Welcome to

KLINGERexpert Online Help System

Overview
Gasket calculation with KLINGERexpert

The 2 main components of KLINGERexpert

1. The Data Input
2. The analysis screen
The Own comment Button

The menu
The File Menu
The Preferences Button
The Print Button
The Reset Calculation Button
The Help Menu
The Data sheet Button

Glossary
Tightness
Gasket stress
Pressure loadings
 Overview

Program sequence
The working sequence with KLINGERexpert is divided in 4 steps.

1. Enter Flange data

Select standard flange or user defined flange.
Standard flange: Enter type of flange, pressure rating,size of flange.
User defined flange: Enter relevant gasket sizes

2. Perform gasket calculation

Before the gasket calculation can be performed, following data of the given
application have to be entered.
With standard flanges:
Temperature
Pressure
Aggregate state of media
Media
Concentration of media
Bolt quality
Type of bolt

With used defined flanges:

Enter in addition:
Number of bolts
Size of bolts

3. Analyse calculated data

The program automatically chooses the best suitable gasket material for the
given application. It is also possible to select a gasket material manually.
You can make changes and perform If/Then analysis.

4. Print data
The results calculated in this way can be printed.
 Gasket calculation with
KLINGERexpert

The program offers a lot of possibilities starting from the reviewing of existing flange
connections, through the automatic selection of gasket materials for specific
applications to correct dimensioning of gaskets in the design of new machines and
systems.
Standard flanges in accordance with DIN, EN, ANSI and JIS as well as special designs
have been included in the computer program. KLINGERexpert calculates and takes
account of all important data and parameters involving the gasket, such as pressure,
temperature, operating media, bolts, torques, maximum permissible and minimum
required gasket stresses and so on.
The latest version of KLINGERexpert includes several new features.
By choosing a specific Bolting up method, the scatter of the Bolting-up method
is shown in the graphical analysis of the gasket stress.
The selection of required approvals is also possible. In this case only gasket
materials will be chosen automatically which have the required approval.
The relaxation on the gasket material under long term service load and operating
temperature is also considered in the gasket calculation.
The use of the program is particularly easy and intuitive. An integrated online help offers
the user the widest possible support.
KLINGERexpert will quickly become an indispensable tool to solve gasket problems
for the engineer in design and planning as well as the expert in maintenance and repair.
The KLINGERexpert computer program is a valuable tool for the design and checking
of the correct gasket design. This demonstrates its strengths and and its limits at the
same time.
It cannot replace practical experience or a lack of technical understanding in view of
boundary conditions which cannot be handled by the calculation.
KLINGERexpert does not replace the experts, but rather serves them as a tool in
addition to their experience.
 The 2 main Components of
KLINGERexpert

1. Data Input

2. The gasket calculation The analysis screen

The Own comment Button

If you click on the button Own comment a window opens and additional comments
to the actual gasket calculation can be written. The comments will be printed and
saved together with the actual gasket calculation.
 Data Input

The Input of new data consists of 7 steps.

1. Input of the type of flange
for standard flanges
2. Input of gasket geometry and gasket dimensions
for user defined flanges
3. Input of the media characteristica and ambient conditions
for all applications
4. Input of the bolt characteristics
predetermined for standard flanges. Input for user defined flanges necessary.
The appropriate type of bolt and quality of bolt have to be chosen for every application.

5. Choice of the appropriate Bolting- up method

a selection of four different Bolting up methods is available
6. Required approvals
Choose between seven important different approvals
7. Gasket material selection
The default is automatic choice. Change to gasket material selection is possible.

The input of type of flange, gasket geometry and gasket dimensions has to be
done in the window Flange selection..
The input of all other necessary data for the calculation has to be done in the window
Gasket calculation..
 Input of the type of Flange

