Cold Insulated Gage with Spring Washers: A Closer Look
- Nov 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 10
DID YOU KNOW? Belleville spring washers help maintain constant bolt load during thermal expansion and contraction, thereby maintaining both gasket load and an effective seal. Here's a look at one in service — a cold-insulated gage fitted with spring washers.
Why Cold Insulated Service Is a Particular Fit for Spring Washers
Insulated gages — whether insulated for heat retention or, as in this case, for cold/low-temperature service — present a specific version of the "hard to access" problem that makes spring washers valuable. Thermal insulation covering the bolted connection means reaching the gage to check or adjust torque isn't a quick, casual task; it typically means removing insulation first.
On top of that access challenge, cold and cryogenic service introduces its own thermal cycling as the system moves between operating temperature and ambient conditions during startup, shutdown, or maintenance. Each cycle is an opportunity for gasket settling to reduce bolt tension — the exact effect spring washers are designed to compensate for by continuing to apply tension as the gasket relaxes.
Why This Combination Makes Sense
Put those two factors together — an insulated connection that's inconvenient to access, plus thermal cycling that gradually reduces bolt tension — and cold insulated gages become a strong candidate for spring washers specifically, rather than standard flat washers that offer no compensation once the gasket begins to settle.
Learn More About Spring Washers
For the full explanation of how spring washers work, when they're recommended, and how they compare to standard flat washers, see our detailed article on spring washers for transparent and reflex glass gages.
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