在高温下操作时，螺栓法兰连接尤其容易发生泄漏。1986年至1987年，美国石油学会压力容器、管道和储罐小组委员会表示需要垫片性能数据和技术配方，以便设计高温应用的垫片系统。目的是初步了解模拟高温工况下的法兰行为、垫片变形和泄漏行为。通过之前的PVRC资助的高温测试项目以及配套的非PVRC资助项目获得的经验提出了一些基本问题，这些问题最好在PVRC的背景下回答- 支持的努力。

Bolted flanged connections are especially prone to leakage when operating at elevated temperatures. In 1986-87, the API Subcommittee on Pressure Vessels, Piping and Tanks expressed a need for gasket performance data and technical formulations to permit the design of gasket systems for high temperature service. The objective was to gain initial understanding of flange behavior, gasket deformation and leakage behavior under simulated elevated temperature service conditions.Experience gained through the previous PVRC-funded elevated temperature test programs as well as companion non-PVRC-funded programs has raised a number of basic questions which would be best answered in the context of a PVRC-supported effort.