The input of the type of flange is the first step of the Data Input
You have the choice between DIN flanges, EN flanges, ANSI flanges and JIS
flanges..
When you select the type of flange, a list with standard flanges will appear, for which
KLINGERexpert already has most of the necessary data available for the gasket
calculation. If an appropriate flange is selected from the list, inputing data on gasket
dimension, bolt size and number of bolts will no longer be necessary.
Attention:
The default bolt quality is 5.6.. The default can be changed in Preferences. For
each gasket calculation it has to be checked if the present default setting
correspond to the bolt quality of the given application or if an adjustment of the
bolt quality is necessary.
The particular pressure class is located after the standard with the identification PN for
DIN, EN and JIS standards and psi for ANSI standards.
When you have made a selection, you only need to input the correct nominal size.
If you want to construct an individual flange, please select the User defined option.
Choose between the existing 7 gasket geometries the relevant one for your application.
In this way you indicate to KLINGERexpert that the internal data for bolt size, number
of bolts and gasket dimensions cannot be used.
You can put them in by yourself in the input step gasket dimensions and in the input
step bolt characteristics.
Internal pressure loaded gaskets
In standard cases, gaskets are relieved of internal pressure. Gaskets subject to internal
pressure generally occur only in oval form, for example, in the case of manhole gaskets.
For this reason the selection field Internal pressure is activated only in the case of oval
gaskets. In the case of a gasket which is internal pressure loaded you have to change
the default setting from reduces gasket stress to the option increases gasket
stress.. For further information see Type of pressure load.
 Input of the Gasket Dimensions

The input of the gasket geometry and the gasket dimensions is the second step of the
Data Input.
If you have selected a User defined flange and one of the suggested types of gaskets
is relevant for your application, than in the next step the dimension of gasket must be
entered.
If you have selected a Defined form a drawing of the form will appear in which the
corresponding information on the inside and outside diameters and possibly existing
bolt hole diameters must be entered. Click with the mouse on the corresponding field to
do so.
If you have selected a Complex dimension a table will appear in which the
corresponding data on the gasket areas must be input. The gasket area under
compression is described as Stressed gasket area. The total area is defined by the
outline contour of the gasket which is loaded by the internal pressure.
Important:
Please observe that the actual area under compression must be defined when
inputting the dimensions. As a rule, these are not the physical dimensions of
the particular gasket. With standard flanges, this is, for example, the outer
diameter of the raised face of the flange.

Average Diameter

Area Under Compression

If you have selected a standard flange in the input step type of flange the
dimensions of the gasket, which belong to the standard you have selected, will appear.
 Input of the Media Characteristics and
Ambient Conditions

The input of the media characteristics is the third step of the Data Input.
After your input of the Type of flange switch from the window Flange Selection to
the window Gasket Calculation.
Input for all necessary data related to the medium to be sealed can be entered in the
window Gasket calculation.
Temperature ( C)
Enter the operating temperature of the given application here.
Pressure (bar)
Enter the operating pressure of the given application here.
Aggregate state in operation
You simply identify one of the three preset conditions here.. Gaseous, Liquid or Solid
Medium
Select the name of the medium from the suggestion list of the program. Important
information on them has already been stored. The easiest way is to open the media list
and insert the initial letter of the medium. Afterwards the medium can be chosen
quickly.
The items are listed in alphabetical order.
If you do not want to select a new medium, the Unknown identification will remain in
the input window. If the medium is unknown in KLINGERexpert no statement will be
made on the resistance of the gasket to the medium in this exceptional case. Our
advisory service is available for you for these cases.
Total formula
In many cases the Total chemical formula of the medium is automatically shown.

Concentration of the medium (%)

Enter the concentration of the medium here.. In almost all cases, it will amount to 100%. This
value is already preset in KLINGERexpert. In some cases, the value will be smaller however.
This is of importance, for example, in case of alkalis, acids and aqueous solutions.

Tightness acc. DIN (see also Tightness )

If you have selected a medium, an appropriate standard of Tightness acc. DIN is entered
automatically. However, this may be changed according your requirements.
 Input of the Bolt Characteritics

The input of the Bolt characteristics is the fourth step of the Data Input.

Number of Bolts and Bolt size

Standard flanges
If you have selected a standard flange in input step Type of flange the number of bolts
and the bolt size which belongs to these standard will appear in the display.

User defined flanges

If you have selected a user defined flange in input step Type of flange you can enter
the number of bolts and the bolt size for the selected flange.
The number of bolts can be inserted by mouse click in the specified area. The bolt size
can be chosen by Pull-down menu.

