Course Objective
This course will equip workers with a thorough understanding of what is required in achieving bolted flange connections that are virtually leak free. Best maintenance practices are strongly emphasized.

Benefits
Environmental and safe containment of hazardous fluids
Analysis of gasket and connection failures and correction methods
Compliance with HOV (Hazardous Organic Vapor) and PSM (Process Safety Management) regulations

Activities
Flange bolting and elongation demonstration
Gasket identification
Gasket loading calculations

Outline

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Gasketed Connection Design
Gasket Selection Criteria
The Mechanics of a Gasketed Joint
Minimum Seating Force vs. Operating Sealing Force
Pressure (P), Temperature (T), and PxT Rating

Types of Gaskets
Flat Stock and Envelope Gaskets
Spiral Wound Gaskets and Their Range of Use
Winding and Material Color Code for Spiral Wound Gaskets
Groove, Flat Metal Gaskets, and Metal Ring Joint
Standard "Line Call-out"

The Function of Bolts, Studs, and Bolted Flange Connections
Hooke's Law and the Physical Limits of Bolts
The Stress vs. Strain Relationship - Proof Load, Yield Points, Elastic Range, Plastic Range, Ultimate Tensile Strength, and Tensile Point
Standard Bolt Components
How to Identify Different Nut and Bolt Grades
Use and Re-use of Nuts and Bolts
Design of a Standard Flange Connection

Types of Flange Connections
Standard Pressure Ratings
Flat Face and Raised Face Design
High Pressure Flange Design

Flange Connection Maintenance
Flange Misalignment and Excessive Gap
Assessing Flange Face Condition and Correction Methods
Determining Bolt Torque Values
Achieving Even Bolt Loads
Bolt Torque and the Proper Use of a Torque Wrench
Flange Tightening Sequence. Torque Progression, and Re-torquing Requirements