Training

It's easy to apportion blame when a joint won't seal or when a flanged bolted connection leaks.

Usually, the blame is placed on the gasket and extra torque/load is often applied without considering the consequences to the components involved, in an attempt to seal the connection.

However while the gasket plays an important part in the seal, other factors may have caused the failure. We have produced a page that details the common causes of flange leakage. The PVRC Study (Post Mortem Observations and Findings) documents why seals fail and highlights the following root causes of failure:

  • Flange misalignment (12%)
  • Loose bolts (15%)
  • Gasket defective (22%)
  • Flange damaged (25%)
  • Improper installation (26%)

Topside Training School As the study indicates, damaged components, misaligned equipment and improper joint assembly as a whole, caused more seal failures than gaskets.

Fundamental to joint integrity is the competence of the personnel involved in the process of inspection/assembly and tightening of flanged bolted connections, including subcontractors during a shutdown when manpower is at its peak.

Training and competency, and experience and knowledge are often confused with each other; training is no guarantee of competency, nor is experience a guarantor of knowledge and understanding.

Training, experience and assessment of knowledge are all required to achieve competency.

Hydratight offer training courses for both topside and subsea applications, as well as an electronic learning package on bolting, find out more here.

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