Quality of bolts
The default bolt quality is 5.6. The default can be changed in Preferences. For
each gasket calculation it has to be checked if the present default setting
correspond to the bolt quality of the given application or if an adjustment of the
bolt quality is necessary.
The appropriate quality of the bolts can be chosen here per Pull-down menu.
In the field 0,2% creep limit the corresponding values of the creep limit given in MPa are
shown. The software is calculating with these values.

Types of bolts
There are 4 different types of bolts available for selection.
DIN rigid bolt
DIN necked-down bolt
UNC inch threads
Fine threads
The appropriate type of bolt can be chosen per pull- down menu.
Coefficient of friction
The coefficient of friction is set with a default value of 0,14. This is an average value for
lubricated bolts. It can be changed according the real situation. (bolt material, lubricant).
.
Friction values between 0,05 and 0,25 can be selected acc. to the real installation
situation.

The lower the value, the higher the energy which is used for the elongation of the bolt
and which is not wasted by friction in the thread.
 Choice of the appropriate Bolting-up Method

The choice of the appropriate bolting- up method is the fifth step of the Data Input.
Four different Bolting-up methods for the bolts can be selected. In each of these
Bolting-up methods the bolt force during mounting shows a certain scatter. Guiding
values for each scatter are given in EN 1591-1.
Wrench uncontrolled Bolting-up by hand
Uncontrolled Bolting- up of the bolts by hand should not be used in principle because
of the very big scatter of this method.

Torque wrench- wrench with solely torque measurement

The required torque to tighten the bolt can be set on the torque wrench. The scatter of
this Bolting-up method is substantially smaller compared to the uncontrolled bolting-up
by hand.

Hydraulic tensioner- measuring of the hydraulic pressure

The required torque to tighten the bolt can be achieved by a hydraulic tensioner with
hydraulic power. The scatter of this Bolting-up method is substantially smaller
compared to the uncontrolled bolting-up by hand.

Wrench- turn of nut tightening

The required torque to tighten the bolt can be achieved by a wrench. The bolting up will
be controlled by measuring of the angle of rotation. The scatter with this bolting-up
method is very small.
The appropriate Bolting-up method can be selected per Pull-down menu. The scatter of
the selected Bolting-up method will be shown in the graphical analysis of the gasket
stress.
 Required Approvals

The choice of the required approvals is the sixth step of the Data Input.
In this area of the analysis screen the required approvals and certificates can be
selected (not mandatory) for the calculation. Only gasket materials with the
necessary approvals will be suggested.
Seven different approvals are available.
FDA
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency of the United
States Department of Health and Human Services.
EG 1935/2004
Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 of the European Parliament on materials and articles
intend to come into contact with food.
WRc/WRAS
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme Ltd. (WRAS). Material approvals acc. BS 6920-1.
Non-metallic products for use in contact with water.
German Elastomer Guideline
Test certificate according to the Elastomer Guideline of the German Federal
Environmental Agency for materials intend to come into contact with water
DIN- DVGW
DVGW type examination certificate for products of gas supply
TA Luft (clean air)
Certificate in accordance with VDI Guideline 2440 ( Verification of the compliance with
the tightness criteria acc. To VDI 2440)
Fire safe
Fire safe test following DIN EN ISO 10497,11.2004 resp. API 607, 5th edition, 06.2005
 Gasket material selection

The gasket material selection is the seventh step of the Data Input.
Automatic choice of the best suitable gasket material for your application is set.
It is possible to select a certain gasket material by yourself. It is only necessary to
unclick the tick for Automatic choice.
In the list Gasket Material Selection all gasket materials can be found now.
Every gasket material is evaluated using a point system based on the characteristics of
the single gasket materials. KLINGERexpert automatically selects the material with the
highest score.
Additional information concerning media resistance and temperature of the chosen
gasket material can always be seen in the fields Info Selected gasket and Additional
information. The field Additional information contains also important information
concerning gasket stress, Scatter of Bolting-up methods, information about bolts e.g.
The symbols at the right edge of the field Info selected gasket describe the current
status graphically.

