Flange torquing sequence

Abstract

A method is disclosed that includes preloading a first set of fasteners of multiple fasteners in a first spaced arrangement around a bolt circle, wherein preloading the first set includes a first sequence starting at a first position, and preloading a second set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the second set includes a second sequence starting at a second position, wherein a first subset includes one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more first intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

Description

IS23.1315-WO-PCT FLANGE TORQUING SEQUENCE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 548,551, entitled “FLANGE TORQUING SEQUENCE,” filed November 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to preloading fasteners in a manner that minimizes the effect of preload increase in fasteners disposed opposite one another in a pattern.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it may be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] To meet consumer and industrial demand for natural resources, companies often invest significant amounts of time and money in searching for and extracting oil, natural gas, hydrocarbons, and other subterranean resources from the earth. Particularly, once a desired subterranean resource such as oil or natural gas is discovered, drilling and production systems are often employed to access and extract the resource. These systems may be located onshore or offshore depending on the location of a desired resource.

[0005] A portion of these systems includes one or more connections between various bodies and components that make up the drilling and production systems. In making these connections, one or more bodies may be coupled together using one or more fasteners that are tightened to secure these connections. In some cases, tightening or preloading these fasteners may damage or distort a sealing component that may be disposed between the one or more bodies. Improved methods and techniques for preloading these fasteners may be advantageous.IS23.1315-WO-PCT SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter as set forth in the claims.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a method includes preloading a first set of fasteners of multiple fasteners in a first spaced arrangement around a bolt circle, such that preloading the first set includes a first sequence starting at a first position, and preloading a second set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, such that preloading the second set includes a second sequence starting at a second position, such that a first subset includes one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more first intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

[0008] In certain embodiments, a system includes a first flange that includes multiple receptacles disposed on a first bolt circle on a first exterior face of the first flange, and a second flange that includes multiple receptacles disposed on a second bolt circle on a second exterior face of the second flange, such that the second bolt circle is substantially similar to the first bolt circle such that a first receptacle of the first plurality of receptacles substantially aligns with a first receptacle of the second plurality of receptacles. The system also includes a sealing component disposed between a first interior face of the first flange and a second interior face of the second flange, and multiple fasteners, such that each fastener of the multiple fasteners is configured to extend through a respective pair of substantially aligned receptacles in the first and second flanges, such that the multiple fasteners are configured to clamp the first flange to the second flange, such that the multiple fasteners are preloading according to a torquing sequence specification that includes preloading a first set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a first spaced arrangement, such that preloading the first set includes a first sequence starting at a first position; and preloading a second set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a second spaced arrangement, such that preloading the second set includes a second sequence starting at a second position, such that a first subset includes one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions.IS23.1315-WO-PCT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The subject disclosure is further described in the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings and schematics of non-limiting embodiments of the subject disclosure. The features depicted in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Certain features of the embodiments may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface with multiple fasteners disposed on a bolt circle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG.2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connection interface of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2, wherein the connection interface includes a bolted flange connection between two flanges with a seal disposed between the two flanges, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG.3 is a front view of a flange illustrating a fastener preloading sequence known in the prior art;

[0013] FIG.4 is a front view of an embodiment of a flange with multiple fasteners disposed on a bolt circle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG.5 is a front view of an embodiment of a flange with multiple fasteners disposed on a bolt circle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG.6 is a front view of an embodiment of a flange with multiple fasteners disposed on a bolt circle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG.7 is a front view of an embodiment of a flange with multiple fasteners disposed on a bolt circle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.IS23.1315-WO-PCT DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The particulars shown herein are by way of example, and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the subject disclosure only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the subject disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the subject disclosure in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the subject disclosure, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the subject disclosure may be embodied in practice. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0018] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” Also, any use of any form of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other term describing an interaction between elements is intended to mean either an indirect or a direct interaction between the elements described. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. The use of “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” andIS23.1315-WO-PCT variations of these terms is made for convenience but does not require any particular orientation of the components.

[0019] Certain terms are used throughout the description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name, but not function.

[0020] For decades, humans have relied on resources found below the earth’s surface to meet increasing energy demands. These resources include but are not limited to natural gas, coal, hydrocarbons, petroleum, and other materials suitable to generate energy for consumption by humans. As energy demands increase, significant efforts are expended to extract an appropriate supply of energy to meet the increasing demand. Included in these efforts are systems and methods that enable expanded extraction of the resources, increases to the efficiency of the extraction process, and technological advances that permit extraction and exploration in areas that were previously inaccessible for energy production. Once these materials suitable to generate energy are discovered, drilling and production systems are often employed to access and extract the materials. These systems may be located onshore or offshore depending on the location of a desired resource.

[0021] To ensure proper functionality of these systems, various bodies and components of these systems are coupled together. In some cases, these coupled connections may experience extreme temperatures, elevated pressures, or other circumstances that may complicate these connections. Additionally, these connections often include sealing components (e.g., seals, rubber gaskets, o-rings, ring gaskets, etc.) disposed between these components to isolate fluids and / or gases traveling through the components from an exterior environment and / or from other internal portions of these components. To secure these connections, these bodies and components may be coupled together using multiple fasteners (e.g., threaded bolts, screws, allthread studs and nut combinations, etc.) disposed in a spaced arrangement on or around the bodies and / or components. To ensure proper functionality of these connections and longevity of the sealing components, the multiple fasteners may be preloaded (e.g., tightened, torqued, etc.) to a specified value to maintain a rigid connection (i.e., reduce or eliminate relative motion between the coupled components).IS23.1315-WO-PCT However, preloading the fasteners improperly or in certain sequential orders may lead to failure of the connection, incomplete sealing, and / or premature wear or breakage of the sealing components.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving the procedure for securing these connections. In certain embodiments, the multiple fasteners that couple the one or more bodies together may be divided into multiple groups and each fastener within a first group is preloaded to a particular threshold before a fastener in another group is preloaded. Additionally or alternatively, the fasteners within the first group may be preloaded, beginning with a first position fastener, based on a sequence that may be determined based on the number of fasteners in the first group as well as a spacing arrangement of the fasteners within the first group. Further, when preloading a first fastener within a second group of the multiple fasteners, a second position fastener of the second group may be determined based on a position of the first position fastener in the first group and a determined number of intermediate fasteners disposed in the spaced arrangement in between the first position fastener of the first group and the second position fastener of the second group.

