The effect of bolt tightening methods and sequence on the performance of gasketed bolted flange joint assembly

This paper presents results of the effect of different bolt tightening sequences and methods on the performance of gasketed bolted flange joint using nonlinear finite element analysis. Bolt preload scatter due to elastic interactions, flange stress variation and bolt bending due to flange rotation and gasket contact stress variation is difficult to eliminate in torque control method i.e. tightening one bolt at a time. Although stretch control method (tightening more than one bolt at time) eradicates the bolt preload scatter, flange stress variation is relatively high. Flange joint's performance is compared to establish relative merits and demerits of both the methods and different bolt tightening sequences.