SECTION 10

ENGINEERING / REFERENCE

• Flanged Connections
• Hub Connections
• Torque and Preload
• Bolting
• Temperature Considerations
• Ring Gaskets
• Hytorc Torque Chart for ASTM A193 Grade B7 Studs
• Hytorc API Flange Data – Wellheads, BOPs and Valves
• Hytorc Standard Flange Specifications (ANSI)
• Technical Data TS-70 Moly Paste Molybdenum Disulfide
Lubricant
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Symbols

Page 1 of 53
Page 2 of 53
 Connections
Well control equipment end and outlet connections are either flanged,
hubbed or, (occasionally), threaded. API publications 6A, “Specification
for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment”, and 16A, “Specification
for Drill Through Equipment” detail dimensional requirements for the
various connections as well as ring gasket type and fastener specification
(studs and nuts). Connections used on subsea BOP equipment will be
either flanged or hubbed (threaded connections tend to be used on tubing
and casing hangers for example), and should comply with the API
specifications.

Flanged Connections

API flanged connections are either Type 6B or Type 6BX. Both types
utilise a metallic ring gasket to effect a seal between the two flanges
which are preloaded by studs and nuts torqued to a specified value. Each
type can be of the thru-bolt or studded design. In the thru-bolt design, two
conventional flanges are bolted together. In the studded design, one half
of the connection has threaded studs screwed into tapped holes in its
“flange”. Type 6B and 6BX connections integral to drill through
equipment should not contain test connections.

Type 6B Flanges

Available at 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 psi maximum working pressure,

Type 6B connections are not designed for face to face make up of the
flanges (flange faces may be flat or raised on the ring joint side). The
connection make up bolting force reacts on the ring gasket which will be
of the type R or RX design. (Gasket design is discussed later in this
section). Ring grooves, which may have a corrosion resistant inlay,
should have a surface finish no rougher than 63 microinches RMS. Type
6B flanges are not recommended for hydrogen sulphide service.
Specifications for Type 6B flanges can be found in API 6A section 10.
See Table 1 for 6B flange gasket and bolting data.

Type 6BX Flanges

Available at up to 20,000 psi maximum working pressure, Type 6BX

connections are designed for face to face make up of the flanges. The
connection make up bolting force reacts primarily through the faces of the
flanges, and not through the ring gasket as is the case with a Type 6B
connection. API 6A specifies that at least one of the flanges shall have a

Page 3 of 53
“raised face”. This ensures that face to face contact of the flanges is
achieved around the ring groove which might not be the case if two “flat”
flanges were used (due to flange distortion). All conventional flanges
should have a raised face on the ring gasket side, studded flanges may
have a flat face. Suitable for hydrogen sulphide service, Type 6BX
connections utilise a type BX ring gasket. Ring grooves, which may have
a corrosion resistant inlay, should have a surface finish no rougher than
32 microinches RMS. Specifications for Type 6BX flanges can also be
found in API 6A section 10.
See Table 2 for 6BX flange gasket and bolting data.

Page 4 of 53
Figure 1 API Type 6B Flange connection with Type R Ring Gasket.
Flanges are not face to face. Raised faces on flanges are optional.

Figure 2 API Type 6BX Flange connection with BX Ring Gasket

Flanges have face to face contact. Both flanges have raised faces

Figure 3 API Type 6BX Studded Connection with BX Ring Gasket

Flanges have face to face contact. Studded flange is not require to have
raised face

Page 5 of 53
Maximum Bore R or RX Bolt No. of Diameter Maximum
WP (psi) Gasket PCD Bolts Of Bolts Length
2,000 2-1/16” 23 5.0” 8 5/8” 4.5”
2-9/16” 26 5.88” 8 3/4” 5.0”
3-1/8” 31 6.62” 8 3/4" 5.25”
4-1/16” 37 8.5” 8 7/8” 6.0”
5-1/8” 41 10.5” 8 1” 6.75”
7-1/16” 45 11.5” 12 1” 7.0”
9” 49 13.75” 12 1-1/8” 8.0”
11” 53 17.0” 16 1-1/4” 8.75”
13-3/8” 57 19.25” 20 1-1/4” 9.0”
16-3/4” 65 23.75” 20 1-1/2” 10.25”
21-1/4” 73 28.5” 24 1-5/8” 11.75”
3,000 2-1/16” 24 6.5” 8 7/8” 6.0”
2-9/16” 27 7.5” 8 1” 6.5”
3-1/8” 31 7.5” 8 7/8” 6.0”
4-1/16” 37 9.25” 8 1-1/8” 7.0”
5-1/8” 41 11.0” 8 1-1/4” 7.75”
7-1/16” 45 12.5” 12 1-1/8” 8.0”
9” 49 15.5” 12 1-3/8” 9.0”
11” 53 18.5” 16 1-3/8” 9.5”
13-3/8” 57 21.0” 20 1-3/8” 10.25”
16-3/4” 66 24.25” 20 1-5/8” 11.75”
20-3/4” 74 29.5” 20 2” 14.5”
5,000 2-1/16 24 6.5” 8 7/8” 6.0”
2-9/16 27 7.5” 8 1” 6.5”
3-1/8 35 8.0” 8 1-1/8” 7.25”
4-1/16 39 9.5” 8 1-1/4” 8.0”
5-1/8 44 11.5” 8 1-1/2” 10.0”
7-1/16 46 12.5” 12 1-3/8” 10.75”
9 50 15.5” 12 1-5/8” 12.0”
11 54 19.0” 12 1-7/8” 13.75”

