GEG AMERICA

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION 670.210*

Bolt-Up Procedure for Flanged Connections Revision 1
February 2000
Page 1 of 9

RESPONSIBLE GROUP: Mechanical Systems Engineering *Formerly part of 579.02

Denotes Revision

1. PURPOSE

1.1 This fabrication and erection specification defines specified bolt-up procedures for shop and field
flanged connections.

2. SCOPE

2.1 This specification applies to all standard flanged joints. For custom-designed flanges (e.g., heat
exchanger bonnet flanges) the manufacturer's procedure shall be followed.

3. RELATED DOCUMENTS

3.1 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 through NPS 24
B16.20 Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges - Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed
B16.21 Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 Clamping load is the compressive load induced by the tensile stresses applied to the bolting via
tightening. Properly distributed clamping loads produce compression in the gaskets, thereby
providing a tight seal to prevent leakage of the fluid under pressure.

4.2 Spiral-wound gaskets are gaskets that employ wound ribbons of metal with a compressible
filler material between windings. Dimensions are covered in ASME B16.20.

4.3 Low-stress, spiral-wound gaskets are gaskets that employ wound ribbons of metal with a
compressible filler material between windings and seat with an applied low bolt stress of
25,000 psi (typically used with ASME Class 150 flanges).

4.4 Gauge rings are rings on the outside diameter (OD) or both inside diameter (ID) and OD of the
spiral-wound gasket that provide mechanical stability and prevent flow of compressible gasket
material and unraveling of windings. They also provide for a compression stop, preventing
overcompression of the sealing element. The outer gauge ring also serves as the locating
(centering) ring.

4.5 Gasket compression is the flow of compressible-gasket filler material in and out of protrusions
and inclusions in the volume between the flange faces. For spiral-wound gaskets proper
compression occurs when the thickness of the spiral windings equals that of the gauge rings.

4.6 Sheet gaskets are gaskets cut from bulk-sheet-gasket material (e.g., Garlock Blue-Gard,
Grafoil, and Sigma 511).

Authorization for this document is on file in the GEG Engineering Standards Department.
All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 2 of 9
4.7 Ring gaskets are precut sheet gaskets with the OD and ID cut to fit inside the bolt circle and
outside the diameter of the flange bore. These dimensions are dictated by ASME B16.21 for
standard gaskets or Air Products when special gasket-load requirements must be met.

4.8 Ring-type-joint (RTJ) gaskets are soft metal rings machined for ring-joint flanges. As the
flange bolts are tightened, the metal ring is pressed into the groove on the flange faces.
Typically, these flanges and gaskets are used with ASME Class 1500 flanges and higher.
Dimensions are covered in ASME B16.20.

5. TRAINING

5.1 There is no substitute for proper training of personnel both relative to the correct assembly of
flanged connections and in the use of written procedures. When this training is combined with
proper supervision, improvement in bolted-joint performance will be realized.

5.2 It is essential that personnel performing the assembly of flanged joints fully understand the
critical and sensitive nature of this procedure and recognize how it contributes to leakproof
connections. They must also recognize that leaking joints can lead to unscheduled outages, fires,
energy releases, and safety incidents, all of which are unacceptable. Experience has shown that
joint leakage is the result of improper installation, assembly or bolting procedures, damaged
flanges, or a combination of variables that comprise a bolted-gasketed assembly.

5.3 All personnel used by contractors and those employed directly by Air Products who are involved
in flanged-joint assembly shall be trained according to this and other related industry guidelines.

5.4 In many instances gasket manufacturers conduct training programs and have publications and
handbooks that address flanged-joint assembly that can be used for training purposes. It is
recommended that a training program be used that addresses, as a minimum, the fundamentals
of gaskets, bolt tightening, and flanged-joint assembly.

5.5 Air Products employees will be trained and qualified to company-approved programs.

5.6 The contractor shall ensure that their personnel have met and complied with all training
requirements and, as a minimum, follow Sections 6 through 8 of this specification during the
flanged-joint assembly.