Material suitable/ Temperature permissible

Material conditionally suitable

Material unsuitable/ Temperature not permissible

If you click to the different gasket materials the corresponding information can be seen
in the fields Info selected gasket and Additional information. Here you will find
helpful information about the suitability of the chosen gasket material for the given
application. For gasket materials with score 0 points additional information is available
which explains why the chosen gasket material is not suitable.
 The Analysis Screen
(Gasket calculation)
After having entered resp. loaded all necessary data for the given application in the
windows Flange Selection and Gasket Calculation KLINGERexpert is calculating
the best suitable gasket material and provides all relevant parameters and results. (The
Tick for Automatic Choice is set in the program).
You will then have the possibility to check the practicability of the data you have
entered, to make changes and to print out the data.
The changing of values:
In principle, there are 2 different kinds of values. You can change some data. This can
be recognised by the arrow keys at the right edge.
If you click on the arrow which points right, the corresponding value will be increased.
The arrow pointing left will decrease the value.
You can also change values by double-clicking on them, enter the desired value and
confirm by pressing < ENTER >. In this way you can change a temperature from 20C
to 180C very quickly, for example, without having to run through the entire scale with
the arrow keys.
If you click on the arrow which points downwards a list appears, where you can select
the desired item with the cursor keys or with the mouse. If you mark the item with the
mouse, the list will close again. Especially in the media list, for example, you can save
lengthy paging as you can enter the initial of the medium and afterwards you can scroll
to the requested medium.
You cannot change the type of the flange, nominal diameter, type of gasket and gasket
dimensions directly here. Such changes can be done in the window Flange Selection.
See Input of the typ of flange.
The recognition of unallowable data.
Two fields of messages are located right below on the analysis screen.
Info selected gasket and Additional information. If certain values are above or
below the allowable limits, a warning will appear. The problem will be described exactly
and, if applicable, possibilities to solve the problem will be offered.
The recognition of coherences
When you click on a designation (for example the Bolt dimension) the dependent
designation will be marked coloured.
Green Indication
When you modify one of the values of the mouse clicked designations the dependent
values which are marked with green colour will change automatically.
Yellow Indication
This shows the designations which have direct influence on the mouse clicked values.
These values are not directly changeable.
 The File menu

File > Open

Select the data file which you would like to load from the saved gasket calculations. The
standard extension for a data file is .dat. Click on the file. With this click the file is
marked. Afterwards klick Open. The gasket calculation of the selected saved file can
now be seen.
The gasket calculation can be printed out or can be closed without any changes.
It is also possible to modify the gasket calculation and save it again with a new file
name.

File > Save

Select a name and a memory location for your file which you want to save. Then click
Save.
Save The gasket calculation is saved now. With a click on File > Open you can load
gasket calculations which have been saved and process it further.

File > Exit

Close KLINGERexpert.
 The Preferences button

Here you have access to all important external parameters of the program.
Language
To select a language, click on the pull down menu and select your preferred language.
Click ok to restart KLINGERexpert and set the selected language.
Measurement units Selection of the dimension standard
The SI standards and the US standards are available for selection. This setting affects
the following units.
SI- Standard US- Standard
Celsius Fahrenheit
bar psi
Nm lbf.ft
kN lbf
N/mm psi
Mm inch

Presettings
Bolt utilisation
Exploitation of the bolt elastic limit at room temperature, given in percent. The set
values assume a 50% usage with the ANSI standard and an 80 % otherwise.
The change of the bolt torque effects a change in the effective bolt force and also
effects a change in bolt utilisation.
Gasket thickness
Gasket thickness 2 mm is the initial setting for DIN, EN and JIS flanges as well as for
user defined flanges. Gasket thickness 1.5 mm is the initial setting for ANSI flanges.
Bolt quality
Select a bolt quality from the list. This default value will appear automatically as bolt
quality in the window Gasket calculation.
calculation
 The Print button

For print out of the current gasket calculation click the print button. A window opens
and show you a print preview.
The calculation results as well as some additional information concerning the gasket
materials and the flange connection will be printed. There is also the possibility to print
an additional user defined comment.

