PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Table of Contents

1. SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................... 2
3. RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................................................... 3
4. PRE-ASSEMBLY INSPECTION .................................................................................................................. 4
5. TORQUING .................................................................................................................................................. 5
6. TORQUING TOOLS .................................................................................................................................... 5
7. STUD BOLT TIGHTENING PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 5
8. STUD BOLT ADDITIONAL TIGHTENING PROCEDURE WHERE LEAKS OCCUR .............................. 7
TABLE 1 – FRICTION FACTORS FOR DIFFERENT LUBRICANTS ................................................................ 8
TABLE 2 – TORQUE VALUES FOR LOW-ALLOY STEEL BOLTING ............................................................. 9
TABLE 3 - TORQUE VALUES FOR ISOLATING GASKETS .......................................................................... 10
FIGURE 1 – STUD BOLT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE (4 TO 32 BOLTS) ..................................................... 11
FIGURE 2 – STUD BOLT NUMBERING (36 TO 68 BOLTS) ....................................................................... 12
TABLE 4 – CROSS-PATTERN TIGHTENING SEQUENCE............................................................................ 13

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

1. Scope

This procedure defines minimum requirements to assemble bolted flanged

joints in pressure containing piping systems. It is applicable for both new and
existing facilities.

2. References

2.1 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API BULL 5A2 Bulletin on Thread Compounds for Casing,
Tubing, and Line Pipe

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS ½
Through NPS 24
ASME B16.47 Large Diameter Steel Flanges NPS 26
Through NPS 60
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for quid
Hydrocarbons and Other iquids
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping
Systems
ASME PCC-1 Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted
Flange Joint Assembly

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

3. Responsibilities

3.1 For existing facilities the following shall apply:

3.1.1 It is the responsibility of Operations Superintendent to ensure

that this procedure is adhered to during the maintenance
activities within the facilities under his jurisdiction.

3.1.2 The maintenance personnel executing the flange assembly

activities must be aware of this procedure and ASME PCC-1
Guideline and have the proper training to conduct the work.

3.2 For new capital program projects the following shall apply:

3.2.1 The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that the

Construction Contractor is following this procedure or specific procedures
that shall be approved by Proponent, Inspection and the Piping Standards
Committee Chairman or his representative.

3.2.2 The contractor personnel executing the flange assembly shall

adhere to flange assembly procedure. They shall have proper training
and skills to conduct the job.

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

4. Pre-Assembly Inspection

4.1 The gasket shall be verified for correct type, rating, dimension and
compatibility with the flange facing. Also, it shall be free from any damage
particularly in the seating element. Ensure that spiral wound gaskets are
stored flat especially for large sizes, 24 inches and larger.

4.2 Bolts, nuts and washers shall be visually checked for proper size, grade,
dimension and for any physical damage to shanks or threads which would
affect the bolt assembly or performance. Also, check the suitability of the
stud bolts and nuts material for the service temperature and the
compatibility with the flange material.

4.3 The flange facing, particularly the seating area, shall be visually
examined for cleanliness and ensure that no damage, such as scratches
exist.

For ring joint type flanges, the ring and the ring groove shall be free of
damage and dirt.

4.4 Proper lubricant for bolts and nuts shall be used. Lubricant for bolts
and nuts shall be Jet-Lube SS-30 or other acceptable lubricants listed in
Table 1.

4.5 Tightening tools shall be checked for adequacy, performance and

calibration, if required.

4.6 Lubricant shall not be used in the gasket and the gasket seating area.
4.7 Flange shielding shall be installed/reinstalled when required.
Commentary Note:

Flange shielding is normally used for personnel protection against possible liquid
splash or high temperature during operation.

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

5. Torquing

5.1 Torque values vary according to flange rating, bolt size, type of gasket,
and friction factor of the thread lubricant.

5.2 The torque values are specified in Table 2 and Table 3.

5.3 Table 2 applies to all spiral wound gaskets, except for insulating
gaskets.

5.4 Table 3 applies to isolating gaskets based on a friction factor of 0.16.

6. Torquing Tools

6.1 There are various types of tools available to achieve the proper torque value.
Selection of the proper tool depends on the stud bolt size, physical
location of the flanged joint, and criticality of the flange. Identifying the
proper tools shall be resolved between Contractor, Proponent and
Inspection prior to commencing the erection of the piping.

6.2 The manufacturer's instructions shall be followed for the operation,

limitation and maintenance of all torque wrenches used to perform flange
bolts tightening.

6.3 Torque wrench calibration shall be performed in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations.

7. Stud Bolt Tightening Procedure

Step 1 Align flanges and gasket. Forced tightening is not allowed to overcome
non-acceptable alignment tolerances. Clamp securely in place.