6. FLANGE ASSEMBLY BOLTING PROCEDURE

6.1 Flange leaks result from the following discrepancies:

• Improper alignment of flanges (angular, axial, or lateral)

• Damage to the machined flange face and/or gasket
• Improper or damaged fasteners
• Insufficient or improper thread lubricant
• Uneven bolt loading
• Improper tightening
• Improper gasket size and/or class rating
• Improper gasket material
• Improper positioning of the gasket

6.2 The following steps shall be taken to obtain a properly bolted flange connection.

6.2.1 All components (gasket, flange faces, washers, and fasteners) shall be inspected for damage
and/or debris before assembly. Note that radial tool marks and scratches across the
gasket-seating surface are practically impossible to seal regardless of the type of gasket used.
Any damaged components shall be repaired or replaced.

6.2.2 Fastener threads, bolt holes, and bearing surfaces shall be cleaned of all residue, including old
lubricant.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 3 of 9
6.2.3 Solvent-washed components shall be fully dried before application of new lubricant.
6.2.4 Nuts shall be run the full length of the threaded fastener to ensure proper engagement.

6.2.5 Before inserting the stud bolts, all threads and the bearing surfaces of the nuts shall be lubricated
with a coating of one of the following lubricants:

• Service temperature less than 370°C (700°F) Dow Corning Type 321 "Molycote"
• Service temperature greater than 370°C (700°F) Chesterton 785 Parting Lubricant
CAUTION: Failure to lubricate the stud bolts will result in the specified torque loads being
transferred into friction instead of tightening the joint. This might result in an improperly tightened
flanged joint that leaks.
6.2.6 Flanges shall be lined up properly and shall be parallel. The axial misalignment of the flanges
shall be within 3 mm (1/8 in). The gap between the flanges shall be equal over the whole
periphery of the gasket-seating face of the flanges, leaving no more than a 6 mm (1/4 in) space
between flange faces for gasket insertion. Flange-bolt holes shall be aligned within 3 mm (1/8 in)
maximum offset, allowing easy passage of studs though flange bolt holes. If flanges are outside
of the established limits, the Air Products representative shall be notified immediately.
6.2.7 Lower studs and nuts (two studs for a 4-bolt flange and four studs for other flange configurations) shall
be installed.

6.2.8 A new gasket (old gaskets shall never be reused!) shall be installed, allowing it to be cradled and
centered by the loose studs.
CAUTION: Careful handling of gaskets is required to prevent damage during installation.

6.2.9 The remaining stud bolts and nuts shall be installed.

6.2.10 It is essential that the gasket is positioned centrally within the bolt circle and parallel to the flange
faces.

6.2.11 All nuts shall be tightened to "finger tight" with equal amount of thread engagement on both sides of
stud bolts.

6.2.12 The bolting-up sequence shall be started as specified in either Section 7 (intermediate and high
yield bolting materials) or Section 8 (low yield bolting materials).

7. FLANGE BOLT-UP TIGHTENING SEQUENCE FOR INTERMEDIATE AND HIGH STRENGTH

BOLTING MATERIALS (Applies to materials in accordance with ASME B16.5, Table 1B)
7.1 All stud bolts shall be tightened using a crossover sequence to obtain an equally distributed
clamping load on the gasket (see Figure 1).
7.2 It is important to make certain that no more than 33% of the total required bolt stress is achieved
on the initial set.
7.3 When the final bolt-tightening sequence has been completed, one complete thread of every stud
or bolt, as a minimum, shall extend beyond the nut to ensure proper thread engagement.
7.4 While using a torque wrench, fasteners shall be tightened with a steady, continuous pull.
Tightening with sharp, jerky actions will produce false torque results.
7.5 If no bolt load is specified, the contractor shall request guidance from the Air Products
representative.
7.6 Table 1 and either Table 2M or 2US shall be used to ensure correct tightening of the bolted joint.

7.6.1 Table 1, Gasket Type Versus Bolt Stress: This table shall be used in conjunction with the
gasket type and flange class to determine which bolt stress shall be used. Once the correct bolt
stresses are acquired, Table 2M or 2US shall be referenced for torque values.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 4 of 9
7.6.2 Table 2M or 2US, Torque Tables (Metric or US Customary). Those tables contain the torque
values, based on bolt size, that shall be used in the following tightening procedure.

7.7 Three sequential steps shall be used to achieve proper gasket seating stress.

7.7.1 Step 1: Using the "First Level Bolt Stress" from Table 1, choose the torque value associated
with the proper bolt size in either Table 2M or 2US and torque all bolts to that value in the
tightening sequence as shown in Figure 1.

