What is the minimum number of bolts required in a temporarily connected standard ANSI (American National Standards Institute) 8-bolt flange for the transfer of cargo oil?
• ANSI standard flanges and what an "8-bolt" flange pattern means • Safety concerns during cargo oil transfer operations (pressure, leakage, hose failure) • Regulatory idea of a minimum safe temporary connection vs a full 100% bolted connection
• If a flange is designed for 8 bolts, what is the tradeoff between speed of making a temporary connection and maintaining enough strength and sealing? • Think about how many bolts you need to keep the joint evenly tightened around the flange so it doesn’t distort or leak under pressure. • How might regulators choose a number that is clearly more than a token connection, but still less than fully bolting all 8 holes?
• Check how many bolts are needed to keep symmetry on an 8-bolt circle (e.g., every other hole, or two opposite, etc.). • Consider which choice would most likely give an even gasket compression and resistance to hose whipping if pressure spikes. • Ask yourself: which option would most likely appear in USCG/industry guidance as a minimum safe number, not just a convenient small number?
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