INTEGRITY OF BOLTED JOINTS: HYDROCARBON LEAK REDUCTION BY JOINT-INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 603
Author(s):  
R. Noble
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Welded Joint ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Petroleum Production ◽  
Material Control ◽  
Product Loss ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Joint Integrity ◽  
Production Facilities

Bolted joints are very common in petroleum production facilities. Whereas extensive controls are applied to the production of a welded joint—in terms of material control and specification, control and competence of the welder, and verification of the integrity of the weld—this is not the case for bolted joints. The consequences of failure of a welded joint and a bolted joint, however, are similar and potentially catastrophic if the contents of the pipeline or vessel are hydrocarbons under pressure. This paper discusses the main issues in producing and maintaining a leak-free bolted joint and makes the case for establishing industry-wide standards for the management of bolted joints that are equally as stringent as those applied to welded joints.Implementing such a system, whilst improving and assuring the safety and environmental performance of an asset, will also reduce costs due to rework, product loss, schedule slippage and production downtime.

Acceptable Levels of Corrosion for Pressure Boundary Bolted Joints

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Brown ◽  
Stewart Long
Keyword(s):  
Recent Work ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Recent Analysis ◽  
Catastrophic Failure ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
High Level ◽  
Joint Integrity

This paper outlines recent work in the field of pressure boundary bolted joint integrity and the effect of corrosion on bolted joint components. It summarizes recent analysis and testing which determined the risk to joint integrity or catastrophic failure associated with corrosion of the joint components; bolts, nuts and flanges. The paper details, at a high level, the work performed and outlines the limits to corrosion that can be applied in the field for each component as an inspection limit to trigger planned replacement or emergency shut down.

Undertaking Bolted Joint Integrity Management: Getting to Zero Leaks Quickly and Effectively

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alwyn Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
End User ◽  
Basic Plant ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
European Standards ◽  
Joint Integrity ◽  
Equipment Performance

Leaks can and are being eliminated in a wide array of industries. There is a sweeping change across all the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical and many related industries and businesses that use pressure equipment. This reflects social change and ever increasing demands for safe and reliable pressure equipment performance. No longer are leaks considered acceptable or the normal course of business. Codes, standards and specifications globally are changing and improving to reflect the need for improved performance. The implementation by individuals and organisations to follow this important drive to zero leaks has been hindered by fragmented guidance and misunderstanding of the plethora of options presented in the marketplace. In industries that need to demonstrate performance, reliability and compliance, the need to create the structure and platform to make this successful has never been more pressing than it is now. Transformation of plant and equipment from normalized deviance and tolerance of leaks and failures to improved reliability is not only possible but essential in a world of resolve to cost containment and environmental protection. This paper demonstrates the viability and importance of this change in philosophy followed by action. Examples are provided of the methodology of review and analysis through calculation followed by application. These must come together with basic plant operation in a comprehensive program of changed values and beliefs in order to be successful in the outcome. How to put it all together, is discussed and described. The paper authenticates the issues and describes the approaches needed by using case studies to demonstrate the principles and techniques needed to achieve success in implementation. It is understood that some minor modifications based on end user situations and needs may require adaptation or adjustment of some details. However the principles outlined are in keeping with and closely follow the intent and adherence to the European Standards EN-1591 and ASME Post-Construction Committee ASME PCC-1 “Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Joint Assembly”. [1,2]

Study of Bolted Joint Integrity and Inter-Tube-Pass Leakage in U-Tube Heat Exchangers—Part I: Analysis

1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Design Evaluation ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Tube Type ◽  
Joint Integrity

“Three element bolted joints,” consisting of an unstayed tubesheet sandwiched between two tapered hub flanges, find extensive use in U-tube type heat exchangers. A comprehensive analysis technique is herein developed to investigate the structural characteristics of such joints. Design strategies to reduce stress levels in the tubesheet and the flanges are proposed. In particular, the concept of “controlled” metal-to-metal contact beyond the bolt circle between the mating surfaces is introduced and explored in depth. The solution is readily programmed on a digital computer for application in analysis oriented design evaluation and optimization studies.

Efficient Assembly of Pressure Vessel Bolted Joints

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Brown
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Joint Integrity ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Joint Assembly

This paper details the results of recent testing and experience into the assembly of bolted joints. Pressure boundary bolted joint assembly procedures are examined and details are presented that result in a reduction in the required effort to assemble any given joint by more than 50%. The selection of correct assembly load levels is addressed and suggestions for joint integrity improvement are made. Experimental results are also presented on the use of bolt lubricants and the effect of temperature on the lubricant properties.

Study of Bolted Joint Integrity and Inter-Tube-Pass Leakage in U-Tube Heat Exchangers—Part II: Applications

1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Stress Fields ◽  
Design Codes ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Design Concepts ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Joint Integrity

The formulation for “Three Element Bolted Joints” pertinent to removable bundle U-tube Heat Exchangers developed in an earlier work is herein extended to compute inter-tube-pass leakage rates. Design concepts aimed to reduce the leakage flows are proposed and their impact on the stress fields in the structural elements (tubesheet and flanges) is studied. Evaluation of stresses in the tubesheet and mating flanges in a typical example problem reveals potentially severe inadequacies in the existing design codes and standards. Practically feasible remedial design measures are proposed and examined as to their merits and limitations. In particular, the concept of “controlled” metal-to-metal contact beyond the bolt circle, introduced in an earlier work, is explored in depth. Effective use of this concept is shown to significantly alleviate stresses in the elements of the joints.

