Recommended bolt torques for PTFE lined piping Flange studs

Bolting materials should be of the best quality, clean, well lubricated and to the site standard. The use of washers is recommended to ensure correct even torque. 

To properly set a bolt it should first be finger tightened and then tightened down with  a torque wrench in a strict sequence of diagonally opposite pairs. This process should always be undertaken at ambient temperature.

Please note that PTFE is subject to cold flow or “creep”. It is therefore strongly recommended that all bolts are retorqued a minimum of 24 hours after commissioning or following the initial full process cycle. The torque of all bolted joints should then be rechecked at least annually thereafter.

The following table gives recommended torque levels for ASME 150 flange to flange connections.

Nominal Bore Torque Bolts/Studs  
  Ft Ibs Qty (UNC)
1″ 14 4 1/2″
1.1/2″ 20 4 1/2″
2″ 35 4 5/8″
2.1/2″ 39 4 5/8″
3″ 54 4 5/8″
4″ 40 8 5/8″
6″ 80 8 3/4″
8″ 100 8 3/4″
10″ 94 12 7/8″
12″ 107 12 7/8″
14″ 134 16 1″

The torque values given above are a guide; they may be exceeded by a value of 50% to effect a seal. If once this torque level has been reached a seal has not been achieved, it is likely that there is another cause.

This may be due to joint misalignment or strain, or it may be that the PTFE flare face has suffered mechanical damage. Small scratches can be removed with the use of a fine abrasive without detriment. If damage is significant, overtightening is not a solution and the component should be rejected.

Bolt sequence