[0023] In certain embodiments, a target preload value for the fasteners in the connection may be determined, and the fasteners in the first group may be preloaded to a first threshold preload value. That is, the fasteners in the first group may be preloaded to the first threshold preload value in the determined sequential order, such that the first threshold preload value is a determined percentage of the target preload value. Further, fasteners in subsequent groups may then be preloaded to the first threshold preload value in an additional determined sequential order corresponding to the subsequent group. Then, after each group of the multiple fasteners in the connection have been preloaded to the first threshold preload value, the fasteners may be preloaded to successive preload threshold values, until the fasteners reach the target preload value. In this way, by iteratively preloading the fasteners to the determined target preload value, in the determined sequential order, the rigidity of the connection may be improved, and life cycles of the fasteners and sealing components may be improved.

[0024] Turning to the figures, FIG.1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface 10 between multiple bodies held together by a group of fasteners 12 that includes multipleIS23.1315-WO-PCT individual fasteners 20. The group of fasteners 12 may be disposed in a spaced arrangement in the connection interface 10 on a fastener circle, e.g., a bolt circle 14. As discussed in detail below, certain embodiments of a torquing sequence (e.g., a torquing sequence specification) enables preloading of the fasteners 12 in a sequence of fastener groups (e.g., Group A, B, C, etc.), wherein the torquing sequence torques each fastener within a fastener group in a torquing sequence from a first position to a final position of fasteners within the fastener group prior to torquing a subsequent fastener group, and wherein the first fastener position in each fastener group is spaced apart from the first fastener position in an immediately preceding fastener group by one or more intermediate fasteners. In other words, due to the one or more intermediate fasteners, the first fastener position in each fastener group is not directly adjacent the first fastener position in the immediately preceding fastener group. Certain embodiments of the torquing sequence discussed herein are particularly well suited for the fastener circle (e.g., bolt circle 14); however, the torquing sequence may be applicable to other fastener arrangements. Additionally, the fastener circle (e.g., bolt circle 14) may include a circle through centerlines of the group of fasteners 12, or a substantially circular fastener arrangement having centerlines of the group of fasteners 12 deviating from the circle (e.g., plus or minus) less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 percent of a radius of the circle. In certain embodiments, the group of fasteners 12 may be arranged in a plurality of concentric fastener circles (e.g., bolt circles 14) within the scope of the present embodiments. Additional details of the torquing sequence are discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4–7. The following discussion of FIG.1 provides context for the torquing sequence.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 10 includes eight (8) fasteners 20 disposed on the bolt circle 14, however, in other embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, connection interfaces 10 with greater or fewer (e.g., 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, etc.) fasteners 20 are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The connection interface 10 may enable a body 16 (e.g., annular body) and a flange 18 (e.g., annular flange) to rigidly couple together within a drilling and production system. In some embodiments, the body 16 may be a component of the drilling and production system or may be an additional flange. However, in addition to drilling and production systems, the connection interface 10 may enable coupled connections between bodies and components within agricultural, heavy commercial, construction, mining, and otherwise suitable industries. In certain embodiments, the body 16 includes a valve,IS23.1315-WO-PCT a pump, a compressor, a pipe or tubing, a tubular casing, a Christmas tree, a manifold, or any combination thereof. For example, the valve may include a gate valve, a ball valve, a blowout preventer (BOP), a butterfly valve, a chemical injection metering valve (CIMV), or any combination thereof. By further example, the body 16 may include any fluid handling equipment configured to route a fluid, including a gas, a liquid, a slurry, or any multi-phase flow.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 10 includes a group of fasteners 12. As discussed in more detail below, the group of fasteners 12 may be configured to secure one or more bodies in the drilling and production system together to form the connection interface 10. Each fastener 20 of the group of fasteners 12 may include a threaded fastener, such as a screw, bolt, all-thread bar with a nut on one end, or otherwise suitable member for providing the connection interface 10. Each fastener 20 may include a pair of mating fasteners, such as mating threaded fasteners (e.g., male threaded fastener or bolt and female threaded fastener or nut). In certain embodiments, each fastener 12 of the group of fasteners 20 (e.g., male threaded fastener or bolt) may thread into internal threads (e.g., female threaded fastener) disposed in the body 16 and additionally extend through a through hole disposed in the flange 18. In other embodiments, the group of fasteners 12 may extend through a through hole in both the body 16 and through a through hole in the flange 18. Each fastener 20 of the group of fasteners 12 is configured to convert a rotational torque applied to a first end of the fastener 20 into an axial force applied along an axis of the fastener 20. By applying the rotational torque to the first end of the fastener 20, the fastener 20 may clamp (e.g., bring together) the body 16 and the flange 18 to reduce relative motion between the body 16 and the flange 18. In other words, the rotational torque results in an axial force along a central axis of the fastener 20 applied between the body 16 and the flange 18.

[0027] As shown, the group of fasteners 12 are disposed in a spaced arrangement around the flange 18. In some embodiments, the spaced arrangement may arrange the multiple fasteners on a bolt circle 14 that may extend radially away from a center point 30 of the flange 18. As illustrated, the flange 18 includes a bore 40 disposed on the center point 30 of the flange, however, in other embodiments, the flange 18 may have a solid construction without a bore 40. The center point 30 may be disposed on an intersection of a vertical axis 22 and a horizontal axis 24. As illustrated, the vertical axis 22 equally bisects the flange 18 into a left portion 32 of the flange 18 and a right portion 34 of the flange 18. Similarly, the horizontal axis equally bisects the flange 18IS23.1315-WO-PCT into a top portion 36 of the flange 18 and a bottom portion 38 of the flange 18. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, some of the through holes may be disposed on the horizontal axis 24, while some of the through holes may be disposed on the vertical axis 22. In yet other embodiments, one or more of the through holes may be disposed on a hole axis 26 that may be offset angularly by a determined angular value 28.

[0028] FIG.2 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG.1, further illustrating an embodiment of a connection interface 10, 60 between a first flange 18, 62 and a second flange 18, 64. As noted above, certain embodiments of a torquing sequence enables preloading of the fasteners 12 in a sequence of fastener groups, wherein the first fastener position in each fastener group is spaced apart from the first fastener position in an immediately preceding fastener group by one or more intermediate fasteners. Various aspects of the torquing sequence are discussed in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 4–7. The following discussion of FIG. 2 provides context for the torquing sequence used with the connection interface 10, 60 between the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64.

