Use of Lubricant on Octagonal Ring Joint Gaskets 2

[ripaldee]

My project inspectors raised the alarm that the use of any lubricants (i.e. light grease) on the gasket/gasket seating area of the RJ flanged assembly is not allowed and they referred me to ASME PCC-1 of the violation committed by my contractor. In defense, my contractor responded that this practice of lubricating the gasket/gasket seating area of the RJ flanged assembly is normal and acts as anti-corrosive agent; in fact, this is the first time they received the violation for such. Does the ASME PCC-1 provision refers to all types of gaskets (i.e. no exceptions)? Is there benefit in lubricating the gasket/gasket seating area of the RJ flanged assembly as my contractor have done in the past?

 

[Duwe6]

Your Inspectors are right. It is NOT industry standard to lube a RTJ flange or ring gasket prior to installation. However, if the lube is compatable to the process fluid, a small ammount of lube should be harmless. Unless the pipe flange and/or ring material was spec'd wrong, corrosion is not an issue.

BTW, screwed unions experience a LOT fewer installation leaks if a tiny ammount of lube or pipe dope is smeared on the mating surface of one side ot the other. Your contractor may be equating RTJ's with screwed unions.

 

[TWP]

Do not lubricate gaskets (general rule)
Exception : metallic RTJ gaskets for RTJ flanges. These may be lightly (!) oiled to reduce very high frictional forces (important !).
Regards, TP

 

[ripaldee]

Thanks for the inputs.