Efficient Assembly of Pressure Vessel Bolted Joints

This paper details the results of recent testing and experience into the assembly of bolted joints. Pressure boundary bolted joint assembly procedures are examined and details are presented that result in a reduction in the required effort to assemble any given joint by more than 50%. The selection of correct assembly load levels is addressed and suggestions for joint integrity improvement are made. Experimental results are also presented on the use of bolt lubricants and the effect of temperature on the lubricant properties.Copyright © 2004 by ASME