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Bolts

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A Bolt is a threaded fastener that has an external male thread used in conjunction with nuts to attach separate pieces of equipment together. Bolts are often used to hold together sections of pipelines, piping, boilers or other equipment. In industrial applications it is extremely important for bolts to be tightened properly and inspected regularly. Because bolt failure can lead to significant process safety incidents, operators should take measures to ensure they have implemented an effective joint integrity management program.

ASME PPC-1 provides guidelines for pressure boundary bolted flange joint assemblies and can be used to develop joint assembly procedures for a broad range of services.

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Articles about Bolts
May/June 2021 Inspectioneering Journal

A safety-focused mindset and awareness of the dangers associated with the process, environment, and associated tasks through planning and execution is essential for the safe completion of a single stud replacement campaign.

July/August 2015 Inspectioneering Journal

With the increasing demand for oil, gas, and petrochemical products in a highly competitive market, products and services irrespective of their origin must satisfy customer quality requirements. Additionally, the needs to ensure quality control and...

Authors: Neil Ferguson
Blog

One problem that nearly everyone in the industry has experienced is where, in certain situaions, a tight bolt will perform correctly while a loose bolt will fail. This happens because of two fundamental types of loading that a bolt may encounter:...

May/June 2014 Inspectioneering Journal

In November 2013, ASME released its updated PCC-1 guidelines for pressure boundary bolted flange joint assemblies. Contained within the document is Appendix A, which represents a major change from the previous 2010 release and is considered to be...

Authors: Neil Ferguson
March/April 2014 Inspectioneering Journal

Joint integrity programs (JIP) should be an integral part of every refinery, petrochemical, production, or other industrial-complex facility operations.

Authors: Neil Ferguson
Partner Content

Pinnacle's data-driven reliability framework ensures the right data is fueling the right intelligence, helping you make confident, strategic decisions.

January/February 2014 Inspectioneering Journal

If necessity is the mother of invention, then the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are the parents of guidelines, standards,...

Authors: Neil Ferguson
May/June 2011 Inspectioneering Journal

In two previous issues we discussed the important difference between steady and cyclic loading, and why loose bolts fail while tight ones do not. This issue will offer two suggestions for reducing the tendency for bolts to become loose.

Authors: Del Underwood
March/April 2011 Inspectioneering Journal

In the previous issue we dealt with the fact that bolts can withstand significantly less cyclic loading than steady loading. We are now looking at the mechanics of why bolts fail if flanges are allowed to separate during operation.

Authors: Del Underwood
January/February 2011 Inspectioneering Journal

A continually frustrating phenomenon to many of us is the situation where a tight bolt will function satisfactorily, but in the same situation, a loose bolt will fail...

Authors: Del Underwood
September/October 2009 Inspectioneering Journal

Leakage of pressure vessel and piping bolted joints in refineries is an unnecessary hazard, with high associated cost, that can be easily rectified using currently available technology. There have been advances in gasket testing technology in recent...

Partner Content

The OmniScan™ X3 64 phased array and TFM flaw detector is equipped with enhanced phased capabilities and even faster TFM. The rugged and portable instrument features powerful 64-element probes with a 128-aperture TFM.

May/June 1999 Inspectioneering Journal

In two previous issues we discussed the important difference between steady and cyclic loading, and why loose bolts fail while tight ones do not. This issue will offer two suggestions for reducing the tendency for bolts to become loose.

Authors: Del Underwood
January/February 1999 Inspectioneering Journal

In the previous issue, we dealt with the fact that bolts can withstand significantly less cyclic loading then steady loading. We are now looking at the mechanics of why bolts fail if flanges are allowed to separate during operation.

Authors: Del Underwood
    Videos related to Bolts
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      A commonly asked question about the requirement for two threads to be showing outside the nuts for flange bolted joint assemblies in codes, standards, or recommended practices.

      News related to Bolts
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        The American Petroleum Institute has published a new technical report offering guidance to O&G companies on selecting the right materials for bolting, a key to safe and reliable operations.

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