Torque Retention Arrangement for Flange Bolt Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flange bolt torqueing in piping systems often leads to mechanical damage to PTFE flares and requires frequent re-torqueing due to thermal cycling, which is costly and labor-intensive, and existing solutions do not provide a reliable visual indication of proper torque force.
Innovation Solution
A torque retention arrangement featuring a monolithic body with equi-spaced spring holes and vertically stacked disc springs that change orientation from non-coplanar to coplanar upon proper torque, providing a visual indication of torque force and eliminating the need for re-torqueing and reducing mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional torqueing methods with flat washers and torque wrenches are used, then proper torque can be applied to flange bolts, but frequent re-torqueing is required due to thermal cycling and bolt relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The Belleville spring is pre-loaded during assembly to establish the initial torque on the bolt. This preliminary action creates a constant force that maintains torque retention through thermal cycling, eliminating the need for frequent re-torqueing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The Belleville spring provides dynamic torque retention by compressing and expanding in response to thermal cycling and bolt relaxation. This dynamic response maintains constant torque on the bolt throughout operating conditions, preventing loss of torque retention
2Reliability
If Belleville springs are used in flange bolt torqueing systems, then torque retention is improved, but mechanical damage to PTFE flares may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PTFE liner acts as a protective element between the rigid Belleville spring and the flange bolt assembly. This flexible barrier distributes the mechanical stress and prevents direct contact that would cause damage to the PTFE flare surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The flange bolt connector with integrated Belleville spring provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing mechanical forces before they can reach the PTFE flare surfaces. This pre-cushioning effect prevents mechanical damage while maintaining torque retention
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple torqueing steps with crisscross pattern are used, then even stress distribution is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Belleville spring provides self-service by automatically maintaining even stress distribution through its inherent elastic properties. The spring's compression force naturally distributes evenly across the flange interface, eliminating the need for complex multi-step torqueing patterns while achieving the same stress distribution result
4Measurement precision
If visual indication of proper torque is provided, then torque accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque indicator utilizes color changes or visual position changes of the Belleville spring to indicate when proper torque has been applied. This visual feedback mechanism provides accurate torque measurement without requiring complex electronic sensors or indicators, maintaining simplicity while improving measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures reliable flange sealing, reduces maintenance costs, and provides a visual indicator of proper torque force, eliminating the need for frequent re-torqueing and minimizing mechanical damage to PTFE flares.
Implementation Method 1
The torque retention arrangement includes a monolithic body having a carrier... one or more springs vertically positioned or stacked within one or more of the through holes... The one or more springs can be non-coplanar with the carrier in a pre-torque orientation. The one or more springs can be coplanar with the carrier in the loaded and torqued orientation.
Implementation Method 2
Each spring can optionally be in a convex orientation in a pre-torque condition and optionally be in a planar orientation in a post torque condition... aligning the one or more springs coplanar with the carrier can be used to indicate proper torque force
Data Source
AI summary
A torque retention arrangement for a flange bolt connector for use with pipe. The torque retention arrangement a carrier body and a plurality of springs. The carrier body can include a plurality of spring holes equi-spaced around a circumference. A plurality of springs in a vertical stack can be mounted in each of the plurality of spring holes in the carrier. Each spring is in a convex orientation in a pre-torque condition and is in a planar orientation in a post-torque condition.