ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts are commonly used in applications where high pressure and extreme temperatures are present. They are typically used for bolting flanges together in pipelines, valves, and process equipment in the petrochemical, oil and gas, and power generation industries.
Performance Requirements
The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must meet certain performance requirements in order to be certified as appropriate for use in high pressure and high temperature applications. The performance requirements are specified by the ASTM International organization, which is responsible for developing and publishing standards for various materials, including metals and alloys.
The primary performance requirements for ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts include:
1. Tensile strength
Tensile strength is the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before it begins to fail. The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must have a minimum tensile strength of 125 ksi.
2. Yield strength
Yield strength is the amount of stress required to cause a material to permanently deform. The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must have a minimum yield strength of 105 ksi.
3. Elongation
Elongation measures the amount of deformation a material undergoes before it breaks. The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must have a minimum elongation of 16% in 4D (four times the diameter of the bolt).
4. Reduction of area
Reduction of area measures the change in cross-sectional area of a specimen after it has been stretched to its breaking point. The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must have a minimum reduction of area of 50%.
5. Hardness
Hardness is a measure of a material's resistance to deformation, such as scratching, indentation, and abrasion. The ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts must have a maximum hardness of 35 HRC.
Testing Standards
To ensure that the ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts meet the performance requirements, various tests must be conducted during the manufacturing process. The most common tests include:
1. Tensile test
The tensile test is used to determine the tensile strength and yield strength of the material. A sample of the bolt is subject to a controlled force until it breaks, and the force required to break the bolt is measured.
2. Hardness test
The hardness test measures the material's resistance to deformation, as described above.
3. Charpy impact test
The Charpy impact test is used to determine the amount of energy required to fracture a material under high strain rates. This test is particularly useful for evaluating the material's toughness and resistance to brittle fracture.
4. Ultrasonic testing
Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws in the material, such as cracks or voids.
5. Magnetic particle testing
Magnetic particle testing is used to detect surface and near-surface flaws by applying a magnetic field to the material and then applying a solution of magnetic particles. The particles will collect in areas where there are flaws, making them visible under ultraviolet light.
Conclusion
ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts are essential components for many high-pressure and high-temperature applications in various industries. Meeting the performance requirements and testing standards is critical to ensure their safe and reliable use. Choosing the right supplier that can provide high-quality ASTM A320 L7 stud bolts is crucial to ensure the success of any project involving these vital components.
Mechanical Properties
Grade
|
Size
|
Tensile ksi, min
|
Yield, ksi, min
|
Elong, %, min
|
RA % min
|
L7
|
Up to 2-1/2
|
125
|
105
|
16
|
50
|
2-5/8 - 4
|
115
|
95
|
16
|
50
|
4-1/8 - 7
|
100
|
75
|
18
|
50
|
Recommended Nuts and Washers
Bolt Grade
|
Nuts
|
Washers
|
L7
|
A194 7
|
F436
|