Table 1 API Type 6B Flange, Gasket and Bolting Data (from API 6A 17th
Edition, Feb 1996)

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Maximum Bore BX Gasket Bolt No. of Diameter Maximum
WP (psi) Number PCD Bolts Of Bolts Length
2,000 26-3/4” 167 37.50” 20 1-3/4” 13.75”
30” 303 40.94” 32 1-5/8” 14.25”
3,000 26-3/4” 168 39.38” 24 2” 17.0”
30” 303 42.92” 32 1-7/8” 17.75”
5,000 13-3/8” 160 23.25” 16 1-5/8” 12.5”
16-3/4” 162 26.62” 16 1-7/8” 14.5”
18-3/4” 163 31.62” 20 2” 17.5”
21-1/4” 165 34.88” 24 2” 18.75”
10,000 1-13/16” 151 5.75” 8 3/4" 5.0”
2-1/16” 152 6.25” 8 3/4" 5.2”
2-9/16” 153 7.25” 8 7/8” 6.0”
3-1/16” 154 8.5” 8 1” 6.75”
4-1/16” 155 10.19” 8 1-1/8” 8.0”
5-1/8” 169 11.81” 12 1-1/8” 8.75”
7-1/16” 156 15.88” 12 1-1/2” 11.25”
9” 157 18.75” 16 1-1/2” 13.0”
11” 158 22.25” 16 1-3/4” 15.0”
13-3/8” 159 26.5” 20 1-7/8” 17.25”
16-3/4” 162 30.56” 24 1-7/8” 17.5”
18-3/4” 164 36.44” 24 2-1/4” 22.5”
21-1/4” 166 40.25” 24 2-1/2” 24.5”
15,000 1-13/16” 151 6.31” 8 7/8” 5.5”
2-1/16” 152 6.88” 8 7/8” 6.0”
2-9/16” 153 7.88” 8 1” 6.75”
3-1/16” 154 9.06” 8 1-1/8” 7.5”
4-1/16” 155 11.44” 8 1-3/8” 9.25”
7-1/16” 156 16.88” 16 1-1/2” 12.75”
9” 157 21.75” 16 1-7/8” 15.75”
11” 158 28.0” 20 2” 19.25”
13-3/8” 159 30.38” 20 2-1/4” 21.25”
18-3/4” 164 40.0” 20 3” 26.75”
20,000 1-13/16” 151 8.0” 8 1” 7.5”
2-1/16” 152 9.06” 8 1-1/8” 8.25”
2-9/16” 153 10.31” 8 1-1/4” 9.25”
3-1/16” 154 11.31” 8 1-3/8” 10.0”
4-1/16” 155 14.06” 8 1-3/4” 12.25”
7-1/16” 156 21.81” 16 2” 17.5”
9” 157 27.0” 16 2-1/2” 22.38”
11” 158 29.5” 16 2-3/4” 23.75”
13/3/8” 159 40.0” 20 3” 30.0”

Table 2 API Type 6BX Flange, Gasket and Bolting Data (from API 6A 17th
Edition, Feb 1996)

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 Hubbed Connections

API hubbed connections are either Type 16B or Type 16BX. Both types
utilise a metallic gasket to effect a seal between hubs that are preloaded
by a two piece clamp assembly. Both 16B and 16BX hub faces are flat,
there are no raised faces as is the case with flanged connections. All hubs
have a 25 degree taper machined on their “bottom” face over which the
clamp is installed. See Figure 4. Hub clamps may be swing bolt type or
through bolt type (preferred). In either case, clamps should be torqued to
the correct value as specified by the manufacturer. As with Type 6B and
6BX flange connections, Type 16B and 16BX hubs integral with drill
through equipment should not contain test connections.

