Expansion Joint Simulation

Step 1:

Click on the toolbox button below to view the components of the flange assembly.

Select the stud icon to place two studs into the bottom two holes of the flange. These two studs will center the gasket between the flanges in the next step.

In a real world installation, after making sure the stud/bolt threads are clean, free of rust, and in good working condition, apply lubricant to the threads before installation.

Step 2:

Click on the TOOLBOX button, and select the gasket icon.

When properly cut, a standard ring gasket will center itself in the flange assembly by touching the inside edge of the bolts/studs.

DO NOT apply lubricants, greases or other compounds to the gasket, as premature failure may occur.

Step 3:

Select the other flange from the toolbox to bring the assembly together

Step 4:

Select the remaining studs from the toolbox to add them to the assembly.

As discussed in step #1, in a real world installation, after making sure the stud/bolt threads are clean, free of rust, and in good working condition, apply lubricant to the threads before installation.

Step 5:

Select the washers from the toolbox to add two washers to either side of the studs in the assembly.

Washers along with thread lubricant help reduce friction between the nut and the flange face by acting like a bearing surface. Friction can negatively impact how much force is generated in the bolt through the torquing of the nut.

Step 6:

Select the nuts from the toolbox to thread them onto the studs.

In a real world installation, after making sure the nuts are clean, free of rust, and in good working condition apply lubricant to the nut face before assembly. Finger tightening and "snugging" the nuts using a crossing pattern helps prevent the flanges from tipping (thus compressing the gasket unevenly) during the torqueing process.

Step 7:

Click on the TORQUE button shown below (next to the RESET button), and click on the nuts in a crossing pattern to apply the initial 30 ft. lbs. In a real installation the torque wrench makes an audible click when the correct torque level is achieved.

When torqueing fasteners in a flange assembly it's important to apply the torque in multiple steps with a crossing pattern. Garlock recommends a minimum of 1/3 increments. For example, if the target final torque for the assembly is 100 ft.lbs. the first pass should be 30 ft.lbs., followed by a pass at 60 ft.lbs. and finally the target torque of 100 ft.lbs. This method helps create an even compression across the entire gasket.

Step 8:

Click on the TORQUE button shown below, select the next torque level (60 ft.lbs.), and then click on each nut in a crossing pattern to apply the torque.

Step 9:

Click on the TORQUE button shown below, select the next torque level (100 ft.lbs.), and then click on each nut in a crossing pattern to apply the torque.

Step 10:

Finally, click on each nut in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to ensure all bolts are at the desired 100 ft. lbs. This step will also account for any loosening that may have occurred due to elastic interaction, or "cross talk" between the studs.

In a real world application, to optimize the performance of the assembly, the nuts shoud be retorqued 12-24 hours after initial installation to account for assembly relaxation. However, DO NOT retorque hot, pressurized flange connections!