1. Pipework erection

All pipes and fabricated pipe spools shall be inspected before installation and erection to ensure that they are clean and free from any loose contamination. Pipework shall be erected on permanent supports designated for the piping system. Temporary supports shall be kept to an absolute minimum, but to an extent sufficient to protect nozzles and adjacent piping from excessive loads during installation and erection. Pipework shall be fitted in place without springing or forcing to avoid undue stressing of the line or strain being placed on a vessel or item of equipment nozzles, etc. All valves shall be protected against ingress of dirt during any temporary storage.

2. Flanged joints and Valves

Before assembly, flanges shall not have any damage that will interfere with the integrity of the joint. The flanges shall be clean and free from any rust, dirt or other contamination. The joints shall be brought up flush and square without forcing so that the entire mating surfaces bear uniformly on the gasket and then mated-up with uniform bolt tension.

Flange protective covers shall be retained on all flange connections on valves and equipment, until ready for connecting to mating piping. All equipment and pipe components shall be blanked off, either by pressure test blanks, spades or blinds, to stop any ingress of debris.

● Bolting shall move freely through accompanying bolt-holes at right angle to the flange faces
● There shall be a clear gap between two flange faces before gasket installation. There shall be sufficient flexibility to install and replace gaskets
● The gap between gasket and flange shall be kept to a minimum

3. Strain Sensitive Equipment with Flange Connections

In addition to the general requirements in this section the following shall apply for flanges connecting to strain sensitive mechanical equipment e.g. pumps, compressors, turbines, etc.

The flange connection shall be fitted-up in close parallel and lateral alignment prior to tightening the bolting. Unacceptable forces transferred on to the nozzles shall be prevented.

To achieve this alignment, full advantage shall be taken of the 'cut to fit' allowances and loose flanges provided. In general, flange connections to strain sensitive equipment shall be the last connection made on completion of a line or interconnecting system of lines.

With the piping flange fitted and prior to bolting-up the joint, the following tolerances shall be maintained:

Maximum angular misalignment:

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4. Gaskets

All types of gaskets (incl. RTJ) shall be stored and handled in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Gaskets, including all types of metal seal rings, shall be replaced after opening or dismantling of any flange connection.

5. Bolting

All flange bolts and stud bolts shall extend fully through their nuts with minimum one thread. Maximum five thread extension through the nut for bolts less than 1 inch. If tension equipment is used then there shall be maximum five threads extension through the nut on the opposite side.

All flange bolting and stud bolt threads including the nut/flange contact face shall be fully lubricated prior to assembly. All flange stud bolts shall be progressively controlled to equalise bolt pressure on the gasket. There shall be developed a detailed procedure for tensioning/torqueing of flange stud bolts. Prior to start any tensioning/ torqueing of flange stud bolts written acceptance shall be obtained.

For Mechanical Joint Hub and Clamp Couplings, tension/torque tables based on manufactures recommendations shall be established.

Manual torque wrench tools and hydraulic tightening equipment shall be calibrated in accordance with applicable procedure and have a valid calibration certificate.