Engineering and TechnicalFlange Management and Bolted Joint Integrity
A bolted joint is the most common thing on a plant and the most common source of leaks, and the reason is almost never the gasket but how the joint was assembled by somebody who was never taught. This course teaches it. Delegates work through joint theory including bolt load, gasket compression and why a joint relaxes after assembly, flange types, ratings and the gasket selection that suits a service. Surface condition and the flaws that will leak regardless of torque are covered. Assembly technique follows: cleaning, lubrication, alignment, tightening pattern and the difference between torque, tension and controlled bolting. Joint registers and the management of joints broken during a shutdown are addressed. The course closes on leak investigation and on competence assurance for joint makers.
Course objectives
- Explain bolt load, gasket compression and post assembly relaxation
- Select flanges, ratings and gaskets appropriate to the service
- Assess surface condition and reject flanges that will leak
- Assemble a joint with correct lubrication, alignment and tightening pattern
- Distinguish torque, tension and controlled bolting methods
- Maintain a joint register through a shutdown
- Investigate a leak and assure joint maker competence
Who should attend
- Mechanical fitters and pipefitters
- Maintenance and turnaround supervisors
- Inspection and integrity engineers
- Process engineers responsible for containment
- Contractors breaking and remaking joints
Course outline
- 01The commonest source of leaks
- 02Bolt load and gasket compression
- 03Why joints relax after assembly
- 04Flange types, ratings and gasket selection
- 05Surface condition and unacceptable flaws
- 06Assembly: cleaning, lubrication and alignment
- 07Tightening patterns and controlled bolting
- 08Joint registers, leak investigation and competence
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 to 14 October 2026 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |
| 20 to 22 January 2027 | Maputo, Mozambique | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |
| 27 to 29 January 2027 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate | Register Now |
| 29 to 31 March 2027 | Nairobi, Kenya | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |