Hi All,

In ASME B16.5 there is a note relating to intermediate strength bolts (e.g. SA-193 B7M). Refer to Table 1B (Note 3) of ASME B16.5.

The note says that "These bolting materials may be used with all listed materials and gaskets, provided it has been verified that a sealed joint can be maintained under rated working pressure and temperature".

Could someone help me in explaining what the exact requirement means by Sealed joint. Can this requirement be checked by calculations using PV Elite or Code Calc.

Regards
GS

Hello GS

In plain, language it means that specifying these bolts, the engineer must check that the flange will not leak in service. The SA-193 B7M bolt is weaker than the B7 bolt.

The calculation in accordance with (say) ASME Section VIII, Division 1 does is not provide a guarantee against leakage. In fact, there is no known procedure (to the best of my knowledge) that provides a guarantee against leakage.

It is worthwhile to read Appendix S of ASME.