Type 16B Hubs

Available at 2,000 psi or 3,000 psi maximum working pressure, Type

16B hubs utilise a type RX gasket but are designed for face to face make
up of the hubs. To achieve face to face make up, special type SR ring
grooves are machined in the hubs. These ring grooves, which may have a
corrosion resistant inlay, should have a surface finish no rougher than 63
microinches RMS. Specifications for Type 16B hubs can be found in API
16A section 4.3.4.2.2.2.

Type 16BX Hubs

Available at up to 20,000 psi maximum working pressure, Type 16BX

hubs utilise a type BX gasket and are designed for face to face make up of
the hubs. Ring grooves, which may have a corrosion resistant inlay,
should have a surface finish no rougher than 32 microinches RMS.
Specifications for Type 16BX hubs can be found in API 16A section
4.3.4.2.3.2.

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 Pressure Type 16B Type 16BX
Rating
2,000 psi 7-1/16”, 16-3/4”, 21-1/4”
3,000 psi 11”, 13-3/8”, 16-3/4”
5,000 psi 2-1/8” thru 21-1/4”
10,000 psi 1-13/16” thru 21-1/4”
15,000 psi 1-13/16 thru 18-3/4”
20,000 psi 1-13/16” thru 11”

Table 3 Pressure Rating and Size Range of API Type 16B and
16BX Hubs

Maximu Hub Ring Ring Clamp

m Size / Groove # Gasket # #
WP (psi) Bore
2,000 7-1/16” SR-45 RX-45 25
16-3/4” SR-65 RX-65 12
21-1/4” SR-73 RX-73 18
3,000 11” SR-53 RX-53 9
13-3/8” SR-57 RX-57 11
16-3/4” SR-65 RX-65 14

Table 4 API Type 16B Hub Data (from API 16A 2nd Edition, Dec
1997)

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 Maximum Hub Ring Clamp #
WP (psi) Size / Bore Gasket #
5,000 2-1/16” BX-152 1
2-9/16” BX-153 2
3-1/8” BX-154 4
4-1/16” BX-155 5
7-1/16” BX-156 6
9” BX-157 8
11” BX-158 10
13-3/8” BX-160 13
16-3/4” BX-162 19
21-1/4” BX-165 27
10,000 1-13/16” BX-151 1
2-1/16” BX-152 2
2-9/16” BX-153 4
3-1/16” BX-154 5
4-1/16” BX-155 6
7-1/16” BX-156 10
9” BX-157 10
11” BX-158 22
13-3/8” BX-159 15
16-3/4” BX-162 28
18-3/4” BX-164 27
21-1/4” BX-166 26
15,000 1-13/16” BX-151 2
2-1/16” BX-152 3
2-9/16” BX-153 3
3-1/16” BX-154 6
4-1/16” BX-155 8
7-1/16” BX-156 22
11” BX-158 15
13-5/8” BX-159 28
18-3/4” BX-164 26
20,000 1-13/16” BX-151 3
2-1/16” BX-152 3
2-9/16” BX-153 6
3-1/16” BX-154 8
4-1/16” BX-155 10
7-1/16” BX-156 15
11” BX-158 28

Table 5 API Type 16BX Hub Data (from API 16A 2nd Edition, Dec 1997)

Page 10 of 53
 25 degrees +/- 0.25

Type SR ring groove (16B) or Type BX ring groove

(16BX)

Figure 4 Cross-section of typical API 16B or 16BX Hub

Connection

Figure 5 Typical hub connection showing one half clamp installed

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Clamps

Two piece cast or forged (preferred) clamps are used to preload 16B and
16BX hub connections. The two clamp halves are secured by either two,
or four, swing or thru-bolts depending upon clamp type and size. New
clamps will be forged, with four thru-bolts. Older clamps may be cast and
have only two thru-bolts, or, in the larger sizes, utilise swing bolts, pinned
at one end to the clamp sections. API clamps have a designated number
according to size and pressure rating. See Table 2. Cooper Oil Tool
(Cameron) Engineering Bulletin No 595 D “Cooper Oil Tool Clamp
Connection” (attached) provides information on clamp inspection and
installation. Included in this bulletin are the recommended torque values
for the clamp bolting.

