Red Rubber Gasket

[pattimelt]

We have a 78" flat face flange and a red rubber gasket 1/8" thick. Total of 68 4" bolts. Does anyone have any idea of a maximum torque? A formula to calculate one? I have seen anything from 250 ft. lbs. to 700 ft. lbs. to follow the rule of thumb for the size of the bolt. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[racookpe1978]

Nope. No idea.

The torque and spec's for the flange will ONLY depend on the pressure, temperature, and service rating of
(1) the flange and (2) the gasket material and
(2)IT'S manufacturer's torque and torque requirements: (pre-stress, intermediate stress at 33%, 66% , 90%, final torque, wait times, hold times before inspection, final gap measurements, etc, etc.

So. Find the maker of the gasket and the conditions of your flange. Call up that manufsctor or look on their website. No material ID -> Get a new rubber gasket that you DO know the requriements.

A gasket is 50.00 - 80.00 dollars. Replacing a blown 72 inch pipe is thousands of dollars, plus millions in shutdown time.

 

[pattimelt]

Thank you, racookpe1978 I have messages and emails in to them already (so far, no response)

 

[ricklts]

Pattimelt,

Check either Lamon's or Flexitallic's website to download their Gasketed Joint handbooks. Rubber gaskets in a flange with 4" bolts??? Something doesn't sound right. The 'm' and 'y' values have to be miniscule for that size of joint.

Rick