7.7.2 Step 2: Using the "Second Level Bolt Stress" from Table 1, choose the torque value associated
with the proper bolt size in either Table 2M or 2US and torque all bolts to that value in the
tightening sequence as shown in Figure 1. Note: For spiral-wound gaskets without gauge rings,
the clearance between flange faces must be checked at this time before going on to Step 3 (see
Table 1 notes for clearances).

7.7.3 Step 3: Using the "Final Level Bolt Stress" from Table 1, choose the torque value associated
with the proper bolt size in either Table 2M or 2US and torque all bolts to that value in the
tightening sequence as shown in Figure 1.

7.8 After tightening to the final stress value, wait five minutes and then make at least one additional
pass in a bolt-to-bolt rotational sequence both to ensure that all studs have been evenly stressed
and to limit short-term relaxation.

8. FLANGE BOLT-UP TIGHTENING SEQUENCE FOR LOW YIELD BOLTING MATERIALS

(Applies to materials in accordance with ASME B16.5, Table 1B)

8.1 This procedure shall be utilized for all installations where the bolting materials [not more than
30 ksi (207 MPa) specified minimum yield strength] in the piping satisfy the process/service
conditions and maintain joint integrity at the operating conditions, but are not of sufficient
strength to properly seat the gasket without exceeding the maximum allowable stress levels of
the low strength bolting.

8.2 Install high yield stud bolts (ASTM A 193 Gr. B7) per Sections 6 and 7 of this specification.

8.3 Upon completion of the previous procedures, relax all stud bolts to approximately 50% of the
45 ksi (310 MPa) seating stress [see 20 ksi (138Mpa) values in Table 2].

8.4 To complete the low yield bolting procedure, starting at stud bolt No. 1 going clockwise, remove
one stud at a time and replace with the low yield stud bolt and nuts as listed in the individual
piping specifications. Torque each low yield stud bolt to the 20 ksi (138 MPa) stress level as it is
inserted.

9. TOOLS

9.1 As a minimum, torque wrenches are required for bolting stud bolt sizes up to 1 1/4 in. Only
torque wrenches that have been properly calibrated to National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) standards within 12 months before use may be utilized. A calibration record
sticker shall be affixed to the wrench. If a torque wrench is accidentally dropped or otherwise
damaged, it shall be recalibrated before further use.

9.1.1 Extensions or adapters on a torque wrench shall not be used unless calculations have been
performed to verify the final torque values when they are used. Use multipliers only with torque
wrenches with which they have been calibrated.

9.1.2 A torque wrench shall not be used to apply torque values that are below 20% or above 90% of
the torque-wrench scale.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 5 of 9
9.2 Hydraulic bolt tensioning shall be used for bolts 1 3/8 inches and larger. If uniform loading on the
gasket is essential for leakproof connections, multiple tensioners shall be used for simultaneous
tightening.

10. ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

Symbol = Meaning
in = inches
ASME = American Society of Mechanical Engineers
kgf = kilogram - force
ksi = Pounds (X1000) per square inch
mm = millimeter
Nm = Newton x meter
MPa = Megapascals
OD = Outer Diameter
ID = Inner Diameter
RTJ = ring type joint
°F = Degrees Fahrenheit
°C = Degrees Celsius

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 6 of 9
Figure 1

Flange Bolting Tightening Sequence

4-Bolt Flange 8-Bolt Flange 12-Bolt Flange

1 1 5
5
1 12
3 9

8
3 8
3

4
4 7
7

4 10
2 11
6 2 6 2

16-Bolt Flange 20-Bolt Flange 24-Bolt Flange

1 9 1 13 1 9
12 24
16 5 17
16
5 20 5
17 8
8 13
13 8 20
9
21
12 16 12
3 3 3
4 4
4
15 11
11
22
10 19
14 7 14
7 7
18
19 6
6 15
15 6 18
11 10 23
10 2 14 2 2

28-Bolt Flange 32-Bolt Flange 36-Bolt Flange

32 17 1
12 13
12 1 21 1 25 36 21
13 24 16 9
20 28 29 5
5 20
28 5
25 8 21 25
8 28 8 17
32
17 13
16 12 9
9 29 16
20 33
24 24
3 3
3
4 4 4
23 19 23
10 30 34
11 15
15 14 10
18
7 27 31
26 22 7 18 7
6 26
27
6
19 15 23 30 19 27
14
22 2 11 26 10 2 6
22 35
18 31 14 11
2