Figure 5 Typical “Thru-bolt” Hub Clamp Assembly. Note

Washers Under Stud Nuts

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Figure 6 Section through Hub Clamp. Note 25 Degree Taper and
Surface Finish Specification
(maximum 32 microinches RMS)

Page 13 of 53
Clamp API Working Clamp API Working
# Designated Pressure # Designated Pressure
Size (psi) Size (psi)
1 1-13/16” 10,000 10 7-1/16” 10,000
2-1/16” 5,000 9” 10,000
2 1-13/16” 15,000 11” 5,000
2-1/16” 10,000 11 13-5/8” 3,000
2-9/16” 5,000 12 16-3/4” 2,000
3 1-13/16” 20,000 13 13-5/8” 5,000
2-1/16” 15,000 14 16-3/4” 3,000
2-1/16” 20,000 15 7-1/16” 20,000
2-9/16” 15,000 11” 15,000
4 2-9/16” 10,000 13-5/8” 10,000
3-1/8” 5,000 18 21-1/4” 2,000
5 3-1/16” 10,000 19 16-3/4” 5,000
4-1/16” 5,000 22 7-1/16” 15,000
6 2-9/16” 20,000 11” 10,000
3-1/16” 15,000 25 7-1/16” 2,000
4-1/16” 10,000 26 16-3/4” 15,000
8 3-1/16”” 20,000 21-1/4” 10,000
4-1/16” 15,000 27 18-3/4” 10,000
7-1/16” 5,000 21-1/4” 5,000
9” 5,000 28 11” 20,000
9 11” 3,000 13-5/8” 15,000
10 4-1/16” 20,000 16-3/4” 10,000

Table 6 API designated Clamp Sizes for Type 16B and 16BX Hub
Connections

Page 14 of 53
Studs and Nuts

Studs and nuts used to connect API end and outlet flanges are also
required to comply with the specifications detailed in API 6A, section
10.3. The specification provides information on ASTM (American
Society of Testing Materials) grades and materials for studding and nuts,
yield strength, hardness requirements and operating temperature range.
Recommended flange bolt toque values are also provided in appendix D
of the specification.

Torque and Preload

Flange connections (and hubs) maintain their sealing integrity because the
applied loading on the flanges from internal fluid pressure is insufficient
to overcome the preload in the studding which is clamping the flanges
together. Providing the correct preload (or tension) to flange bolting
during initial assembly is critical to ensuring long term reliability of the
connection. If the applied preload is incorrect, or, subsequently lost, then
internal pressure could separate the flanges resulting in a leak / wash-out
at the connection.

Preload is a term used (in this context) to describe the internal tension or
stress built up in a stud or bolt as it is tightened. The torque values
provided in API 16A theoretically preload flange bolting to 50% of yield.
All bolting is manufactured from material that is elastic to a certain
degree, depending upon its specific chemical composition. When tension
is applied to the bolt, it will stretch, when the tension is released, the bolt
will return to its original length. The yield point of a material is when
applied tension stretches it to a point where permanent elongation or
deformation occurs. When the tension is released, it does not return to its
original length, i.e. it has exceeded its “elastic limit”. The yield point is
measured in ksi. i.e. thousand pounds per square inch tension. Bolting
used for connecting API flanging typically has a yield strength of 105 ksi
(up to 2-1/2” dia). A 1” stud tensioned to 50% of yield (52.5 ksi) would
have a preload of approximately 31,800 pounds.

Mathematical calculation can provide the optimum bolt preload required

to ensure connection integrity. Calculation can also provide guidance on
the applied torque required to the bolting in order to achieve the
necessary preload. Torque is only one of many variables that affect
bolting preload. Other factors which should be considered include:

Page 15 of 53
 1. Thread dimensions and form.
2. Surface finish of studs, nuts and flange faces.
3. Degree of parallelism between nut face and flange face
4. Type of lubrication and coating of the threads and nut bearing
surface area.

Several equipment manufacturers, lubricant manufacturers and tooling

manufacturers provide tabular information regarding the torque values
required when using different thread lubricants with different coefficients
of friction (see end of this section). This information is generally based on
ASTM A193 grade B7 studs preloaded to 50% of yield (as recommended
by API for general service connections). It can be clearly seen that if a
molybdenum disulfide type lubricant is used, coefficient of friction 0.06,
then considerably less torque is required to achieve the same bolt preload
than if using an API 5A2 thread compound with a coefficient of friction
of 0.117.

When determining torque values for flange bolting, it is imperative that

consideration should be given to the thread lubricant used.