[0029] The first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64 may be substantially similar to the flange illustrated above in FIG.1, or in some embodiments, the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64 may have fewer or greater receptacles 74, 76 (e.g., through holes, blind holes, blind threaded holes, etc.) in which to receive the group of fasteners 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 10, 60 includes a sealing component 72 (e.g., annular sealing component or sealing ring) disposed between an interior face 78 (e.g., axially facing annular interior face) of the first flange 18, 62 and an interior face 80 (e.g., axially facing annular interior face) of the second flange 18, 64. As appreciated, an improper torquing sequence of the group of fasteners 12 can leading to a non-uniform application of forces between the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64, which can be detrimental to the sealing component 72. For example, an improper torquing sequence of the group of fasteners 12 can lead to tilting between the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64, non-uniform compression of the sealing component 72, and other problems. The torquing sequence discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS.4–7 helps to reduce the risk of such problems. The sealing component 72 may be configured to isolate fluid and / or gases that flow through a passageway 82 (e.g., annular passageway or central bore) through the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64 and an environment exterior to the passagewayIS23.1315-WO-PCT 82. The sealing component 72 may additionally be configured to crush or deform as the multiple fasteners 12 are preloaded between the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64. In some embodiments, the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64 may include an annular groove that may provide a space for the sealing component 72 to sit during installation. The annular groove may be centered around a connection interface centerline 70 that may run in line with the passageway 82.

[0030] As illustrated, the connection interface 10, 60 includes through holes 74, 76 that run through the first flange 18, 62. That is, the through holes 74, 76 may extend from an exterior face 84 (e.g., axially facing annular exterior face) of the first flange 18, 62 to the interior face 78 of the first flange 18, 62. In some embodiments, the through holes 74, 76 may run substantially parallel to the connection interface centerline 70 that extends through the passageway 82. Additionally or alternatively, the through holes 74, 76 may also run substantially parallel to each other. The through holes 74, 76 that extend through the first flange 18, 62 may be configured to receive an individual fastener 20, 66, 68 from the group of fasteners 12. The individual fastener 20, 66, 68 may contact the exterior face 84 of the first flange 18, 62 and be configured to transmit the axial force generated from the rotational torque to the exterior face 84 of the first flange 18, 62. This axial force may translate through the first flange 18, 62 to the sealing component 72 and energize (e.g., crush, deform, etc.) the sealing component 72. In certain embodiments, the sealing component 72 includes a metal seal ring, an elastomeric seal ring, or a seal ring assembly having both elastomeric and metallic rings. For example, the sealing component 72 may include a seal ring having a C-shaped cross-section that is compressed between the first flange 18, 62 and the second flange 18, 64.

[0031] Additionally, the connection interface 10, 60 includes through holes 88, 90 that run through the second flange 18, 64. That is, the through holes 88, 90 may extend from an exterior face 86 (e.g., axially facing annular exterior face) of the second flange 18, 64 to the interior face 80 of the second flange 18, 64. In some embodiments, the through holes 88, 90 may run substantially parallel to the connection interface centerline 70 that extends through the passageway 82. Additionally or alternatively, the through holes 88, 90 may also run substantially parallel to each other. The through holes 88, 90 that extend through the second flange 18, 64 may be configured to receive an individual fastener 20, 66, 68 from the group of fasteners 12. TheIS23.1315-WO-PCT individual fastener 20, 66, 68 may contact the exterior face 86 of the second flange 18, 64 and be configured to transmit the axial force generated from the rotational torque to the exterior face 86 of the second flange 18, 64. This axial force may translate through the second flange 18, 64 to the sealing component 72 and energize (e.g., crush, deform, etc.) the sealing component.

[0032] FIG.3 is a front view of a flange illustrating a preloading sequence for fasteners that is known in the art. As illustrated, the flange includes multiple fasteners that are grouped into three sets of four fasteners (A1–A4; B1–B4; C1–C4). As grouped, each fastener is distributed about the flange such that no fastener is adjacent to another fastener is the same group. Fastener A1is disposed opposite fastener A2 and fastener A3 is disposed opposite fastener A4. Similarly, fastener B1 is disposed opposite fastener B2 and fastener B3 is disposed opposite fastener B4. Additionally, fastener C1is disposed opposite fastener C2and fastener C3is disposed opposite fastener C4. That is, fasteners from groups B and C are dispersed between the fasteners of group A such that no two A fasters are adjacent one another, no two B fasteners are adjacent one another, and no two C fasteners are adjacent one another.

[0033] In following this traditional method for securing the connection between one or more bodies, the fasteners are preloaded in one complete set at a time. In other words, fasteners A1–A4 are preloaded in numerical order, then fasteners B1–B4are preloaded in numerical order, and then fasteners C1–C4are preloaded in numerical order. As illustrated in FIG.3, the second B1–B4and third C1–C4 sets of four fasteners have starting points at bolts near the starting point of the first set of fasteners A1–A4. Thus, the starting point fastener preloaded in group A (A1; indicated in FIG. 3 by ‘A start’) is adjacent the starting point fastener preloaded in group B (B1; indicated by ‘B start’), which is adjacent the starting point fastener preloaded in group C (C1; indicated by ‘C start’). However, this sequence taught in the prior art results in a “fulcrum effect” that causes the axial forces experienced by the starting point fastener in each group (i.e., A1, B1, C1) to vary by over 100%. The fasteners may be typically preloaded in 25% increments and repeated four (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) times to achieve full, 100% preload. Typically, a second round of 100% is completed to tighten any fasteners with less than 100% preload.