Step 2 Apply lubricants to stud threads over length and nut engagement and to
face of nut which contacts flange. Ensure that the nuts run freely down
the thread of the studs.

Step 3 Install all studs and nuts hand tight, ensure that studs pass freely through
the flange holes. Position the nut on one end of the stud such that only
the crown of the stud projects beyond the face of the nut. The excess
stud length should project beyond the nut on the other side.

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Commentary Note:

By doing this, the nut that is installed nearly flush with the end of the stud can be
easily removed since the threads are not coated, and normally have not been
subjected to corrosion. The side of the stud with the flush nut should be
chosen by taking into consideration factors such as whether one side has better
access for maintenance personnel and/or tightening tools, e.g., torque wrench
or impact wrench, etc.

Step 4 Number each stud according to its position in the flange as shown on
Figure 1 : Stud Bolt Tightening Sequence.

Step 5 For insulting gaskets enough gap (½" of gap is recommended) should be
available between flange faces to avoid any damage to seals during
inserting the gaskets, if due to any reasons, seals are damaged, change
the seal before installing the insulating gasket.

Step 6 Matting flange faces and the gaskets should be dry and free from grease,
oil or water.

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Step 7 Tighten studs per the Stud Bolt Tightening Sequence, for 4 to 32 bolts
use Figure 1 and for 36 to 68 bolts see Figure 2 for bolts numbering and
then follow the tightening sequence of Table 4. An appropriate tool
should be used such as an air impact wrench or equivalent.

Step 8 For joints containing RTJ or Spiral Wound Gaskets, repeat step 7.

Step 9 Tighten the stud bolts in stages to obtain the final required torque
from the appropriate torque Table 2. The first stage should not be
more than 30% of the final torque. The final torque shall be within
±5% of the required torque value.

Apply the torque evenly to each stud following the stud bolt
tightening sequence. The final torque must be within ±5% of the
required values per Section 7 above.

8. Stud Bolt Additional Tightening Procedure where Leaks Occur During

Pressure Testing
Step 1 Depressurize the piping system and re-torque stud bolts to maximum
torque value shown on Table 1.

Step 2 If leak does not stop after re-torquing has been performed,
disassemble the flange joint and inspect as follows:
a. Inspect stud bolts and nuts for defects or damage to threads or
improper cleaning of threads.
b. Inspect flange faces for damage, misalignment.
c. Inspect gasket for damage or defects.
Step 3 After all defective and damaged items have been repaired or replaced,
reassemble the flange joint using a new gasket and tighten the bolts
using the maximum torque values.

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Table 1 – Friction Factors for Different Lubricants

Torque
Lubricants Friction Factors Correction Factor
Moly Graphite 0.06 0.67
Tool Joint Compound 0.08 0.8
Graphite and Oil
(used as the base line for torque 0.10 1.0
values in Table-SAEP-351-02)
Aerocote #4 0.11 1.1
KOPR-KOTE 0.11 1.1
EL-PRO C5A 0.11 1.1
FEL-PRO C100 0.11 1.1
FEL-PRO C102
(commonly called Anti-Seize) 0.11 1.1

Jet Lube SS-30 0.12 1.2

API BULL 5A2
Thread Compound 0.125 1.3

Light Machine Oil as shipped 0.15 1.5

Dry Bolts 0.2 2

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Table 2 – Torque Values for Low-Alloy Steel Bolting

Stud Bolt Torque

Size Ft-Lb
inch Noncoated Bolts Coated Bolts
1/2 60 45
5/8 120 90
3/4 210 160
7/8 350 250
1 500 400
1-1/8 750 550
1-1/4 1050 800
1-3/8 1400 1050
1-1/2 1800 1400
1-5/8 2350 1800
1-3/4 2950 2300
1-7/8 3650 2800
2 4500 3400
2-1/4 6500 4900
2-1/2 9000 6800
2-3/4 12000 9100
3 15700 11900
3-1/4 20100 15300
3-1/2 25300 19100
3-3/4 31200 23600
4 38000 28800

Notes:
1) Torque values are based on 50,000 psi prestress on stud bolts and Friction Factor of 0.16 for
noncoated surfaces and 0.12 for new coated surfaces. A combination of various elements such
as the conditions of the threads, the condition of the flange to the nut bearing surface and the
type of lubricant used, makes up the friction factor which can vary from 0.04 to 0.20 or as much
as 500%.
2) Torque values for stainless steel or other alloy stud bolts can be obtained by multiplying the
ratio of the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) of stainless-steel stud bolts to A193 B7
stud bolts, to the torque values in the Table 2. The SMYS values for all bolting materials are
listed in ASME B31.3 code (Note: SMYS depends on grade, class and size).

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Table 3 - Torque Values for Isolating Gaskets

on ASME B16.5 and ASME B16.47 Series A & B, Class 150
Through Class 2500 Flanges

Stud Bolt Size Torque Value

inch Ft-Lb
1/2 30
9/16 45
5/8 60
3/4 100
7/8 160
1 245
1-1/8 355
1-1/4 500
1-3/8 680
1-1/2 800
1-5/8 1100
1-3/4 1500
1-7/8 2000
2 2200
2-1/4 3180
2-1/2 4400
2-3/4 5920
3 7720
3-1/4 8400
3-1/2 9000
3-3/4 9600
4 10000

Note: Torque values based on 30,000 psi tension load and 0.16 Friction Factor from
API BULL 5A2 thread compound. See Table 2 Note (1) for other factors.

Commentary Notes:
a) For ASME Class 900 through Class 2500, API-6B and API-6BX Class 2000 through Class
15000, and RTJ Flanges, the maximum compressive stresses induced during installation
should not exceed 25,000 psi. Design to 12,500 psi when possible.

b) Calculations for compressive stresses applied during torque-up procedures must account
for ring joint grooves, gasket seal grooves, raised face diameters, and gasket inside
diameter.

c) Bolt tensioning equipment such as HYDRATIGHT may be used for class 900 and
above resulting in a minimum residual bolt stress of 30000 psi and a maximum of
50,000 psi. .

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Figure 1 – Stud Bolt Tightening Sequence (4 to 32 Bolts)

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Figure 2 – Stud Bolt Numbering (36 to 68 Bolts)

1
2
3

9
14 10
13 11
12

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PROCESS FLANGE BOLT THIGHTENING PROCEDURE

Table 4 – Cross-Pattern Tightening Sequence

(36 to 68 Bolts) per (ASME PCC-1)

No. of
Sequence
bolts
36 1-2-3 → 19-20-21 → 10-11-12 → 28-29-30 → 4-5-6 → 22-23-24 → 13-14-15 ↵
31-32-33 → 7-8-9 → 25-26-27 → 16-17-18 → 34-35-36

40 1-2-3-4 → 21-22-23-24 → 13-14-15-16 → 33-34-35-36 → 5-6-7-8 → 25-26-27-28 ↵

17-18-19-20 → 37-38-39-40 → 9-10-11-12 → 29-30-31-32

44 1-2-3-4 → 25-26-27-28 → 13-14-15-16 → 37-38-39-40 → 5-6-7-8 → 29-30-31-32 ↵

17-18-19-20 → 41-42-43-44 → 9-10-11-12 → 33-34-35-36 → 21-22-23-24

48 1-2-3-4 → 25-26-27-28 → 13-14-15-16 → 37-38-39-40 → 5-6-7-8 → 29-30-31-32 ↵

17-18-19-20 → 41-42-43-44 → 9-10-11-12 → 33-34-35-36 → 21-22-23-24 → 45-46-47-48

52 1-2-3-4 → 29-30-31-32 → 13-14-15-16 → 41-42-43-44 → 5-6-7-8 → 33-34-35-36 ↵

17-18-19-20 → 45-46-47-48 → 21-22-23-24 → 49-50-51-52 → 25-26-27-29 ↵

9-10-11-12 → 37-38-39-40

56 1-2-3-4 → 29-30-31-32 → 13-14-15-16 → 41-42-43-44 → 21-22-23-24 → 49-50-51-52 ↵

9-10-11-12 → 37-38-39-40 → 25-26-27-28 → 53-54-55-56 → 17-18-19-20 ↵
45-46-47-48 → 5-6-7-8 → 33-34-35-36

60 1-2-3-4 → 29-30-31-32 → 45-46-47-48 → 13-14-15-16 → 5-6-7-8 → 37-38-39-40 ↵

21-22-23-24 → 53-54-55-56 → 9-10-11-12 → 33-34-35-36 → 49-50-51-52 ↵

17-18-19-20 → 41-42-43-44 → 57-58-59-60 → 25-26-27-28

64 1-2-3-4 → 33-34-35-36 → 17-18-19-20 → 49-50-51-52 → 9-10-11-12 → 41-42-43-44 ↵

25-26-27-28 → 57-58-59-60 → 5-6-7-8 → 37-38-39-40 → 21-22-23-24 ↵
53-54-55-56 → 13-14-15-16 → 45-50-51-52 → 29-30-31-32 → 61-62-63-64

68 1-2-3-4 → 37-38-39-40 → 21-22-23-24 → 53-54-55-56 → 9-10-11-12 → 45-46-47-49 ↵

29-30-31-32 → 61-62-63-64 → 17-18-19-20 → 57-58-59-60 → 33-34-35-36 → 5-6-7-8 ↵
41-42-43-44 → 13-14-15-16 → 49-50-51-52 → 25-26-27-28 → 65-66-67-68

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