Page 16 of 53
If insufficient torque is applied to a flange bolt, then insufficient preload
will be generated in the bolt. Even if the connection has initial sealing
integrity, further loss of bolting preload due to embedment relaxation,
gasket creep or vibration loosening could result in subsequent leakage.

Embedment Relaxation – When originally made up, new bolts and

nuts will contact each other only on the microscopically high spots of
the thread forms. These high spots will initially be loaded beyond their
yield point and will subsequently “creep” until sufficient contact area
has been engaged to stabilise the process.

Gasket Creep – Similar concept to embedment relaxation. Initial
contact points between the gasket and the ring groove will deform due
to the plastic nature of the gasket, especially when first subjected to
high internal pressure.

Vibration Loosening – Severe vibration can cause fasteners to “back
off”, especially when preload is less than optimum. As preload
decreases, the reduction of preload due to vibration will become more
rapid.

If too much torque is applied to a flange bolt then the preload in the bolt
may exceed the elastic limit of the material (yield point). This can result
in “necking” and subsequent failure of the bolting and is especially
prevalent when small diameter bolting is torqued using high powered
impact tooling

Temperature Considerations

API connection bolting should comply with the specifications for

operational temperature range. See table 7. The minimum temperature is
the lowest ambient temperature to which the equipment may be subjected.
The maximum temperature is the highest temperature of the fluid that
may contact the equipment.

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 Operating Range
Temperature Degrees F Degrees C
Classification Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
K -75 180 -60 82
L -50 180 -46 82
P -20 180 -29 82
R Room Temperature Room Temperature
S 0 150 -18 66
T 0 180 -18 82
U 0 250 -18 121
V 35 250 2 121

Table 7 Operating Temperature Ratings as designated by API

Page 18 of 53
Bolting Selection

Studs and nuts for API connections should meet the requirements of the
ASTM specification as listed in API 16A section 3. Consideration should
be given to the equipment operating temperature range when selecting
bolting material. Table 8 lists the bolting requirements for general service
applications, i.e. non exposure to a severe or corrosive environment
(additional information is available in the specification for severe
service).

Temperature Classification
Requirement P,S,T or U K,L,P,S,T or U
NACE MR0175 Class None None
Size and Rated Working All All
Pressure
Bolting
ASTM Specification, A193 A320
Grades and Materials Grade B7 Grade L7 or L43
Yield Strength, ksi 105 (≤
≤ 2-1/2”) 105 (≤
≤ 2-1/2”)
minimum 95 (>
> 2-1/2”) 95 (>
> 2-1/2”)
Hardness per NACE No No
MR0175
Charpey Testing Required * No Yes
Nuts
ASTM Specification A194 A194
Grade 2H, 2HM, 4 or 7 2H, 2HM, 4 or 7
Hardness per NACE No No
MR0175
Charpy Testing Required * No No

Table 8 General Service Bolting Requirements for API

Connections

Using the information in tables 7 and 8, it can be seen that for regular and
high temperature service, grade B7 studs should be used. For low
temperature service, grade L7 or L43 studs are required. Grade 2H or
2HM nuts can be used in both cases.

Page 19 of 53
* Charpey Impact Testing is used to determine the “toughness” of a
material. Toughness is the ability of the metal to resist fracture under
impact loading and is particularly pertinent for steel used in low
temperature service which can become brittle.

Recommended Flange Bolt Torque

Table 9 provides information on API recommended flange bolt torque.

The torque values given will theoretically preload the flange bolts to 50%
of yield. In addition to the API recommendations, additional information
from Cameron (equipment manufacturer), T.S.Moly-Lubricants (lubricant
manufacturer) and HyTorc (torque tooling manufacturer) is provided at
the end of this section.

Page 20 of 53
Page 21 of 53
Ring Gaskets

Metallic ring gaskets are used to effect a seal between API flange and hub
connections as well as other propriety connections supplied by equipment
and wellhead manufacturers. Various “types” of gasket are available,
some, such as the BX gasket are manufactured to API specifications and
can bear the API monogram (BX gaskets are specified for API 6BX
flange and 16BX hub connections). Other gaskets, such as the Dril-Quip
DX gasket are manufactured to Dril-Quip specifications, not API (DX
gaskets are used to seal between Dril-Quip hydraulic connectors and
wellheads).

It is standard industry practise to replace ring gaskets whenever the

connection is broken. API specification 6A provides guidance on this
matter. “Ring gaskets have a limited amount of positive interference
which assures the gaskets will be coined into sealing relationships in the
grooves. These gaskets shall not be reused.” Although written specifically
for API gaskets (types R, RX and BX), the philosophy holds true for all
types of gasket.