[0034] FIGS. 4–7 illustrate embodiments of a torquing sequence (e.g., torquing sequence specification) that avoids the problems associated with the prior art sequence of FIG.3. All aspectsIS23.1315-WO-PCT of FIGS.1 and 2 as discussed above are intended to apply to the embodiments of FIGS.4–7. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface 10, 150 that includes a flange 152 connected to a body of a drilling and production system. In some embodiments, the flange 152 may also be connected to an additional flange within the drilling and production system. The connection interface 150 includes a group of fasteners 12, 154 that includes multiple individual fasteners 20, 156. The group of fasteners 154 may be disposed in a spaced arrangement in the connection interface 150 on a bolt circle 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interface 150 includes twelve (12) fasteners 156 disposed on the bolt circle 158, however, in other embodiments, connection interfaces 150 with greater or fewer (e.g., 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 18, etc.) fasteners 20 are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The connection interface 150 may enable a body (e.g., annular body) and the flange 152 (e.g., annular flange) to rigidly couple together within a drilling and production system.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the group of fasteners 154 is further grouped into three sets of four fasteners (A1–A4; B1–B4; C1–C4). Each fastener 156 within a set of fasteners is distributed about the bolt circle 154, such that no two fasteners 156 within a set is adjacent another fastener 156 in the same set. For example, fastener A1160 is disposed diametrically opposite (e.g., approximately 180° spaced around the bolt circle 158) fastener A2162, and fastener A3164 is disposed diametrically opposite A4166. Similarly, fastener B1168 is disposed diametrically opposite fastener B2 170, and fastener B3 172 is disposed diametrically opposite B4 174. Additionally, fastener C1176 is disposed diametrically opposite fastener C2178, and fastener C3180 is disposed diametrically opposite C4182. That is, fasteners from sets B and C are disposed between the fasteners of set A such that no two A fasteners 160, 162, 164, 166 are adjacent one another, no two B fasteners 168, 170, 172, 174 are adjacent one another, and no two C fasteners 176, 178, 180, 182 are adjacent one another. In some embodiments, there may be two intermediate fasteners disposed in between fasteners 156 from the same set. In yet other embodiments, there may be three intermediate fasteners disposed in between fasteners 156 from the same set. In certain embodiments, the fasteners 156 within a set of fasteners may be equally or substantially equally spaced around the bolt circle 158. In other words, the fasteners 156 within the set of fasteners may be equally spaced with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than orIS23.1315-WO-PCT equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners.

[0036] During assembly of the flange 152 to the body, the group of fasteners 154 may be preloaded in one complete set at a time in a sequence (i.e., fasteners A1–A4160, 162, 164, 166 in numerical order, then fasteners B1–B4168, 170, 172, 174 in numerical order, and then fasteners C1–C4176, 178, 180, 182 in numerical order), wherein the starting points of the first fasteners in each group (A1160, B1168, C1176) are distributed about the pattern, as illustrated. Thus, the starting point fastener A1160 preloaded in group A (indicated in FIG. 4 by ‘A start’) is spaced apart from the starting point fastener B1168 preloaded in group B (indicated in FIG.4 by ‘B start’), which in turn is also spaced apart from the starting point fastener A1160 and the starting point fastener C1176 (indicated in FIG. 4 by ‘C start’). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the spaced apart arrangement between the starting point fasteners A1160 and B1168 include three intermediate fasteners separating the starting point fasteners A1 160 and B1 168, and the spaced apart arrangement between the starting point fasteners B1168 and C1176 include three intermediate fasteners separating the starting point fasteners B1168 and C1176. However, the intermediate fasteners defining the spaced apart arrangement may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more intermediate fasteners from one starting point fastener of one fastener group to another starting point fastener of an immediately following fastener group. As a result, due to the one or more intermediate fasteners, the starting point fasteners of one fastener group to another immediately following fastener group are not directly adjacent to one another in terms of fastener positions in the bolt circle 158. In other embodiments, the group of fasteners 154 may be preloaded in one complete set at a time beginning with the fasteners B1–B4 168, 170, 172, 174 in numerical order, then fasteners C1–C4176, 178, 180, 182 in numerical order, followed by fasteners A1–A4160, 162, 164, 166 in numerical order.

[0037] Before the group of fasteners 154 is preloaded, a target preload for the group of fasteners 154 may be determined. The target preload may be determined based on several factors (e.g., diameter of the fastener, type of lubrication used, coefficient of friction of lubrication, tensile strength of the fastener, material type, Poisson’s ratio of the fastener material, etc.) relating to the individual fasteners 154 within the group of fasteners. As the target preload is determined, a user may additionally determine a sequence in which to preload the group of fasteners 154. To moreIS23.1315-WO-PCT evenly preload the group of fasteners 154, and thereby apply a clamping force to the flange 152 and energizing the sealing component 72, the determined target preload may be divided into multiple incremental preload thresholds. In some embodiments, the target preload for the group of fasteners 154 may be divided into three (3) incremental preload thresholds, however, greater or fewer incremental preload thresholds (e.g., 2, 4 ,5, etc.) are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the incremental preload thresholds may include increments of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent of a total target preload of the group of fasteners 154. By further example, the incremental preload thresholds may be equal increments (e.g., 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent), variable increments (e.g., 20, 50, 85, 100 percent), or a combination of equal and variable increments (e.g., 15, 30, 45, 70, 90, and 100 percent). By moving the starting point fastener B1168 and the third starting point fastener C1176 away from the initial starting point fastener A1160, and by preloading the group of fasteners 154 to incremental preload thresholds in the determined sequence based on the starting positions, the connection interface 150 may achieve a more uniform distribution of fastener preload and minimize the effect of preload increase caused by opposite facing fasteners (e.g., A1160 and A2162). In some embodiments, after each set of fasteners (A1–A4160, 162, 164, 166; B1–B4168, 170, 172, 174; and C1–C4176, 178, 180, 182) is preloaded to the target preload, the group of fasteners 154 may be preloaded one or more additional times to ensure that the group of fasteners 154 has achieved the target preload.

[0038] In certain embodiments, it is possible that an A fastener is disposed adjacent another A fastener, a B fastener is disposed adjacent another B fastener, a C fastener is disposed adjacent another C fastener, for example if the groups of fasteners do not include the same number of fasteners in each group. However, the starting fastener in each group (A1, B1, C1) are still distributed about the pattern, such that fasteners A1, B1, C1 are distributed about the pattern and not adjacent one another.

[0039] While the fasteners are shown in three groups of four in the embodiment of FIG.4, in other embodiments, there may be two groups, three groups, four groups, five groups, or more groups of three fasteners, four fasteners, five fasteners, six fasteners, or more fasteners.

