Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
(OP)
Our client has requested that Belleville washers be used on their flanges for steam applications. Their reasoning is that improper torquing practices can cause the flanges to leak.
I am sure this has been done and I've seen discussions on this board regarding this and have read the white papers at Solon and key belleville.
My question:
- Has the use of belleville washers been examined by ASME/API and if not, is it in the spirit of the existing codes?
I get really nervous over using something like this because it seems to be doing the job of the bolt preload. Any thoughts?
I am sure this has been done and I've seen discussions on this board regarding this and have read the white papers at Solon and key belleville.
My question:
- Has the use of belleville washers been examined by ASME/API and if not, is it in the spirit of the existing codes?
I get really nervous over using something like this because it seems to be doing the job of the bolt preload. Any thoughts?





RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
I2I
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
This is one of severak major vendors:
Key Bellevilles, Inc.
100 Key Lane, Leechburg, Pennsylvania 15656-9531
Phone: 724.295.5111 Toll Free: 800.245.3600
Fax: 724.295.2570 Toll Free: 800.847.1672
They seem to have bolting tables developed and example applications that include pipe flanges to valves.
I would contact them and ask questions.
Why are good-old ANSI flanges no longer suitable for steam systems ?....Bolt-em up and forget them
The use of bellvilles on valves to supply a "live load" to packing has been around for many years. But these packed valves would have required periodic adjustment anyway. The belleviles make the adjustment less frequent
Have you explained to the client that there will be extra expense in installation, inspection and periodic testing of bellvilles on piping flanges ? How about the applications where the bellevilles will physically not fit ?
I do not believe that ASME B31.1 or B31.3 have any statements regarding belleviles on pipe flanges.
I also do not truly understand what is really gained by the use of these devices on pipe flanges. Steam piping flanges are not locations where a properly installed system typically leaks...!!!
-MJC
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
http://www.piping-designer.com
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
They have lines of bellevilles that are designed to go flat for a specific bolt preload. I always thought that was a nice feature. Keep in mind the springs go through a permanent set the first time they're compressed so you'd want to discuss that with the supplier and how they should be ordered.
I know that I saw them on rocket motors at Cape Canaveral. I know that Velan uses them on pressure seal valves for steam. This is where pressure seats the bonnet seal and any deformation would result in lower bolt load. Bellevilles are also used on boiler gage glasses by the manufacturer's. One of the complaints I've seen with the gage glass springs was that they cracked in service. I've also seen them spec'd to address gasket creep in boiler handholes, again a pressure seated application that had the potential for a lot of deformation due to high temps, tansients and repeated loading.
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications
Avoid all flanged joints in very high vibration environments...
-MJC
RE: Belleville Washers in Steam Applications