Metallic ring gaskets found in the oil and gas industry include the
following:

♦ API Type R: Specified for API Type 6B flange connections which are
available up to a maximum working pressures of 5,000 psi. Either oval
or octagonal in shape, this gasket design is not energised by internal
pressure. After make up, flanges are not face to face and all
compressive loading is taken by the gasket. The design of the
connection is prone to gasket creep which can cause loss of preload in
the flange bolting which, therefore, should be checked periodically.
Not used in a subsea environment. Often found in motion
compensation equipment and mud circulating piping.

♦ API Type RX: Can be used for API Type 6B connections instead of
the type R gasket. This gasket design is pressure energised. Again,
after make up, flanges are not face to face and compressive loading is
taken by the gasket. However, the RX gasket has larger load bearing
surfaces than the Type R gasket, and is less liable to gasket creep. All
23 degree sealing surfaces on R and RX gaskets should have a surface
finish no rougher than 63 microinches RMS.

The type RX gasket is also specified for API type 16B hub
connections which have a “special” type SR ring groove. The SR ring

Page 22 of 53
 groove is such that face to face contact of the hubs can be achieved so
that the connection compressive loading is not all taken by the gasket.
Type 16B hub connections with RX gaskets have been used on subsea
equipment, typically for large bore, low pressure connections, e.g.
riser adapter to ball joint connections.
The API SR ring groove does not support the RX ring on its ID. This
can lead to the gasket buckling during assembly. A Cameron propriety
version of the SR ring groove is available which does support the ID
of the RX gasket and inhibits buckling or distortion.

♦ API Type BX: Specified for API 6BX flange and 16BX hub
connections which are available up to a maximum working pressure of
20,000 psi. The type BX gasket is a pressure energised design and
requires face to face contact of the connection flanges or hubs. The
BX gasket is the most commonly used gasket in the industry and is
found extensively in subsea and surface equipment. All 23 degree
sealing surfaces on type BX gaskets should have a surface finish no
rougher than 32 microinches RMS.

♦ Cameron Type AX: Originally designed for use with Cameron collet
connectors, the AX gasket, which is pressure energised, provides the
seal between the connector and the wellhead or BOP mandrel. The
connection design allows face to face contact between the hubs after
the connector is locked. In recent years, Cameron have also used the
AX gasket for choke and kill line, valve and spool connections on
their BOP stacks. Both hub and flange connections are available with
AX gasket preps.

♦ Cameron Type CX: Another Cameron propriety design, the CX gasket

is a development of the AX gasket. Designed as an alternative to the
API 6BX flange or 16BX hub connection, the CX gasket is used in the
main thru-bore end connections of BOP assembly components such as
ram and annular preventers. Pressure energised, the CX gasket
requires face to face contact of the connection flanges or hubs.

♦ Vetco Type VX: The Vetco propriety VX gasket and its derivatives,
the VGX and VT gaskets are used to seal between Vetco connectors
and wellheads or BOP mandrels.

Page 23 of 53
♦ Dril-Quip Type DX: The Dril-Quip propriety DX gasket is used to
seal between Dril-Quip connectors and wellheads.

Further information on ring gasket design can be found in Cameron

Engineering Bulletin EB 576 D “API and Cameron Ring Joint Design”
which is included at the end of this section.

Gasket Materials

API gaskets are available in four different materials as listed in table 10.
Propriety gaskets may only be available in cadmium plated mild steel and
stainless steel. Wellhead gaskets (AX, VX etc) are also available with
single or double hycar resilient seals in the main sealing face(s) (these
would be used in special circumstances where a metal to metal seal could
not be achieved).

Soft iron gaskets are seldom used for subsea equipment where the seal
may deteriorate due to corrosion. Cadmium plated low carbon steel
gaskets are used subsea, but stainless steel is generally the gasket material
of choice.

Note: If equipment is ultimately to be assembled with stainless steel

gaskets, stainless steel gaskets should also be used for any acceptance or
proof testing. Connections proof tested with low carbon steel gaskets may
not necessarily seal when assembled with stainless steel gaskets, due to
the difference in the hardness of the gasket material.

Material Maximum Hardness Identification Marking

Soft Iron HRB 56 D
Low Carbon Steel HRB 68 S
Type 304 Stainless Steel HRB 83 S304
Type 316 Stainless Steel HRB 83 S316

Table 10 Ring Gasket Material

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