Click on the button close in the menu bar to return to the current gasket calculation.
 The Reset calculation button

Click on the button reset calculation and all data from the last Flange Selection as well
as the last gasket calculation ( e.g. flange size, temperature, pressure) will be reset. A
fully new gasket calculation can be started now.
All values of the current gasket calculation can be changed in the windows Flange
Selection and Gasket Calculation of course and consequently a new gasket
calculation can be realised. This new calculation can be saved with another name.
 The Help Menu

Helpsystem
When you open the Helpsystem the KLINGERexpert Online Helpsystem starts.
Here you will find detailed information about the program sequence and the gasket
calculation with KLINGERexpert.

Quick Help
When you click Quick Help a window opens and you can see information about the
different gasket stress and gasket terms in a short way.

Disclaimer
When you click on Disclaimer a windows opens and you can see information about
the Disclaimer topic.
 The Data sheet button

When you click on the Data sheet button the KLINGERproduct documentation
from the KLINGER Homepage will be loaded and you will get a lot of detailed
information about the chosen gasket material.
On the KLINGER homepage you will find additional technical information as well as
information regarding storage and installation of KLINGER gaskets.
 Tightness
Three different tightness definitions are used in the program.
Tightness according DIN
A nitrogen reference tightness criteria is defined here, which can be classified as very
good tightness technically. The tightness criteria (measured with nitrogen) which is
classified as tight in accordance with DVGW amounts to 0.1mg/s*m for use in the gas
supply. You will observe that the standard values prescribed by
KLINGERexpert foresee stricter (lower) values partly, for example, for toxic media, but
that higher values are used for viscous media and viscous fluids. The values displayed
indicate the nitrogen tightness which would be expected for a gasket ring of dimension
90 mm x 50 mm with the current inside pressure and the gasket thickness given. The
minimum surface stress is a requirement for this.
The tightness values according DIN can relate to room temperature or operating
temperature. Your choice has an effect on the values of Vu and Emin because it will
be calculated on the basis of the chosen temperature. Choose the button 20C to
select a calculation based on room temperature or choose the button T for the
operating temperature.
In accordance with DIN 28090 the tightness is divided into 3 tightness classes.
Tightness class L1,0 L0,1 L0,01
Tightness ( mg/s*m) 1,0 0,1 0,01
You can also click on a tightness class directly. The tightness will be set automatically to
the maximum permissible value for the particular tightness class. Of course tightness
values above 1,0 mg/s*m can also be selected, but they will no longer relate to a
tightness class in accordance with DIN 28090.
Effective tightness 20 and T (mg/s*m)

This value give the effective nitrogen tightness to be expected for the current problem
situation on the assumption of effective stress. This means that under the given
boundary conditions (bolt forces, internal pressure, gasket dimensions, temperature) the
gasket connection would exhibit the corresponding tightness using nitrogen as the
operating medium.
It is to be observed thereby that almost all industrial gases, because of their relatively
higher molecular size and viscosity, as well as all fluids exhibit significantly higher
tightness than nitrogen.
20
This gives the effective tightness in the installed conditions at room temperature.
T
This gives the effective tightness at the operating temperature given.
 The Gasket Stress

The types of gasket stress is the key data of the analysis. The limits given may not be
exceeded. The following eight stress types are of fundamental importance.
1. Maximum Surface Pressure in Operating Condition Bo

The maximum permissible stress, given in N/mm, refers to the gasket material and the
stated operating conditions. This value may not be exceeded by the calculated surface
pressure.
The maximum stress capability of a gasket is depending on a number of factors such
as temperature, material, thickness and with graphite materials in particular the width to
thickness ratio. A damage of the gasket material is possible when the material is
subjected to a load higher than its maximum.
2. Maximum Surface Pressure under installing conditions Vo

Vo amounts to the value of Bo at room temperature. It is always equal to or larger

than Bo and therefore does not represent an additional restrictive limitation in the
calculation of the gasket.
3. Minimum Surface Pressure under Operating Conditions Bu/L

The minimum surface pressure Bu/L is the surface pressure which must be applied on
the effective compressed gasket area in the operating condition to achieve the desired
tightness class with the given medium, internal pressure and temperature. The actual
surface pressure may not fall below this value in operation in any case.
The higher the initial surface pressure during installation of the gasket the higher the
ensurance to achieve the required tightness under operating conditions.
4. Minimum Surface Pressure under Installing Conditions Vu/L

At least this surface stress must be reached on the compressed sealing area through
the bolt forces during assembly to guarantee the tightness requirements selected under
the defined operating conditions. Due to further variables not covered by the
calculation, one has to ensure that the actual installation stress lies above Vu/L. This
applies especially for lower Vu/L values (<10 N/mm).
Vu/L is a material specific index and does not yet take account of a possible higher
necessary minimum installation surface pressure which will be required because of the
relief of the gasket through the internal pressure (cf. Emin).

5. Minimum Installing Surface Pressure Emin

The minimum installing surface pressure Emin is the surface pressure which should be
reached with the installation of the gasket. It ensures the adequate pressure/adaption of
the gasket material is achieved (cf. Vu/L), and that possible dynamic changes of the
surface pressure through the internal operating pressure are taken into account. (cf.
p). This surface pressure should be reached by the effective pressure in view
of the necessary tightness.
If this is not the case, meaning that the expected tightness is less than desired, the
installation surface pressure can nevertheless still be adequate under certain
circumstances. Take account of Tightness acc. DIN).
6. Internal pressure relief -/ load p

This value represents the maximum possible arithmetic reduction or raise of the gasket
stress as the result of the operating pressure during operation by this value. The internal
pressure can raise (+) or lower (-) the surface pressure during operation.
Additional reducing of the installation stress through the actual operating conditions e.g.
decrease of the bolt forces due to temperature cannot be covered by the calculation
and therefore not be taken into consideration in this software). The impact of the
relaxation of the gasket under temperature and in consequence the reduction of the
initial surface pressure is taken into account and indicated as relax.

7. Calculated Surface Pressure calc

The surface pressure indicated is determined by the calculation. It depends on the

entire bolt load which is made available and on the stressed gasket area. Equal stress is
required over the whole gasket.

The compressive load due to the bolts must be sufficient to compress the material and
also counteract the release of load due to the internal pressure. The torque of the bolts
must be selected to ensure the calculated gasket stress calc is higher than E min and
lower than BO.
Typically the bolts should be torqued to equate to an utilisation figure of 60-80%. (DIN)
ensuring the bolt operates within its elastic region and will not over-stress the bolt.

Using inner pressure loaded gaskets, the calculated surface pressure is determined by
the bolt forces and the inner pressure too. This value is an approximate value, because
there are some not considerable parameters which have an effect on it. Also we
presume, that the bolts will be tighten up after applying the inner pressure. You should
pay attention, that the bolts will not be overloaded, when decreasing the inner pressure.

8. Remaining Surface Pressure relax

This surface pressure considers the relaxation (setting properties) of the gasket material
under long term impact of stress and temperature. Therefore not the calculated surface
pressure calc but the surface pressure reduced by the relaxation relax is applied on
the gasket.
relax values are determined for temperatures from 25C to 300C, gasket thicknesses
from 0,8 mm to 3 mm and surface pressures from 5 MPa to BO.
 Types of Pressure Loading

In the program, a distinction is made between two different types of pressure loading.
1. Internal pressure relieved

Inner pressure pi
Inside

Outside

The gasket is located between flanges here. The internal pressure forces the flange
apart in operation and thereby reduces the surface stress and relieves the gasket. In
this case a higher installation stress is necessary not to have less than the necessary
minimum operating stress in operation. The effective stress is determined by the
number, size, quality and utilisation of the bolts.
This form of gasket installation is the normal form and is required with all gasket forms,
except for oval gaskets.

2. Internal pressure loaded

Inner pressure pi
Inside

Outside

In this case, the gasket is mounted from the inside with a cover. In operation, the
internal pressure forces the cover and the gasket against the flange and thereby
increases the stress. In this case the installation stress is lower than the minimum
operating stress. The installation stress is achieved by tightening the gasket.
The effective surface stress here is determined by the internal pressure and the bolt
forces too. The value is an approximated value, because there are some not
considerable parameters which have an influence on it. Also presumed is that the bolts
will be tightened up after applying the internal pressure. But you should pay attention
that the bolts receive no overload, when decreasing the pressure.
The internal pressure loaded gaskets occur only in the case of oval gaskets without bolt
holes (manhole gaskets). If you select this gasket form, then the type of loading will be
changed to internal pressure increases gasket stress.