assembly condition, the local moment MO may be developed This equation is equivalent to [1] Eq. (10).
as follows:
S5: CLAMP LONGITUDINAL STRESS
(13)
(18)
Note that certain metallic self-energizing seals may contribute an
additional moment component based on the load needed to energize
the seal. This equation is equivalent to [1] Eq. (11) and represents hub tension
plus bending stress.
The following summarized stress equations are based on a classical
static analysis of the 3-PCC, and are intended to develop stresses Note: for the leading term of [1] eq. 11 which represents average axial
similar to those evaluated by [1] Appendix 24. All stresses are load per arc length:
developed in terms of either the hub local moment MO, or the total
effective axial clamping force We for ease of use and ready comparison has been substituted for
with [1].

S1: HUB ASSEMBLY LONGITUDINAL STRESS S6: CLAMP TANGENTIAL STRESS

(14)

where,

Note: this equation is equivalent to [1] Eq. (7) and represents the axial
plus bending stress at the hub to transition.

S2: HUB HOOP STRESS FIGURE 6: COVER CLAMP

(15)

Note: this equation is identical to [1] Eq. (8) and is based on the thick
shell hoop stress equation at the thickest portion of the hub neck.

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 where the cut plane neutral axis intersection Z distance below the
clamp origin is:

S7: CLAMP LIP SHEAR STRESS

From [4] Eq. 8.1-13, the maximum transverse shear stress is given by :

, for a rectangular cross-section:

Therefore, the average clamp stress is given by:

(24)

FIGURE 7: DRIVE CLAMP S8: CLAMP LUG BENDING STRESS

The maximum longitudinal stress occurs at a different point in the 3-
PCC than it does in [1] Eq. (12). As such, an alternate method of
determining longitudinal stress limits based on basic theory is
provided as follows:

(19)

Where, and are the cover clamp/drive clamp cross-sectional

area and section modulus, respectively.

Tension Force in Cover Clamp (Fig. 6):

β
(20)
β β

Tension Force in Drive Clamp (Fig. 7):

β
(21)
β β
FIGURE 8: DRIVE CLAMP TRUNNION YOKE
Maximum Moment in Cover Clamp (Fig. 6): The basis for equation (14) in Appendix 24 is simply the bending
stress at the clamp lug. Since the geometry of the 3-PCC differs from
that [1] Eq. (14), an alternate method of determining clamp lug
β bending stress limits based on basic theory is provided below:

β β (25)

(22) where, is the trunnion yoke lug section modulus.

Maximum Moment in Drive Clamp (Fig. 7): Maximum Moment at Location of Max Bending Stress in Trunnion
Yoke Lug:
β
(26)
β β

(23)

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 Tension Force in Drive Clamp Lug:
S9: CLAMP TO HUB CONTACT STRESS (30)

(27) Moment in Cover Clamp Lug:

This equation is equivalent to [1] Eq. (15). (31)

Note: for the leading term of [1] eq. 15 which represents average axial Moment in Cover Clamp Yoke Lug:
load per arc length:
(32)
has been substituted for
S11: YOKE SHEAR STRESS
S10: PIN-YOKE LUG COMBINED STRESS

FIGURE 9: COVER CLAMP PIN-YOKE LUG

FIGURE 11: PIN YOKE

FIGURE 12: DRIVE CLAMP TRUNNION YOKE

(33)
FIGURE 10: DRIVE CLAMP PIN-YOKE LUG

where, is the shear area of each pin yoke.

(28)
Shear Force in Pin Yoke Lugs:
where, and are the cover clamp lug/drive clamp lug cross
sectional area and section modulus at the area of interest, respectively.
(34)
Tension Force in Cover Clamp Lug:
Shear Force in Drive Clamp Trunnion Yoke Lug:
(29)

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 (35)

S12: YOKE EYE TENSILE STRESS

FIGURE 15: DRIVE CLAMP TRUNNION YOKE EYE

(36)
FIGURE 13: COVER CLAMP YOKE EYE

where is the tensile area of each pin yoke.

Tensile Force in Cover Clamp Pin Yoke Eye:

(37)

Tensile Force in Drive Pin Yoke Eye:

(38)

Tensile Force in Drive Trunnion Yoke Eye:

(39)

S13: PIN TO YOKE BEARING STRESS

Hinge Pin to Yoke Bearing ( ):

FIGURE 14: DRIVE CLAMP PIN YOKE EYE

(40)

where,

Trunnion Pin to Yoke Bearing ( ):

(41)

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 S14: PIN SHEAR STRESS REFERENCES

Hinge Pin Shear Stress ( ): [1] ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division I-2010, RULES FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF PRESSURE VESSELS, APPENDIX 24

[2] ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division I-2010, RULES FOR

(42) CONSTRUCTION OF PRESSURE VESSELS, APPENDIX 2

Trunnion Pin Shear Stress (
CONCLUSION
): [3] Improved design rules for pipe clamp connectors, International
Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 81-2004,pg 141-157, C. J.
Dekker, W.J. Stikvoort
(43)
[4] Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain, 7th edition, W.C. Young,
R.G. Budynas

In this paper a 3-PCC was analyzed using linear-elastic stress

calculation methods. From this evaluation a parametric rule set was
devised which will facilitate allowable stress design of 3-PCC
connectors in accordance with the intent and basis of [1].

The summarized rule set in this paper:

 Provides a simplified screening method for the evaluation of a

wide variety of 3-PCC geometries
 Provides background on the basis of [1]
 Develops required assembly preload to seat seal
 Develops required operating preload to retain pressure
 Developed Stress equations to ensures preload will not overstress
connector components

Note that neither [1], nor this paper address the effects of stress
concentration or fatigue. If fatigue or stress concentrations are of
concern during design they must be addressed through appropriate
portions of the ASME code.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The late Prof. William “Bill” Kinsel, PhD, for teaching me everything
I know about solid mechanics and machine design.

John Minichiello P.E., for providing a sounding board for my ideas and
wealth of experience and knowledge of the ASME code.

The management staff of Bechtel National Inc. for supporting my

graduate school studies and my efforts to develop this technical paper.

Changki Mo, PhD, for his support as my graduate school advisor.

This work was performed in support of the Hanford Tank Waste

Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Project, under design and
construction by Bechtel National, Inc. for the U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of River Protection contract #DE-AC27-01RV14136.

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 ANNEX A: CHARACTERISTIC DIMENSIONS

FIGURE A-3: DRIVE CLAMP DIMENSIONS

FIGURE A-1: ASSEMBLY DIMENSIONS

FIGURE A-4: COVER CLAMP DIMENSIONS

FIGURE A-2: HUB DIMENSIONS

FIGURE A-5: COVER CLAMP CROSS-SECTIONAL

DIMENSIONS

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