Bolting Symposium
14th Annual Bolting Symposium
January 5-7, 2027
MOODY GARDENS, INC.
1 Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554
Advancing Reliability Through Bolting Excellence
The 14th annual Bolting Symposium promises to build on the tradition of being a high-quality, intimate event that continues to offer high-level, dynamic networking combined with knowledgeable speakers to help the industry understand more facets of bolting.
Bolted flange joints are everywhere in the industrial world. They affect refining, petrochemical, downstream, upstream, midstream, plastics, power generation, nuclear, and many other industries. Attendees who will benefit the most from this event are subject matter experts and those looking to become one.
We heard your feedback loud and clear, and we’re excited to announce that End User Day is returning on January 5. This dedicated day is designed exclusively for end users, providing focused discussions, targeted learning opportunities, and tailored resources to help address the challenges faced by plant personnel and reliability professionals.
$300.00
Product Description
- Full conference access from January 5-7, 2027
- Admission to End User Day
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Access to all networking events hosted during the symposium
- Evening access to the Premier Lounge
- Educational sessions led by industry experts
- Opportunities to connect with peers, manufacturers, service providers, and industry leaders
$600.00
Product Description
- Full conference access on January 6-7, 2027
- Admission to all technical sessions during designated event dates
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Access to designated networking events
- Opportunities to connect with end users, contractors, manufacturers, and reliability professionals
Bolting Symposium Testimonials
I have had the privilege of attending the VSP Technologies Bolting Symposium for the last several years. The sessions, presentations, and exhibitors are insightful and highly relevant to my work.
The speakers are always knowledgeable and engaging and especially appreciate having access to some of the “bolting greats” who attend; they are true subject matter experts in this field. Being face-to-face with other bolting enthusiasts is such an invaluable experience. I have made meaningful connections with my peers in this industry – other engineers, gasket suppliers, bolt suppliers, assemblers – each time I visit.
The bolting demonstration that typically takes place near the end of the Symposium is one of my favorite parts; we get a chance to put our hands on the tools, to see with our own eyes the tools of the trade, and gain a better understanding of what we as engineers are asking the field technicians to do.
Each time I attend, I walk away with practical insights that I can apply directly to my work, a host of new contacts, renewed relationships with other experts (and those I now call friends!), and an opportunity to transfer this knowledge to others in my company. It’s such a fun couple of days of learning and sharing.
I highly recommend this symposium to anyone looking to stay informed and inspired within the bolted flanged joint integrity industry.
– Kelly Schupp (Equity Engineering)
Agenda
Jan. 5 End User Day (End Users ONLY)
Engineering vs. Reality – Andy Smith (VSP Technologies)
API Updates BFJI/BFJA – Recent Criteria and Overall Progress – Andri Orphanides (American Petroleum Institute)
From Wrench to Record: Leveraging Technology for Ultimate Bolting Accountability – Jason Wright and Ryan Becker (CHS)
Lessons Learned from Tank Manways and Cover Flanges – Dan Fufezan (Enbridge)
LNG Thermal Bowing of Flanges – Juan Hernandez (Cheniere Energy)
Spiral Wound Gasket Leakage Performance Variation With Filler Variation and Standard ASME B16.20 Construction – Jeff Wilson (VSP Technologies)
Learnings from a Midwest Refinery – Orrie Bogner (CountryMark)
Open Question Panel Discussion
Jan. 6 Day 1 Conference
Lessons Learned from Plastic Lined Flanges – Zhaogao (Jack) Luan (Albemarle)
Hose Case Studies – Pat O’Bryan (Precision Hose & Expansion Joints)
Importance of coated fasteners and the difference of colors – Kyle Mullens (Metal Coatings)
Performance Evaluation of Recovery-Type Gaskets Under Thermal Cycling Conditions – Dale Norman (Teadit)
From Torque to Tension : A Practical Approach to Bolting Procedure Conversion – (JM Test)
A Simple Method For Calculating Accurate Gasket Stresses for Octagonal Ring Joints – David Clover (LGG)
Open Question Panel Discussion
Jan. 7 Day 2 Conference
PCC-1 Updates – Ben Hantz (Valero Energy Corporation)
Smart Bolting – Rhodri Williams (Atlas Copco)
Innovating the Flange-to-Pipe Connection: A Weldless Approach – Danny Steel (ICR Integrity)
Accuracy of an Electronic Torque Wrench – Jeff Fields & Jeremy Coldwell (Norbar Torque Tools)
ASME PCC-1 Committee Meeting – Following the End of The Bolting Symposium
Speakers
David Clover – Sr Gasket Application Specialist, LGG Industrial
David Clover began his career in the gasket and sealing industry in 1984 in Seattle. He has worked both in distribution and in manufacturing for many diverse companies. David has focused on sealing issues in the refining, petrochemical and chemical processing industries, with an emphasis on heat exchangers. He has been involved with the development and introduction of innovative specialty gaskets, and has introduced several Excel spreadsheet tools that are broadly used in North America.