[0040] The disclosed sequence of preloading fasteners may be applied to any pattern of fasteners where the bodies are pulled together with fasteners and likely in applications where thereIS23.1315-WO-PCT is a third object (e.g., seal, gasket, component) that is crushed or held tightly between the bodies. While the fasteners are shown in a circular pattern, they may be disposed in other patterns including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, oblong, triangular, diamond, or any suitable generally polygonal shape, as long as the fasteners disposed about the pattern may be divided into groups and no fasteners within a given group are disposed next to another fastener of the same group (e.g., fasteners A1, A2, A3, and A4 are not adjacent one another and are separated by fasteners of another group, etc.).

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, it is possible that an A fastener is disposed adjacent another A fastener, a B fastener is disposed adjacent another B fastener, a C fastener is disposed adjacent another C fastener, for example if the groups of fasteners do not include the same number of fasteners in each group. However, the starting fastener in each group (A1, B1, C1) are still distributed about the pattern such that fasteners A1, B1, C1 are distributed about the pattern and not adjacent one another.

[0042] While the fasteners are shown in three groups of four in the present embodiment, in other embodiments, there may be two groups, three groups, four groups, five groups, or more groups of three fasteners, four fasteners, five fasteners, six fasteners, or more fasteners.

[0043] The disclosed sequence of preloading fasteners may be applied to any pattern of fasteners where the bodies are pulled together with fasteners and likely in applications where there is a third object that is crushed or held tightly between the bodies. While the fasteners are shown in a circular pattern, they may be disposed in other patterns including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, oblong, triangular, diamond, or any suitable generally polygonal shape, as long as the fasteners disposed about the pattern may be divided into groups and no fasteners within a given group are disposed next to another fastener of the same group (e.g., fasteners A1, A2, A3, and A4 are not adjacent one another and are separated by fasteners of another group, etc.).

[0044] FIG.5 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface 10, 220 that includes a flange 222 with a bolt circle 224. The embodiment of the connection interface 220 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the connection interface 150 depicted in FIG.4, except that the group of fasteners 12, 226 includes six (6) individual fasteners 20, 228. In certain embodiments, the group of fasteners 226 is further grouped into two groups or sets of threeIS23.1315-WO-PCT fasteners (a first group or set 1-3-5; a second group or set 4-6-2). Each fastener 228 within a set of fasteners is distributed about the bolt circle 224 such that no two fasteners 228 within a set is adjacent another fastener 228 in the same set. For example, fastener 1 (230) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 224 from fastener 3 (234), and fastener 3 (234) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 224 from fastener 5 (238). Additionally, fastener 2 (232) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 224 from fastener 4 (236), and fastener 4 (236) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 224 from fastener 6 (240). In some embodiments, there may be one intermediate fastener disposed in between fasteners of the same set. Additionally or alternatively, there may be one or more intermediate fasteners disposed in between a first starting point fastener 1 (230) and a second starting point fastener 4 (236). In certain embodiments, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are separated by at least 1, 2, 3, or more intermediate fasteners, wherein the intermediate fasteners are disposed circumferentially between the starting point fasteners in the bolt circle 224.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the sequence of preloading for the group of fasteners 226 may be performed in one of the following sequences, as shown below in Table 1. If multiple preloading increments (e.g., 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent increments) are used for the preloading, then one of the following sequences may be used for each of the preloading increments. Group A Group B Fastener 1 (230) ^ Fastener 3 (234) ^ Fastener 5 (238) Fastener 4 (236) ^ Fastener 6 (240) ^ Fastener 2 (232) Fastener 1 (230) ^ Fastener 3 (234) ^ Fastener 5 (238) Fastener 4 (236) ^ Fastener 2 (232) ^ Fastener 6 (240) Fastener 1 (230) ^ Fastener 5 (238) ^ Fastener 3 (234) Fastener 4 (236) ^ Fastener 6 (240) ^ Fastener 2 (232) Fastener 1 (230) ^ Fastener 5 (238) ^ Fastener 3 (234) Fastener 4 (236) ^ Fastener 2 (232) ^ Fastener 6 (240) Table 1 - Possible Preload Sequence for Group of Fasteners depicted in FIG.5IS23.1315-WO-PCT

[0046] As illustrated in Table 1 (e.g., torquing sequence specification), the starting point fasteners are arranged in a sequence of fastener 1 (230) and fastener 4 (236), which have two intermediate fasteners between each successive set of starting point fasteners. Additionally, the sequence of starting point fasteners 1 and 4 (e.g., 230 and 236) has a circumferential spacing of 180 degrees with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners. In certain embodiments, the torquing sequence specification of Table 1 may be permanently fixed or removably coupled to a product having the flange 222, such as cast directly into a body of the product, inscribed or written on a torque specification plate coupled to the product, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the torquing sequence specification of Table 1 may be packed with the product as part of the shipping package and installation instructions. Thus, the torquing sequence specification of Table 1 may be considered an integral part of the product.

[0047] FIG.6 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface 10, 280 that includes a flange 282 with a bolt circle 284. The embodiment of the connection interface 280 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the connection interface 220 depicted in FIG.5, except that the group of fasteners 12, 226 includes nine (9) individual fasteners 20, 288. In certain embodiments, the group of fasteners 286 is further grouped into three groups or sets of three fasteners (a first group or set 1-4-7; a second group or set 2-5-8; and a third group or set 3-6-9). Each fastener 288 within a set of fasteners is distributed about the bolt circle 284, such that no two fasteners 288 within a set is adjacent another fastener 288 in the same set. For example, fastener 1 (290) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 4 (296), and fastener 4 (296) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 7 (302). Additionally, fastener 2 (292) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 5 (298), and fastener 5 (298) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 8 (304). Further, fastener 3 (294) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 6 (300), and fastener 6 (300) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 284 from fastener 9 (306). In some embodiments, there may be one intermediate fastener disposed in between fasteners 288 of the same set. In other embodiments there may be two intermediate fasteners disposed in between fasteners 288 of the same set. Additionally or alternatively, there may be one or more intermediateIS23.1315-WO-PCT fasteners disposed in between a first starting point fastener 1 (290) and a second starting point fastener 5 (298). Furthermore, there may be one or more intermediate fasteners disposed in between the second starting point fastener 5 (298) and the third starting point fastener 9 (306). In certain embodiments, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are separated by at least 1, 2, 3, or more intermediate fasteners, wherein the intermediate fasteners are disposed circumferentially between the starting point fasteners in the bolt circle 284.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the sequence of preloading for the group of fasteners 286 may be performed in one of the following sequences, as shown in Table 2. If multiple preloading increments (e.g., 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent increments) are used for the preloading, then one of the following sequences may be used for each of the preloading increments. Group A Group B Group C Fastener 1 (290) ^ Fastener 4 (296) Fastener 5 (298) ^ Fastener 8 (304) Fastener 9 (306) ^ Fastener 3 ^ Fastener 7 (302) ^ Fastener 2 (292) (294) ^ Fastener 6 (300) Fastener 1 (290) ^ Fastener 4 (296) Fastener 6 (300) ^ Fastener 3 (294) Fastener 2 (292) ^ Fastener 8 ^ Fastener 7 (302) ^ Fastener 9 (306) (304) ^ Fastener 5 (298) Table 2 – Possible Preload Sequence for Group of Fasteners depicted in FIG.6

