Flange Bolt Torque Calculation and Pipe Flange Bolt Torque Chart

Proper bolt loading is essential for ensuring proper sealing of the flanged joint to avoid flange leakage problems. This bolt load for gasket sealing and flange seating is provided by Flange Bolt Torque. So Flange Bolt Torque calculation should be done with utmost care for the proper functioning of the flanged joints. However, there is no direct method of measuring this load on the gasket, but the applied torque on the flanged bolts can be measured and controlled. In this article, we will learn the basics of flange bolt torque calculation and some of the typical torque values in a chart format.

Flange Bolt Torque Calculation Formula

Bolt Torque is the twisting or turning force applied to tighten the nut on a bolt. Using a calibrated torque wrench (Manual or Hydraulic Torque Wrench), flange bolt torque can be measured during flange assembly. This torque creates an axial force in the bolt. More torque is applied the nut stretches the bolt more and the load on the gasket increases. Bolt torque is calculated for a flanged assembly using the following equation.

Applied Torque, T= (k∙f∙d)/12 in FPS Unit

Where:

  • T=Torque in ft-lb
  • k=Dimensionless nut factor or tightening factor
  • f=axial force in pounds
  • d=Nominal bolt diameter in inches
READ  3-Phase Separator Design Basics

In the Metric System,

Torque Applied, T = (k.d.f)/1000

where

  • T = Torque in N-m
  • f = Bolt load in N
  • d = Bolt diameter in mm
  • k=Dimensionless nut factor or tightening factor

Nut Factor on Flange Bolt Torque Calculation

The nut factor or tightening factor (k) is a “modified” friction factor. It is an empirically derived correlation factor that includes the impact of friction. The nut factor depends on various factors including the following:

  • Geometric factor – shape or type of threads
  • The friction of the nut against the bearing surface of the flange
  • Friction between threads of nuts and bolts
  • Bolt diameter
  • Bolt material
  • Assembly temperature, etc.

Because of so many factors, the applied torque between the two fasteners always varies between 20-30%. A small change in the nut factor/tightening factor results in large changes in the gasket load. For same torque values with a 0.1 nut factor would produce twice the axial force as a 0.2 nut factor. That’s why well-lubricated bolts, nuts, and washers are always preferred.

Factors Affecting the Applied Torque

The required torque in a flanged joint is dependent on various factors:

  • Nut and bolt class
  • Burr of the nuts
  • Lubrication
  • Dust, chips, and dirt on bolts and nuts
  • Notches
  • State of the flange surface on which to rotate
READ  Overview of Conductivity and Conductivity Measurement

Pipe Flange Bolt Torque Chart

Even though flange blot toque calculation is possible, they are normally selected from the pipe flange bolt torque chart. The entire bolt pattern shall be tightened at least three times around the flange at 30%, 70%, and 100% of the torque value. For bolt diameters greater than 1.25”, Hydraulic Tensioning is recommended to achieve more uniform gasket stress. The following images provide some typical Pipe flange bolt torque charts.

Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for RTJ Gaskets
Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for RTJ Gaskets
Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for Spiral Wound Gaskets
Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for Spiral Wound Gaskets
Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for Spiral Wound Gaskets with Inner and Outer Rings
Typical pipe flange bolt torque chart for Spiral Wound Gaskets with Inner and Outer Rings
Typical Torque values for Line Seal gaskets
Typical Torque values for Line Seal gaskets
Typical toque values for API 6A Wellhead Connection Flanges
Typical torque values for API 6A Wellhead Connection Flanges
Typical Torque Values for Metallic Lined Pipes
Typical Torque Values for Metallic Lined Pipes
Typical Torque Values for HDPE Flange Adapters
Typical Torque Values for HDPE Flange Adapters

Hot Torquing

When the tightening of all bolts of a flanged joint is performed at the operating temperature, the process is known as Hot Torquing. For flanges that are known to leak at elevated temperatures due to gasket relaxation, the Hot Torqueing method is applied. It is normally performed when the temperature of the flange or the bolts is between 150°C and 230°C, or within 24 hours of a unit start-up if the joint temperature remains below 150°C.