44-Bolt Flange 52-Bolt Flange

1 13 1
44 36 45
21
20 12 36 29
37 44
12
52 21
13
29

28 5 25
28 20 37 5
8
40 8 25 17
40 17 9
32 32 41
16 9
16 41
33 48 33
24 24 49
4 3 4 3
23 23
34 50
42 15 34 47
31 10 26 15
10 18 39 31

7 18 38 7 39
26 6 27
30 11 19 6 42 19 27
38 22 35 14 11
30 22 51 43
14 43 35
2 46 2

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 7 of 9
Table 1

Gasket Type Versus Bolt Stress

Sequence Level
First Second Final
Gasket Level Level Level
Type Notes (Bolt Stress) (Bolt Stress) (Bolt Stress)

Metric US Metric US Metric US

(MPa) (KSI) (MPa) (KSI) (MPa) (KSI)
Low-Stress, Spiral-
Wound with Gauge 1 69 10 138 20 207 30
Ring

Spiral-Wound with
Gauge Ring 2 103 15 207 30 310 45

Spiral-Wound without
Gauge Ring 3, 4 103 15 207 30 310 45

Metal Jacketed 3 103 15 207 30 310 45

Ring Type Joint (RTJ) 103 15 207 30 310 45

Sheet Gasket (Ring) 5 69 10 138 20 207 30

Class 150
Sheet Gasket (Ring) 5 103 15 207 30 310 45
Class 300
Red Rubber 6 69 10 138 20 207 30
(Flat Face)
Taskline PTFE 69 10 138 20 207 30

Notes:

1. Low-stress, spiral-wound gaskets, with or without the inner ring, are low compression gaskets for
ASME Class 150 flanges. They seal with a bolt stress of 25,000 psi instead of 45,000 psi.

2. Standard, spiral-wound gaskets, with or without the inner ring, for ASME Class 300 flanges and
higher.

3. For use in captured gasket systems only (e.g., heat exchanger bonnet gaskets).

4. Final clearances for these types of gaskets are 3.2 mm/3.4 mm (0.125 in/ 0.135 in) between the
flange faces.

5. Types of sheet gaskets include: Union Carbide Grafoil, Garlock Blue-Gard, Durabla Black,
Flexitallic Sigma 511.

6. Garlock Style 22 Red Rubber Gasket.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 8 of 9
Table 2M

Metric Units Torque Table

Bolt Stress
34 MPa 69 MPa 103 MPa 138 MPa 207 MPa 310 MPa 414 MPa
Nominal
Diameter Number of
of Stud Threads Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression
(Inch) (Per Inch) Nm kgf Nm kgf Nm kgf Nm kgf Nm kgf Nm kgf Nm kgf
1/4 20 1 61 2 122 3 184 4 245 5 367 8 551 11 735
5/16 18 2 102 4 204 5 306 7 408 11 612 16 919 22 1225
3/8 16 3 154 5 308 8 463 11 617 16 925 24 1388 33 1851
7/16 14 5 211 9 422 14 633 18 844 27 1266 41 1898 54 2531
1/2 13 7 286 14 572 20 857 27 1143 41 1715 61 2572 81 3429

9/16 12 10 367 20 735 31 1102 41 1470 61 2204 92 3307 122 4409

5/8 11 14 458 27 916 41 1374 54 1832 81 2749 122 4123 163 5498
3/4 10 23 685 45 1370 68 2055 90 2740 136 4110 203 6164 271 8219
7/8 9 36 950 72 1900 108 2851 144 3801 217 5702 325 8552 434 11403
1 8 55 1250 111 2499 167 3749 222 4999 332 7498 499 11247 664 14996

1 1/8 8 80 1651 161 3302 241 4953 321 6604 481 9906 723 14860 963 19813
1 1/4 8 113 2107 226 4214 339 6321 452 8428 678 12628 1017 18962 1356 25283
1 3/8 8 154 2619 307 5239 461 7858 615 10478 922 15717 1383 23575 1844 31434
1 1/2 8 180 3186 362 6373 542 9559 723 12746 1085 19119 1627 28678 2169 38238

1 5/8 8 249 3810 497 7620 746 11431 994 15241 1491 22861 2237 34292 2983 45722
1 3/4 8 339 4491 678 8981 1017 13472 1356 17962 2034 26943 3051 40415 4067 53887
1 7/8 8 452 5225 904 10451 1356 15676 1808 20901 2712 31352 4067 47028 5423 62705
2 8 497 6015 994 12029 1491 18044 1988 24059 2983 36088 4474 54132 5966 72176

2 1/4 8 719 7763 1437 15526 2156 23290 2874 31053 4312 46579 6467 69869 8623 93159
2 1/2 8 994 9734 1988 19468 2983 29202 3977 38936 5966 58405 8948 87607 11931 116809
2 3/4 8 1338 11927 2676 23854 4013 35782 5351 47709 8026 71531 12040 107345 16053 143126
3 8 1744 14343 3489 28685 5233 43028 6978 57370 10467 86055 15700 129083 20934 172111

Notes:
1. Torque values are calculated assuming lubricated bolts and appropriate installation procedures.
2. Flanges are assumed to be in good condition and in compliance with ASME B16.5 specifications. Special attention with respect to seating surface finish and flatness shall be given.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000
 670.210, Rev. 1, Page 9 of 9
Table 2US

US Customary Units Torque Table

Bolt Stress
5 ksi 10 ksi 15 ksi 20 ksi 30 ksi 45 ksi 60 ksi
Nominal
Diameter Number of
of Stud Threads Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression Torque Compression
(Inch) (Per Inch) Ft. Lb. Lbs. Ft. Lb. Lbs. Ft. Lbs. Lbs. Ft. Lbs. Lbs. Ft. Lbs. Lbs. Ft. Lbs. Lbs. Ft. Lbs. Lbs.
1/4 20 1 135 2 270 2 405 3 540 4 810 6 1,215 8 1,620
5/16 18 1 225 3 450 4 675 5 900 8 1350 12 2,025 16 2,700
3/8 16 2 340 4 680 6 1020 8 1360 12 2040 18 3,060 24 4,080
7/16 14 3 465 7 930 10 1395 13 1860 20 2790 30 4,185 40 5,580
1/2 13 5 630 10 1260 15 1890 20 2520 30 3780 45 5,670 60 7,560
9/16 12 8 810 15 1620 23 2430 31 3240 45 4860 68 7,290 90 9,720
5/8 11 10 1010 20 2020 30 3030 40 4040 60 6060 90 9,090 120 12,120
3/4 10 17 1510 33 3020 50 4530 67 6040 100 9060 150 13,590 200 18,120
7/8 9 27 2095 53 4190 80 6285 107 8380 160 12570 240 18,855 320 25,140
1 8 41 2755 82 5510 123 8265 164 11020 245 16530 368 24,795 490 33,060
1 1/8 8 59 3640 119 7280 178 10920 237 14560 355 21840 533 32,760 710 43,680
1 1/4 8 83 4645 167 9290 250 13935 333 18580 500 27870 750 41,805 1,000 55,740
1 3/8 8 113 5775 227 11550 340 17325 453 23100 680 34650 1020 51,975 1,360 69,300
1 1/2 8 133 7025 267 14050 400 21075 533 28100 800 42150 1200 63,225 1,600 84,300
1 5/8 8 183 8400 367 16800 550 25200 733 33600 1100 50400 1650 75,600 2,200 100,800
1 3/4 8 250 9900 500 19800 750 29700 1000 39600 1500 59400 2250 89,100 3,000 118,800
1 7/8 8 333 11520 667 23040 1000 34560 1333 46080 2000 69120 3000 103,680 4,000 138,240
2 8 367 13260 733 26520 1100 39780 1467 53040 2200 79560 3300 119,340 4,400 159,120
2 1/4 8 530 17115 1060 34230 1590 51345 2120 68460 3180 102690 4770 154,035 6,360 205,380
2 1/2 8 733 21460 1467 42920 2200 64380 2933 85840 4400 128760 6600 193,140 8,800 257,520
2 3/4 8 987 26295 1973 52590 2960 78885 3946 105180 5920 157700 8880 236,655 11,840 315,540
3 8 1287 31620 2573 63240 3860 94860 5147 126480 7720 189720 11580 284,580 15,440 379,440

Notes:
1. Torque values are calculated assuming lubricated bolts and appropriate installation procedures.
2. Flanges are assumed to be in good condition and in compliance with ASME B16.5 specifications. Special attention with respect to seating surface finish and flatness shall be given.

All information herein is the confidential property of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., unless another source is shown.
This information is subject to return on demand and must not be disclosed or reproduced without prior written consent.
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ON GREEN PAPER  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., 2000