Per ASME PCC-1-2010 Appendix A: T = K × F × d × 0.001 (Nm), where K is the nut factor (0.16-0.20 for lubricated steel-on-steel), F is the target bolt load (40% of yield × root area), and d is nominal bolt diameter in mm. For a 1"-8UN B7 bolt, F ≈ 124 kN and T ≈ 565 Nm. Always round DOWN — over-torque is the most common failure mode.

Always use a star (cross) pattern, in 3-4 passes at 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% of final torque. For an 8-bolt flange, the sequence is 1-5-3-7-2-6-4-8 (opposite-side pairs). Never tighten two adjacent bolts in sequence — it creates uneven gasket stress. After the final pass, do one more round-clockwise check to confirm uniform seating.

For steam up to 600°C continuous, use spiral wound with graphite filler (Style CG with inner + outer ring). For lower-pressure steam (Class 150-300, ≤ 200°C), compressed fiber (CAF) is sufficient. Avoid compressed fiber for high-pressure steam — it extrudes and loses sealing force.

No — once a gasket has been loaded (compressed between the flanges), it has taken a "set" and will not seal the same way on re-use. Always use a new gasket. This is especially critical for spiral wound and RTJ — re-using an RTJ ring risks failure because the ring has already plastically deformed.

Type R is the original oval cross-section ring. Type RX is the octagonal replacement — it has better seating characteristics and replaces R in most modern applications. Both are rated Class 600-2500 in ASME B16.5. Type BX is octagonal but pressure-energized, used only in API 6A wellhead service up to 20,000 PSI.

No — never use B7 (carbon steel) bolts with stainless steel flanges. The galvanic couple causes rapid corrosion of the carbon steel bolt (and potentially the stainless flange at the bolt hole). Use B8 (AISI 304) or B8M (AISI 316) bolts with stainless flanges. B8M is required for sour service (NACE MR0175).