We have been trying to determine the minimum number of bolts required for the lid of a vessel. We know the minimum linear load to reach optimum compression of the seal. Is there a handbook, standard or equation(s) that can be used to determine this?
We have a case where we torque a lid to approximately 900 ft-lbs using a Hy Torc. There are 48 1.5" bolts on the lid of the cask. It has a helicolflex metal seal comprised of a metal lining formed around a helicaly-wound spring. By design, we do not get metal to metal contact on the lid...
