Oil-gas
Sr. No. | Application Area | Fastener Types | Primary Functions | Materials Commonly Used | Key Performance & Regulatory Factors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pipelines & Flow Lines | Flange Bolts, Studs, Gaskets, Clamp Connectors |
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Carbon steel with corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., hot-dip galvanized), high-strength alloys (B7, B16), specialty seals |
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2 | Pressure Vessels & Reactors | High-Strength Bolts, Studs, Specialty Nuts |
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Chrome-moly (e.g., B16), stainless steels, Inconel or Incoloy (for high-temp/corrosive environments) |
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3 | Heat Exchangers & Condensers | Stud Bolts, Tie Rods, Gaskets |
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Stainless steel (304/316), alloy steels, corrosion inhibitors/coatings |
|
4 | Distillation Columns & Towers | Flange Bolts, Manway Bolts, Lugs, Clips |
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Alloy steel (B7/B8 classes), stainless steels (316L), coated fasteners |
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5 | Pumps & Compressors | Bolts, Nuts, Lock Washers, Couplings |
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High-strength steel, heat-treated alloys, corrosion-resistant coatings |
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6 | Valves & Actuators | Stud Bolts, Bonnet Bolts, Gland Fasteners, Sealing Screws |
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Carbon steel with plating, stainless steel, specialty alloys (e.g., Monel) |
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7 | Furnaces & Boilers | Refractory Anchors, Expansion Bolts, Studs |
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Heat-resistant steel (310, 304H), Inconel, ceramic coatings |
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8 | Storage Tanks & Spheres | Anchor Bolts, Tie Rods, Roof Bolts, Sealing Rivets |
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Carbon steel (A307/A325) with galvanizing, weathering steels, gaskets/seals |
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9 | Refinery Piping Supports & Skids | U-Bolts, Hanger Rods, Clamps, Support Brackets |
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Galvanized/carbon steel, stainless steel, anti-vibration linings |
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10 | Instrumentation & Control Systems | Small Screws, Mounting Brackets, Threaded Inserts |
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Stainless steel, plated steel, sometimes plastics (for enclosures) |
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Key Highlights for Oil & Gas Refinery Fasteners
- Regulatory & Code Compliance: API, ASME, ASTM, NACE, ISO standards govern design, testing, and materials to ensure safe and reliable operations.
- Extreme Operating Conditions: High temperatures, pressures, corrosive media, and cyclic loading demand specialty alloys, coatings, and sealing solutions.
- Corrosion & Sour Service: NACE MR0175 compliance is crucial for handling H₂S (hydrogen sulfide) in sour gas environments; certain fastener materials must resist sulfide stress cracking.
- Maintenance & Inspection: Refinery components often undergo Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), torque checks, and scheduled overhauls (turnarounds) to detect early signs of failure or corrosion.
- Sealing & Leak Prevention: Gaskets, O-rings, and sealants complement fasteners to prevent leaks of flammable or toxic substances, ensuring operational safety and environmental compliance.
By choosing appropriate materials, coatings, and fastener designs, and adhering to strict Oil & Gas industry standards, refineries ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations in some of the most demanding industrial environments.