The Consequences of Under, Uneven, Over-Torque: Gasket Failure
When it comes to ensuring the long-term performance of your machine, there is perhaps no more critical step than proper torquing. If a gasket fails due to improper torque, it can lead to catastrophic damage to both the gasket and other areas in the system, causing loss of productivity, equipment damage, and compromised workplace safety.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at why inaccurate torquing is so dangerous and what may happen if one or more components are improperly torqued during installation.
Why Does Gasket Failure Happen?
Gaskets are an essential component in the engineering of machines and equipment. They serve as a seal between two surfaces to prevent leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the machinery. However, gasket failure can happen for various reasons, including:
• Misalignment of the gasket
• Misaligned flanges
• Improper application selection
• Erosion and permeation
• Under or over-torquing
Understanding the underlying causes of gasket failure is crucial to preventing mishaps, ensuring the longevity of machines, and improving workplace safety.
What is Under, Uneven and Over-Torque?
When it comes to tightening bolts and nuts, torque is an essential element to consider. Under-torque is when the torque applied to a fastener is less than what is recommended. This can lead to a loose connection and the risk of the fastener coming apart.
On the other hand, over-torqued gaskets occur when the torque applied to a fastener is greater than what is recommended. This can cause the flange load to become uneven and weaken the effectiveness of the flange/ bolt load, which can result in joint failure.
For this reason, it is crucial to apply the correct torque to fasteners to maintain the structural integrity of components.
Signs of Gasket Failure
It is important to be aware of the signs of gasket failure so that any necessary steps can be taken to remedy the problem. Common signs of gasket failure include:
• Leaking fluids or gases around bolted components
• A decrease in component performance
• Vibrations coming from bolted connections
• Discoloration or corrosion around bolted connections
• A decrease in overall system efficiency
• Increased noise levels
By being aware of the signs of gasket failure, it is possible to take preventative measures and ensure that machines are running safely and efficiently.
How to Prevent Gasket Failure Through Proper Torque Settings
To prevent gasket failure, the correct torque settings must be used when fastening components. To ensure accuracy, a torque wrench should always be used to tighten the bolts and nuts correctly. Additionally, it is essential to check the flanges for misalignment before tightening any connections.
What are the types of torque wrenches?
There are a variety of types of torque wrenches available, such as battery, pneumatic, manual, and hydraulic torque wrenches. Each type is designed to provide accurate readings for different levels of torque, so it is important to select the right type of wrench before attempting any fastening tasks.
How to Select the Right Torque Wrench
When selecting the appropriate torque wrench, it is necessary to consider a few factors These include:
• The type of fastener: Different torque wrench types are designed to work with different fasteners, such as bolts and nuts.
• The size of the fastener: The chosen torque wrench must be compatible with the size of the fastener.
• The type of material: Certain types of materials may require different levels of tension when being tightened.
• The application: The torque wrench must be suited for the type of application and environment in which it will be used.
• The torque required: The chosen torque wrench must be capable of providing the correct torque level for the fastener.
• The environment in which it will be used: Different environments require specific torque levels.
It is also important to note that proper maintenance must be done on all torque wrenches to ensure accuracy. This includes regularly calibrating the tool as well as replacing any worn or damaged parts.
Cost of Repairing Gasket Damage Due to Under, Uneven or Over-Torque
Equipment damage due to under, uneven or over-torqued gaskets can be costly to repair. The cost of repairs will depend on the severity of the equipment damage and the parts required for replacement, but it is important to keep in mind that the cost of repairs can easily exceed the initial cost of a quality torque wrench.
It is therefore essential to ensure that proper torque settings are used at all times. By using the right tools and following the recommended guidelines, damages due to over, under, or uneven-torque can be prevented. This will not only help to maintain the structural integrity of components, but it will also save money in the long run.
Shop Torque Wrenches at ALLTORC Today
Here at ALLTORC, we have a wide selection of torque wrenches to suit all your fastening needs. Our highly-trained engineers can help you select the right torque wrench for your application and ensure that it is calibrated correctly.
To find out more, contact us today and speak to one of our engineers. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your fastening operations!