The Case for Equality, Bringing Bolted Joint Management in Line With Welded Joint Management: Trends in European Standards

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Noble
Keyword(s):  
Welded Joint ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Joint Management ◽  
Careful Control ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
European Standards ◽  
Simple Nature

The bolted joint by its simple nature, can be tightened by anyone who can lift a spanner. This has led over the years to a lack of respect and the acceptance of un-managed assembly and tightening. The results have been lack of control over the key goal — a joint that performs reliably and safely in service. ASME has recently updated a number of key standards such as PCC-1-2010 [1] and a parallel initiative is ongoing in Europe [2]. Both have the same end goal to recognize the importance and need for careful control and diligent application of standards for bolted joints on critical pressurized systems. The paper will compare the developments in Europe with those in ASME and state the case for continued development and application of standards to reduce the level of leakage and failures associated with bolted flanged joints. Under Europe Safety Directives there is a growing recognition that the Pressure Equipment Directive [3] does not treat the bolted joint equally with the Welded joint this anomaly will be explained in the paper.

scholarly journals Solving the Puzzle of Bolted Joints

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (06) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Edward Hayman ◽  
Clyde Neely
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Flange Joint ◽  
Unit Load ◽  
Bolt Stress ◽  
Torque Values ◽  
Bolted Flange ◽  
Joint Integrity ◽  
Joint Assembly

This article discusses the various ways of solving the puzzle of bolted joint assembly. In 2001, The PCC-1-2000 Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange Joint Assembly presented with knowledge and practices specific to the assembly of bolted flange joints. The puzzle solution that came from this box was the most definitive to date and allowed those dealing with bolted joints to assemble the variables by methods that had been used successfully for many years by many people. This document is helping people across industry not only to assemble bolted flange joints, but also to establish joint integrity programs, procedures, and best practices. PCC-1-2010 shifts the emphasis to gasket stress and gasket type and provides instruction and information pertinent to bolt torque values. The 2010 document contains, for instance, a whole section on bolt stress—the unit load that should be put on the bolts—and includes tables as well.

Representation of bolted joints in a structure using finite element modelling and model updating

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 7141-7151 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Omar ◽  
M. N. Abdul Rani ◽  
M. A. Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Dynamic Behaviour ◽  
Model Updating ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Fe Modelling ◽  
Joint Structure

Efficient and accurate finite element (FE) modelling of bolted joints is essential for increasing confidence in the investigation of structural vibrations. However, modelling of bolted joints for the investigation is often found to be very challenging. This paper proposes an appropriate FE representation of bolted joints for the prediction of the dynamic behaviour of a bolted joint structure. Two different FE models of the bolted joint structure with two different FE element connectors, which are CBEAM and CBUSH, representing the bolted joints are developed. Modal updating is used to correlate the two FE models with the experimental model. The dynamic behaviour of the two FE models is compared with experimental modal analysis to evaluate and determine the most appropriate FE model of the bolted joint structure. The comparison reveals that the CBUSH element connectors based FE model has a greater capability in representing the bolted joints with 86 percent accuracy and greater efficiency in updating the model parameters. The proposed modelling technique will be useful in the modelling of a complex structure with a large number of bolted joints.

scholarly journals Experimental study of lateral resistance of bolted joints using Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) treated with resin impregnation

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keita Ogawa ◽  
Satoshi Fukuta ◽  
Kenji Kobayashi
Keyword(s):  
Short Pulse ◽  
Japanese Cedar ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Yield Load ◽  
Short Pulse Laser ◽  
Resin Impregnation ◽  
Lateral Resistance ◽  
Ultraviolet Wavelength ◽  
Resistance Performance

Abstract The development of wooden joints possessing high resistance performance has become an important issue for the construction of newer buildings. This study attempts to strengthen the lateral resistance of bolted joints using the previously reported plasticizing technique. This technique consists of two processing stages: incising the surface of the wood using an ultraviolet wavelength short-pulse laser and impregnating the resin into the incised area. This technique makes it possible to plasticize only a local part of the wood surface. Bolted joint specimens were assembled using plasticized wood around the bolt hole, and the lateral tests were conducted. Acrylic monomer and urethane prepolymer were used as the impregnating resins and their incision depths were set as 4 and 10 mm. When the lateral load acted parallel to the grain, changes in the lateral resistance characteristics were observed, especially for the stiffness and yield load. For example, when acryl was used, and the incision depth was 10 mm, an increment of 73% in the yield load was observed, as compared to the non-impregnated specimens. The specimen groups impregnated with acryl exhibited greater changes in their properties than those using urethane. When loaded perpendicular to the grain, an increase in properties were observed; however, these increments were lower than those of the groups loaded parallel to the grain.

Accurate Evaluation of Bolt and Clamped Members Stiffnesses Of Bolted Joints

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashique Iftekhar Rousseau ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Zijian Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Analysis ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Fe Modeling ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
External Loads

Abstract The axial stiffnesses of the bolt and clamped members of bolted joints are of great importance when considering their integrity and capacity to withstand external loads and resist relaxation due to creep. There are many techniques to calculate the stiffnesses of the joint elements using finite element (FE) modeling, but most of them are based on the displacement of nodes that are selected arbitrarily; therefore, leading to inaccurate values of joint stiffness. This work suggests a new method to estimate the stiffnesses of the bolt and clamped members using FE analysis and compares the results with the FE methods developed earlier and also with the existing analytical models. A new methodology including an axisymmetric finite element model of the bolted joint is proposed in which the bolts of different sizes ranging from M6 to M36 are considered for the analysis to generalize the proposed approach. The equivalent bolt length that includes the contribution of the thickness of the bolt head and the bolt nominal diameter to the bolt stiffness is carefully investigated. An equivalent bolt length that accounts for the flexibility of the bolt head is proposed in the calculation of the bolt stiffness and a new technique to accurately determine the stiffness of clamped members are detailed.

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