GOST 34233.4-2017 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 34233.4-2017 — "Vessels and apparatus. Norms and methods of strength calculation. Strength and leak‑tightness calculation of flange joints". The standard establishes methods, calculation procedures and recommendations for assessing the mechanical strength and sealing (tightness) of flange connections used in pressure vessels and process apparatus.

Abstract

This part of the GOST 34233 series provides formulas, loading cases, acceptance criteria and guidance for designing and checking flange joints (including gaskets, bolts/fasteners and flange faces) subject to internal/external pressure, axial loads and bending moments. It includes recommended limits of applicability for flange and gasket types, examples of typical calculation steps, and normative appendices with selection guidance. The standard was prepared as a replacement/update to earlier national rules on flange calculation and complements other parts of the GOST 34233 family.

General information

• Status: Active / in force.
• Publication date: Approved July 14, 2017 (adopted by the Interstate Council); introduced as a national standard of the Russian Federation effective August 1, 2018 (Order of Rosstandart No. 1992‑ст, 14 Dec 2017).
• Publisher: Adopted as a Межгосударственный стандарт (EASC / Interstate Council); introduced in the Russian Federation by the Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology (Rosstandart).
• ICS / categories: 71.120 (Equipment for chemical industry); 75.200 (Equipment for oil refining, oil products and natural gas) — aligned with the GOST 34233 series classification.
• Edition / version: First edition designated 2017 (GOST 34233.4‑2017); contains subsequent editorial correction entries (noted corrections/Amendments in published catalogs).
• Number of pages: Published formats report between 46 and 48 pages depending on the publisher/format (catalog listings commonly show 46–48 pp.).

Scope

The standard applies to flange connections of pressure vessels and apparatus used in chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas and related industries. It sets out calculation methods to verify mechanical strength and sealing under combinations of internal/external pressure, axial forces and bending moments, specifies acceptance criteria for gasket and flange behavior, and gives recommendations for selecting normalized flange types and gaskets within stated applicability limits. The standard is intended to be used together with the other parts of the GOST 34233 series for full strength assessment of vessels and apparatus.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of flange joint components and load cases (pressure, axial load, bending moment) used for strength and tightness checks.
• Calculation procedures for bolt preload, gasket compression and flange face stresses to ensure mechanical integrity and sealing.
• Acceptance criteria and allowable stresses/limits for common flange and gasket types; recommended applicability limits for various joint assemblies.
• Normative appendices with selection guidance and recommended combinations of flange/gasket types for pressure/axial/bending load combinations.
• Guidance on using the standard in conjunction with other parts of GOST 34233 and on computer-based strength calculation reporting (cross‑references within the series).

Typical use and users

Engineers and designers of pressure vessels, piping and process equipment in chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas and power industries use this standard to design, verify and document flange joint strength and sealing. Inspectors, certification bodies and technical auditors rely on its methods when checking conformity of flange connections to recognized calculation practices. It is also used by technical consultants and software developers implementing strength‑calculation routines for joints.

Related standards

GOST 34233.4-2017 is one part of the GOST 34233 series (which includes GOST 34233.1 through GOST 34233.12) that covers norms and methods of strength calculation for vessels and apparatus. It was prepared on the basis of and replaces earlier national documents (for example, it supersedes or updates aspects of GOST R 52857.4–2007). Other related parts include calculation rules for shells, heads, heat exchangers, column-type apparatus and rules for computerized calculation reports in the same series.

Keywords

flange joints; flange connections; gasket; bolt preload; sealing (tightness); strength calculation; pressure vessels; apparatus; GOST 34233 series; Rosstandart.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 34233.4‑2017 is a technical standard that provides norms and calculation methods for assessing the mechanical strength and leak‑tightness of flange joints used on pressure vessels and process apparatus.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, load cases, calculation procedures for bolts/gaskets/flange faces, acceptance criteria for strength and sealing, and recommended applicability limits and selection guidance for flange and gasket types. It also includes normative appendices with recommendations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Design and pressure‑equipment engineers, inspectors, certification bodies, technical auditors, and software developers implementing strength‑calculation tools for pressure equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 2017 edition and is in force; it was adopted in July 2017 and introduced as a national standard of the Russian Federation effective 1 August 2018. Catalogs note editorial corrections/amendments entered later (refer to official registries for the most recent corrigenda).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the multi‑part GOST 34233 series covering norms and methods of strength calculation for vessels and apparatus (other parts address shells, heads, heat exchangers, column apparatus, special media, and requirements for computerized calculation reports).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Flange connection, gasket, bolt preload, tightness, strength calculation, pressure vessel, GOST 34233, sealing, flange design.