[0049] As illustrated in Table 2 (e.g., torquing sequence specification), the starting point fasteners are arranged in a first sequence of fastener 1 (290), fastener 5 (298), and fastener 9 (306) or a second sequence of fastener 1 (290), fastener 6 (300), and fastener 2 (292). The first sequence of starting point fasteners 1, 5, and 9 (e.g., 290, 298, 306) has three intermediate fasteners between each successive set of starting point fasteners. Additionally, the first sequence of starting point fasteners 1, 5, and 9 (e.g., 290, 298, 306) has a circumferential spacing of about 120 to 180 degrees with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners. The second sequence of starting point fasteners 1, 6, and 2 (e.g., 290, 300, 292) has four intermediate fasteners between each successive set of starting point fasteners. Additionally, the second sequence of starting point fasteners 1, 6, and 2 (e.g., 290, 300, 292) has a circumferential spacing of about 180 to 225 degreesIS23.1315-WO-PCT with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners. In some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is uniform between the starting point fasteners in the first sequence and / or the second sequence. However, in some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is variable between the starting point fasteners in the first sequence and / or the second sequence. In certain embodiments, the torquing sequence specification of Table 2 may be permanently fixed or removably coupled to a product having the flange 282, such as cast directly into a body of the product, inscribed or written on a torque specification plate coupled to the product, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the torquing sequence specification of Table 2 may be packed with the product as part of the shipping package and installation instructions. Thus, the torquing sequence specification of Table 2 may be considered an integral part of the product.

[0050] FIG.7 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a connection interface 10, 340 that includes a flange 342 with a bolt circle 344. The embodiment of the connection interface 340 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the connection interface 150 depicted in FIG.4, except that the group of fasteners 12, 346 includes fifteen (15) individual fasteners 20, 348. In certain embodiments, the group of fasteners 346 is further grouped into three groups or sets of five fasteners (a first group or set 1-4-7-10-13; a second group or set 6-9-12-15-3; and a third group or set 11-14-2-5-8). In other embodiments, the group of fasteners 346 is further grouped into five groups or sets of three fasteners (a first group or set 1-6-11; a second group or set 5-10-15; a third group or set 9-14-4; a fourth group or set 13-3-8; and a fifth group or set 2-7-12). Each fastener 348 within a set of fasteners is distributed about the bolt circle 344, such that no two fasteners 348 within a set is adjacent another fastener 348 in the same set. In certain embodiments, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are separated by at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more intermediate fasteners, wherein the intermediate fasteners are disposed circumferentially between the starting point fasteners in the bolt circle 344. The number of intermediate fasteners depends on the number of groups, the number of fasteners per group, and the total number of fasteners. However, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are not directly adjacent one another in terms of fastener positions in the bolt circle 344. Thus, by spacing the starting point fasteners further away from one anotherIS23.1315-WO-PCT along the bolt circle 344, the sequence of preloading achieves a more uniform distribution of preloading.

[0051] As noted above, the group of fasteners 346 may be divided into five groups or sets of three fasteners (a first group or set 1-6-11; a second group or set 5-10-15; a third group or set 9- 14-4; a fourth group or set 13-3-8; and a fifth group or set 2-7-12). In such embodiments, when the group of fasteners 346 is divided into five groups of three, fastener 1 (350) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 6 (360), and fastener 6 (360) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 11 (370). Additionally, fastener 5 (358) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 10 (368), and fastener 10 (368) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 15 (378). Additionally, fastener 9 (366) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 14 (376), and fastener 14 (376) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 4 (356). Additionally, fastener 13 (374) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 3 (354), and fastener 3 (354) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 8 (364). Additionally, fastener 2 (352) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 7 (362), and fastener 7 (362) is disposed approximately 120° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 12 (372). In some embodiments, there may be one or more intermediate fasteners disposed in between fasteners of the same set. In the illustrated embodiment, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are separated by three intermediate fasteners, wherein the intermediate fasteners are disposed circumferentially between the starting point fasteners in the bolt circle 344.

[0052] As noted above, the group of fasteners 346 may be divided into three groups of five (a first group or set 1-4-7-10-13; a second group or set 6-9-12-15-3; and a third group or set 11-14- 2-5-8). In such embodiments, when the group of fasteners 346 is divided into three groups of five, fastener 1 (350) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 4 (356), fastener 4 (356) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 7 (362), fastener 7 (362) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 10 (368), and fastener 10 (368) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 13 (374). Additionally, fastener 6 (360) is disposed approximatelyIS23.1315-WO-PCT 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 9 (366), fastener 9 (366) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 12 (372), fastener 12 (372) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 15 (378), and fastener 15 (378) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 3 (354). Additionally, fastener 11 (370) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 14 (376), fastener 14 (376) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 2 (352), fastener 2 (352) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 5 (358), and fastener 5 (358) is disposed approximately 72° spaced around the bolt circle 344 from fastener 8 (364). In the illustrated embodiment, the starting point fasteners from one group to an immediately following group are separated by four intermediate fasteners, wherein the intermediate fasteners are disposed circumferentially between the starting point fasteners in the bolt circle 344

