How much of the specified torque is applied to the bolt tensioning?

B O L T T E N S I O N

1 0 % 5 0 %
N U T - T O F R I C

4 0 %
- F L TA H N R G E E A D T I O FNR I C T I O N

Torque the fasteners in steps. Why multiple passes? Torqued joints are susceptible to Elastic Interactions. Multiple passes minimize the effect of these elastic interactions. A minimum of 4 steps is required. For example, 100 ft-lbs would require 1st 25, then 50, then 75, then 100. A fifth pass is also required (an extra pass at 100%) to ensure fasteners have not loosened due to elastic interaction and relaxation. Additional check passes may also be required.

Determine torque value. If a torque range is given, the procedure requires that the torque be done at the mid-point of that range or the next closest value higher that can be achieved. If a specific torque value is given, the procedure requires that the torque be done at that value, + 10%, -0%. Use specified patterns. The general pattern is a criss-cross pattern. It ensures the flanges are pulled down evenly. Ensure proper thread engagement when complete. This means the stud or bolt is fully engaged with the nut for standard nut and stud arrangements. For a blind hole, it requires 1 bolt diameter of engagement into the hole. There are other practices that can improve the accuracy of torquing.
F E u l l T h r e a d n g a g e m e n O D n e B o l t i a m e t e r

C S

h a m t u d

f e r r e d

Using hardened washers under the nut. This is required by some codes, but is also recommended where it may not be required. This is the number one variable which can most affect the torque to preload relationship. Ensure the nuts are not on backwards. The raised lettering should be out (readable). This is the number 2 variable.

Properly lubricated the fasteners. This means we should use the recommended lubricant in the proper amount.

 Ensure flanges are aligned prior to bolting them up. You may need to measure the flange gap to ensure the faces are parallel. A 3 misalignment can significantly affect the stud tension. When torquing soft-gasketed joints, extra precautions should be taken to ensure the compression is even. The procedure requires that you take the nuts up snug then turn them turn at a time until there is movement of the gasket, then complete the pass so all nuts are tightened evenly. Some gaskets are not considered soft gaskets, but will cold flow (deform considerably under pressure after tightening). Wait at least 15 minutes on this type of gasket, then re-torque to the final value.
Unlubricated 0 Nut Normal w/o Washer w/ Washer 6,500 6,900 3 Nut Normal 6,100 6,500 3 Nut Reversed 5,400 6,300 Lubricated 0 Nut Normal 9,600 10,100 3 Nut Normal 9,200 10,000 3 Nut Reversed 7,200 9,200

When we had an acid spill of about 1,000 gallons, a contributing cause was the improper bolt up of the flanges. The piping and flanges are lined with a plastic material. After torquing, this material will cold flow or continue to relax for a considerable time. It should have been retorqued the following day but was not. The relaxation on this type of material can be considerable.