His technical papers have been accepted for publication by the ASME Pressure Vessel and Piping Conference, and he is a member of the ASME B16 Committee G, that is responsible for B16.20 and B16.21.
Dan Fufezan – Sr. Engineer Specialist, Enbridge
Dan Fufezan is a liquids pipeline engineering specialist with more than 25 years of experience across gas distribution and crude oil pipeline systems. His background spans both design and operations, giving him a practical understanding of how engineering decisions influence pipeline operability, reliability, and field execution.
In his current role, Dan provides technical leadership and support to pipeline operations and capital projects. He is a recognized subject-matter expert in pressure testing and bolted flange assemblies.
Dan is also a member of the CSA Z662 Design Technical Subcommittee, where he has led several working groups and applied his extensive industry experience to the continued development of North- American pipeline standard.
Jeff Wilson – Sr Engineering Manager, VSP Technologies
Jeff Wilson joined VSP Technologies in 2016 and serves as Senior Engineering Manager. He specializes in gasket material science, technical training, and engineering professional development, with deep expertise in the mechanical, chemical, and thermal performance of fluid sealing materials.
Throughout his career, Jeff has been dedicated to advancing sealing technology through product innovation, industry education, and technical leadership. He has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed papers and presentations and holds multiple U.S. patents in fluid sealing technology. He currently serves as Chairman of ASTM F03 and of FSA’s Gasket Division.
Danny Steel – Head of Engineering & Technical, ICR Integrity
Danny Steel is Head of Engineering and Technical for ICR’s specialist repair business, leading the global engineering teams responsible for Quickflange™ Weldless Connectors and Technowrap™ Composite Repairs. He oversees product application, technical assurance, and research and development strategy across both technologies.
Danny is a UK Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over a decade of experience in the design and engineering of piping, pipeline, and pressure vessel repair technologies. He previously held mechanical engineering roles with TEAM, Inc. in both the UK and Middle East, including leading the Middle East engineering function from Dubai. Danny holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Subsea, Offshore and Pipeline Engineering.
Andy Smith – ASME PCC-1 Flange Management Instructor, VSP Technologies (Emcee)
With 30 years experience in bolting, flange management, and industrial bolting products, I am able to bring a comprehensive training program that specializes in both academic and hands-on instruction for bolted flange joint assemblers, reliability engineers, and maintenance personnel.
My training efforts have reached professionals at nuclear power plants, oil drilling companies, downstream refineries, and chemical plants – to name a few.
Zhaogao (Jack) Luan, PhD, PE, PMP, PSAP – Mechanical Engineering Advisor, Albemarle
Accomplished Mechanical Engineering Advisor with a proven track record at Albemarle in enhancing mechanical equipment reliability and fostering best practices across the board. Expert in strategic planning and training, with advanced proficiency in technical software such as PV Elite and ANSYS. Known for driving significant improvements and sharing knowledge company-wide, demonstrating both hard and soft skills in complex engineering environments.
Dale Norman, PMP – Engineering Manager, Teadit North America
Dale Norman, Engineering Manager with 29 years of equipment and seal design experience. A member of the ASME B16.20 Subcommittee G and holder of over 10 patents, Dale has led the development of new and existing products, with an emphasis on manufacturability and ease of use.
His passion is solving problems and challenges and educating people on what makes products work and why they work.
Jeff Fields – S.E. Region Sales Engineer, Norbar Torque Tools
Jeff Fields is an industrial bolting specialist with more than 25 years of experience in torque, mechanical, and hydraulic tensioning applications. Based in the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, he supports customers across the Southeast in industries including refining, mining, chemical processing, power generation, rail, steel, aluminum, pulp and paper, and heavy construction, with additional expertise in hydraulics, pneumatics, and equipment retrofits.
Rhodri Williams – Global Marketing Manager, Atlas Copco
Rhodri Williams is the Global Marketing Manager at Atlas Copco, responsible for product development and digital strategy for Smart Bolting Solutions into O&G, Wind & Mining segments. Worked for Atlas Copco for 5 years but previously worked for Enerpac and in O&G turkey manufacturing.
Atlas Copco is uniquely positioned to drive the digital transformation of Bolting by combining industry-leading hydraulic bolting expertise with advanced intelligent tightening technologies. This enables operators to move from manual, disconnected processes to a connected bolting ecosystem that improves safety, traceability, productivity, and joint integrity.