[0053] In certain embodiments, the sequence of preloading for the group of fasteners 346 may be performed in one of the following sequences, as shown in Tables 3 and 4. If multiple preloading increments (e.g., 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent increments) are used for the preloading, then one of the following sequences may be used for each of the preloading increments. When the Group of Fasteners is divided into five groups of three Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Fastener 1 (350) ^ Fastener 5 (358) ^ Fastener 9 (366) ^ Fastener 13 (374) ^ Fastener 2 (352) ^ Fastener 6 (360) ^ Fastener 10 (368) ^ Fastener 14 (376) ^ Fastener 3 (354) ^ Fastener 7 (362) ^ Fastener 11 (370) Fastener 15 (378) Fastener 4 (356) Fastener 8 (364) Fastener 12 (372) Table 3 – Possible Preload Sequence for Group of Fasteners depicted in FIG.7 – Five Groups of Three Fasteners

[0054] As illustrated in Table 3 (e.g., torquing sequence specification), the starting point fasteners are arranged in the sequence: fastener 1 (350), fastener 5 (358), fastener 9 (366), fastener 13 (374), and fastener 2 (352), which have three intermediate fasteners between each successive set of starting point fasteners. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the starting pointIS23.1315-WO-PCT fasteners 1, 5, 9, 13, 2 (e.g., 350, 358, 366, 374, and 352) are spaced apart by a circumferential spacing of 70 to 90 degrees with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners. In some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is uniform between the starting point fasteners 1, 5, 9, 13, 2 (e.g., 350, 358, 366, 374, and 352). However, in some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is variable between the starting point fasteners 1, 5, 9, 13, 2 (e.g., 350, 358, 366, 374, and 352). When the Group of Fasteners is divided into three groups of five Group A Group B Group C Fastener 1 (350) ^ Fastener 7 (362) Fastener 6 (360) ^ Fastener 12 Fastener 11 (370) ^ Fastener 2 ^ Fastener 13 (374) ^ Fastener 4 (372) ^ Fastener 3 (354) ^ (352) ^ Fastener 8 (364) ^ (356) ^ Fastener 10 (368) Fastener 9 (366) ^ Fastener 15 Fastener 14 (376) ^ Fastener 5 (378) (358) Table 4 – Possible Preload Sequence for Group of Fasteners depicted in FIG.7 – Five groups of Three Fasteners

[0055] As illustrated in Table 4, the starting point fasteners are arranged in the sequence: fastener 1 (350), fastener 6 (360), and fastener 11 (370), which have four intermediate fasteners between each successive set of starting point fasteners. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the starting point fasteners 1, 6, and 11 (e.g., 350, 360, and 370) are spaced apart by a circumferential spacing of 120 degrees with some possible deviation (e.g., plus or minus less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees) when measured from centerlines of the fasteners. In some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is uniform between the starting point fasteners 1, 6, and 11 (e.g., 350, 360, and 370). However, in some embodiments, the circumferential spacing is variable between the starting point fasteners 1, 6, and 11 (e.g., 350, 360, and 370).

[0056] In certain embodiments, the torquing sequence specification of Table 3 or Table 4 may be permanently fixed or removably coupled to a product having the flange 342, such as cast directly into a body of the product, inscribed or written on a torque specification plate coupled to the product, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the torquing sequence specificationIS23.1315-WO-PCT of Table 3 or Table 4 may be packed with the product as part of the shipping package and installation instructions. Thus, the torquing sequence specification of Table 3 or Table 4 may be considered an integral part of the product.

[0057] Technical effects of the present disclosure are an improved method for preloading fasteners on a connection interface in a drilling and production system. In particular, in certain embodiments, the improved method may include dividing the group of fasteners into sets of fasteners and multiple starting point fasteners that are distributed around a bolt circle of the flange that is being tightened. Due to this distribution of the starting point fasteners from the sets of fasteners, the sealing component disposed between the one or more flanges may be more evenly energized, leading to improved sealing life, improved integrity of the connection interfaces, and increased performance of the drilling and production systems. In certain embodiments, the torquing sequence specifications described above may result in measurable differences in the assembled product, such that the product is different than a product with fasteners torqued by the prior art torquing sequence.

[0058] The subject matter described in detail above may be defined by one or more clauses, as set forth below.

[0059] A method includes preloading a first set of fasteners of multiple fasteners in a first spaced arrangement around a bolt circle, wherein preloading the first set includes a first sequence starting at a first position, and preloading a second set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the second set includes a second sequence starting at a second position, wherein a first subset includes one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more first intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

[0060] The method of the preceding clause, including preloading a third set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a third spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the third set comprises a third sequence starting at a third position, wherein a second subset including one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more second intermediate positions between the second and third positions.IS23.1315-WO-PCT

[0061] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 120 degrees, and the second and third positions are spaced apart by 120 degrees.

[0062] The method of any preceding clause, wherein each of the first, second, and third sets of fasteners includes three fasteners of the multiple fasteners.

[0063] The method of any preceding clause, wherein each of the first, second, and third sets of fasteners includes five fasteners of the multiple fasteners.

[0064] The method of any preceding clause, including preloading a fourth set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a fourth spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the fourth set includes a fourth sequence starting at a fourth position, wherein a third subset including one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more third intermediate positions between the third and fourth positions.

[0065] The method of any preceding clause, including preloading a fifth set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a fifth spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the fifth set includes a fifth sequence starting at a fifth position, wherein a fourth subset including one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more fourth intermediate positions between the fourth and fifth positions.

[0066] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, the second and third positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, the third and fourth positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, and the fourth and fifth positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees.

[0067] The method of any preceding clause, wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sets of fasteners includes three fasteners of the multiple fasteners.

[0068] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first subset includes at least two fasteners of the multiple fasteners.

[0069] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first subset includes at least three fasteners of the multiple fasteners.IS23.1315-WO-PCT

[0070] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first spaced arrangement has substantially equal spacing between the first set of fasteners, and the second spaced arrangement has substantially equal spacing between the second set of fasteners.

[0071] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 180 degrees.

[0072] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the multiple fasteners are arranged in only the first and second sets of fasteners.

