Definition and Details of Flanges - Torque

Tightening
Torque tightening
To obtain a leak-free flange connection, a proper gasket
installation is needed, the bolts must be assign on the
correct bolt tension, and the total bolt strength must be
evenly divided over the whole flange face.
With Torque Tightening (the application of preload to a
fastener by the turning of the fastener's nut) the correct bolt
tension can be realized.
Correct tightening of a bolt means making the best use of
the bolt's elastic properties. To work well, a bolt must behave
just like a spring. In operation, the tightening process exerts
an axial pre-load tension on the bolt. This tension load is of
course equal and opposite to the compression force applied
on the assembled components. It can be referred to as the
"tightening load" or "tension load"

Torque wrench
Torque Wrench is the general name for
a hand-guided screwing tool, and used
to precisely set the force of a fastening
such as a nut or bolt. It allows the
operator to measure the rotational force
(torque) applied to the bolt so it can be
matched to the specifications.

Manual and hydraulic wrench

The selection of the proper flange bolt

tigtening technique requires experience.
The successful application of any
technique also requires qualification of
both the tools that will be used and the
crew who will do the work. The following
summarizes the most commonly used
flange bolt tightening techniques.

 Manual Wrench
 Impact Wrench
  Hammer Wrench
 Hydraulic Torque Wrench
 Manual Beam and Gear-Assisted Torque
Wrench
 Hydraulic Bolt Tensioner

Torque loss
Torque loss is inherent in any bolted joint. The combined effects of bolt relaxation,
(approximately 10% during the first 24 hours after installation), gasket creep, vibration in
the system, thermal expansion and elastic interaction during bolt tightening contribute to
torque loss. When torque loss reaches an extreme, the internal pressure exceeds the
compressive force holding the gasket in place and a leak or blow-out occurs.
A key to reducing these effects is proper gasket installation. By bringing the flanges
together slowly and parallel when installing a gasket and taking a minimum of four bolt
tightening passes, following the correct bolt tightening sequence, there is a payoff in
reduced maintenance costs and increased safety.
Proper gasket thickness is also important. The thicker the gasket, the higher the gasket
creep which in turn can result in torque loss. On standard ASME raised face flanges a 1.6
mm thick gasket is normally recommended. Thinner gasket materials can take a higher
gasket load and therefore higher internal pressures.

Lubrication reduces friction

Lubrication reduces the friction during tightening, decreases bolt failure during installation
and increases bolt life. Variation in friction coefficients affect the amount of preload
achieved at a specific torque. Higher friction results in less conversion of torque to
preload. The value for the friction coefficient provided by the lubricant manufacturer must
be known to accurately establish the required torque value.
Lubricant or anti-seizure compounds should be applied to both the nut bearing surface
and the male threads.

Tightening sequence
The first pass, lightly tighten the first bolt then move directly across or 180 degrees for the
second bolt, then move1/4 turn around the circle or 90 degrees for the third bolt and
directly across for the fourth. Continue this sequence until all bolts are tightened.
When tightening a four-bolt flange, use a criss-cross pattern.
 TIGHTENING SEQUENCE

Preparation flange bolt-up

In a flanged connection, all components must be correct to achieve a seal. The most
common cause of leaky gasketed joints is improper installation procedures.
Before beginning a bolting process, the following preliminary steps will avoid future
problems:

 Clean the flange faces and check for scars; the faces must be clean and free of
defects (burrs, pits, dents, etc.).
 Visually inspect all bolts and nuts for damaged or corroded threads. Replace or
repair bolts or nuts as necessary.
 Remove burrs from all threads.
  Lubricate the threads of the bolt or stud, and the surface of the nut face adjacent
to the flange or washer. Hardened washers are recommended in most
applications.
 Install the new gasket and be sure gasket is properly centered. DO NOT REUSE
old gasket, or use MULTIPLE gaskets.
 Check flange alignment ASME B31.3 Process Piping:
...flange faces must be parallel within 1/16" per foot of diameter, and flange bolt
holes must be aligned to within 1/8" maximum offset.
 Adjust the position of the nuts to insure that 2-3 threads is visible above the top
of the nut.

Irrespective which method of tightening is used, above determined checks and

preparations always must be done.