What is the minimum number of bolts that must be removed when an 8-inch slip blind is blinded?

What is the minimum number of bolts that must be removed when an 8-inch slip blind is blinded?

• A. 4
• B. 5
• C. 3
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Relieving the gasket load and freeing the blind plate requires removing enough bolts to allow space for the plate to move away from the gasket without binding. In an eight-inch slip blind, the bolt pattern around the flange is typically eight evenly spaced bolts. To create clearance and ensure the plate can be withdrawn, you don’t want to leave a full ring of bolts holding the blind in place. Removing half would still leave the remaining bolts pinning the plate in some positions; removing one more bolt ensures there is enough gap for the plate to slip out between the remaining fasteners. So, five bolts must be removed to safely unblind an eight-inch slip blind.

Relieving the gasket load and freeing the blind plate requires removing enough bolts to allow space for the plate to move away from the gasket without binding. In an eight-inch slip blind, the bolt pattern around the flange is typically eight evenly spaced bolts. To create clearance and ensure the plate can be withdrawn, you don’t want to leave a full ring of bolts holding the blind in place. Removing half would still leave the remaining bolts pinning the plate in some positions; removing one more bolt ensures there is enough gap for the plate to slip out between the remaining fasteners. So, five bolts must be removed to safely unblind an eight-inch slip blind.