[0073] The method of any preceding clause, including setting a target preload threshold for the multiple fasteners, dividing the target preload threshold into multiple incremental preload thresholds, and incrementally preloading the multiple fasteners based on the multiple incremental preload thresholds, wherein, for each incremental preload threshold of the multiple incremental preload thresholds, incremental preloading includes preloading the first set of fasteners in the first spaced arrangement around the bolt circle based on the incremental preload threshold, wherein preloading the first set includes starting the first sequence at the first position; and preloading the second set of fasteners in the second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle based on the incremental preload threshold, wherein preloading the second set comprises starting the second sequence at the second position.

[0074] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the multiple incremental preload thresholds includes at least three incremental preload thresholds.

[0075] The method of any preceding clause, wherein a first incremental preload threshold of the multiple incremental preload thresholds is at least 25% of the target preload threshold.

[0076] The method of any preceding clause, wherein a second incremental preload threshold of the multiple incremental preload thresholds is at least 50% of the target preload threshold.

[0077] A product assembled with preloading according to the method of claim 1, wherein the product includes a valve, a pump, a compressor, a pipe, a component of a Christmas tree, or a combination thereof.IS23.1315-WO-PCT

[0078] A system includes a first flange that includes multiple receptacles disposed on a first bolt circle on a first exterior face of the first flange, and a second flange that includes multiple receptacles disposed on a second bolt circle on a second exterior face of the second flange, such that the second bolt circle is substantially similar to the first bolt circle such that a first receptacle of the first plurality of receptacles substantially aligns with a first receptacle of the second plurality of receptacles. The system also includes a sealing component disposed between a first interior face of the first flange and a second interior face of the second flange, and multiple fasteners, such that each fastener of the multiple fasteners is configured to extend through a respective pair of substantially aligned receptacles in the first and second flanges, such that the multiple fasteners are configured to clamp the first flange to the second flange, such that the multiple fasteners are preloading according to a torquing sequence specification that includes preloading a first set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a first spaced arrangement, such that preloading the first set includes a first sequence starting at a first position; and preloading a second set of fasteners of the multiple fasteners in a second spaced arrangement, such that preloading the second set includes a second sequence starting at a second position, such that a first subset includes one or more fasteners of the multiple fasteners are disposed at one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

[0079] While the subject disclosure is described through the above embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that modification to and variation of the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed. Moreover, while some embodiments are described in connection with various illustrative structures, one skilled in the art will recognize that the system may be embodied using a variety of specific structures. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0080] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for (perform)ing (a function) ...” or “step for (perform)ing (a function) ...” it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claims containingIS23.1315-WO-PCT elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

IS23.1315-WO-PCT CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising: preloading a first set of fasteners of a plurality of fasteners in a first spaced arrangement around a bolt circle, wherein preloading the first set comprises a first sequence starting at a first position; and preloading a second set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the second set comprises a second sequence starting at a second position, wherein a first subset comprising one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners are disposed at one or more first intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising: preloading a third set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a third spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the third set comprises a third sequence starting at a third position, wherein a second subset comprising one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners are disposed at one or more second intermediate positions between the second and third positions.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 120 degrees, and the second and third positions are spaced apart by 120 degrees.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the first, second, and third sets of fasteners comprises three fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the first, second, and third sets of fasteners comprises five fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.

6. The method of claim 2, comprising:IS23.1315-WO-PCT preloading a fourth set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a fourth spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the fourth set comprises a fourth sequence starting at a fourth position, wherein a third subset comprising one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners are disposed at one or more third intermediate positions between the third and fourth positions.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising: preloading a fifth set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a fifth spaced arrangement around the bolt circle, wherein preloading the fifth set comprises a fifth sequence starting at a fifth position, wherein a fourth subset comprising one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners are disposed at one or more fourth intermediate positions between the fourth and fifth positions.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, the second and third positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, the third and fourth positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees, and the fourth and fifth positions are spaced apart by 70 to 90 degrees.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sets of fasteners comprises three fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first subset comprises at least two fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first subset comprises at least three fasteners of the plurality of fasteners.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first spaced arrangement has substantially equal spacing between the first set of fasteners, and the second spaced arrangement has substantially equal spacing between the second set of fasteners.IS23.1315-WO-PCT 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart by 180 degrees.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fasteners are arranged in only the first and second sets of fasteners.

15. The method of claim 1, comprising: setting a target preload threshold for the plurality of fasteners; dividing the target preload threshold into a plurality of incremental preload thresholds; and incrementally preloading the plurality of fasteners based on the plurality of incremental preload thresholds, wherein, for each incremental preload threshold of the plurality of incremental preload thresholds, incremental preloading comprises: preloading the first set of fasteners in the first spaced arrangement around the bolt circle based on the incremental preload threshold, wherein preloading the first set comprises starting the first sequence at the first position; and preloading the second set of fasteners in the second spaced arrangement around the bolt circle based on the incremental preload threshold, wherein preloading the second set comprises starting the second sequence at the second position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of incremental preload thresholds comprises at least three incremental preload thresholds.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein a first incremental preload threshold of the plurality of incremental preload thresholds is at least 25% of the target preload threshold.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein a second incremental preload threshold of the plurality of incremental preload thresholds is at least 50% of the target preload threshold.

19. A product assembled with preloading according to the method of claim 1, wherein the product comprises a valve, a pump, a compressor, a pipe, a component of a Christmas tree, or a combination thereof.IS23.1315-WO-PCT 20. A system, comprising: a first flange comprising a first plurality of receptacles disposed on a first bolt circle on a first exterior face of the first flange; a second flange comprising a second plurality of receptacles disposed on a second bolt circle on a second exterior face of the second flange, wherein the second bolt circle is substantially similar to the first bolt circle such that a first receptacle of the first plurality of receptacles substantially aligns with a first receptacle of the second plurality of receptacles; a sealing component disposed between a first interior face of the first flange and a second interior face of the second flange; a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener of the plurality of fasteners is configured to extend through a respective pair of substantially aligned receptacles in the first and second flanges, wherein the plurality of fasteners are configured to clamp the first flange to the second flange, and wherein the plurality of fasteners are preloading according to a torquing sequence specification comprising: preloading a first set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a first spaced arrangement, wherein preloading the first set comprises a first sequence starting at a first position; and preloading a second set of fasteners of the plurality of fasteners in a second spaced arrangement, wherein preloading the second set comprises a second sequence starting at a second position, wherein a first subset comprising one or more fasteners of the plurality of fasteners are disposed at one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

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