Flange Bolt Torquing Guidelines

The following guidelines should be followed

  • Flanges and Gaskets must be inspected prior to torque application.
  • All working surfaces must be cleaned and lubricated properly.
  • Gaskets must be new, Re-use is normally not permitted.
  • Flange Bolt torquing must be done following the appropriate flange bolt tightening sequence. To know more about the flange bolt tightening sequence, Read: Flange Bolt tightening Procedure/Bolt Tightening Steps

Anup Kumar Dey

I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.

8 thoughts on “Flange Bolt Torque Calculation and Pipe Flange Bolt Torque Chart

  1. Hi Anup,
    Would you please advise how I can calculate the total force on the bolt for calculating tightening torque.
    I want to calculate the total force acting on bolt and tightening torque required. Please see below my calculation and advice .
    Calculation of Tightening Torque on the Bolt of Butterfly Valve.
    A. Calculation of Axial Force on bolt:
    (i) Considering Maximum Working Pressure 25PSI
    Type of Valve Unit Data Remark
    Butterfly Valve, NB Inch 60
    Ring type, flat face, Counter flange ID,D, inch Inch 60.19 Ref. Texas Flange Drawing
    Maximum working Pressure psia 25 Ref. Valve Data Sheet
    Atmospheric pressure at wok side psia 14.7
    Maximum Pressure psig 10.3
    Bolt material A 193 Gr. B7

    Bolt diameter, d Inch 1.75 Refer Table 2D, AWWA C207
    No. of bolts Nos. 52
    Flange Internal Area, A inch2 2845.37
    Total force acting on Valve disk when the valve is closed, F pbf 29307.30
    Total axial force acting on bolts, F pbf 29307.30
    Factor for non lubricated bolt.K 0.20
    Tightening torque acting on the bolt, T = K*d*F inch-lb 10257.55
    Tigtening torque acting on the bolt, T = K*d*F ft-lb 854.80
    (ii) Considering maximum force (momentum) acting on Valve Disk when the valve is closed
    Type of Valve Unit Data Remark
    Butterfly Valve, NB Inch 60
    Ring type, flat face, Counter flage ID,D, inch Inch 60.19 Ref. Texas Flange Drawing
    Maximum working Pressure psia 25 Ref. Valve Data Sheet
    Atmospheric pressure at wok side psia 14.7
    Maximum Pressure psig 10.3
    Bolt material A 193 Gr. B7
    Bolt diameter, d Inch 1.75 Refer Table 2D, AWWA C207
    No. of bolts Nos. 52
    Flange Internal Area, A inch2 2845.37
    Flange Internal Area, A ft2 19.76
    Factor for non lubricated bolt.K 0.20
    Maximum Gas flow rate through the valve cfm 160000.00 Ref. Valve Data Sheet
    Density of gas lb/ft3 0.08
    Mass flow rate, m lb/sec 204.00
    Velocity of flow, V ft/sec 134.96
    gc lb.ft/lbf sec2 32.20
    Axial force acting on the bolts, F = MV/gc lbf 855.00
    Tightening torque acting on the bolt, T = K*d*F inch-lb 299.25
    Tightening torque acting on the bolt, T = K*d*F ft-lb 24.94

    Looking forward for your advice.

    V/r
    Sankar Ghosh, PE

  2. Hi Anup,
    Good Afternoon.
    I noted your calculation. Would you please advise how I calculate the tightening on the bolt A193 B7, diameter 1.75 inch for 60 ” NB flange . The parameters are as follows:
    1. 60 inch ring type flange rating 150 lb as per AWWA C207 for 60 inch flanged butterfly Valve
    2. Working Pressure 3 psia-20 psia
    3. Working temperature : 300 deg F
    4. Gas Flow rate 160,000 CFM
    5. Bolt Material A193 B7.
    Please advise how I can calculate the axial force ( F) acting on bolt.
    Looking forward
    V/r
    Sankar Ghosh, PE

  3. as per my understanding the formulae written as per ASME PCC-1 ,appendix-K is not justified and correct. we shall calculate flange bolt torque as per ASME sec. VIII div. 1 .

  4. Hi Anup,

    I referred many standards for the body-bonnet bolt tightening like API 6A annex H, ASME PCC 01, ASME BPVC VIII and VDI 2230. But I didnt come across one point which i am more eager to know. That is there any way to determine the effect of PCD on bolt tightening torque ?

    If Yes, can you please provide me the relation of the same, it will be highly appreciated.

Leave a Reply to DEVARAJ JAMBULINGAM Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts