Reduce bolting job time with a Hydraulic torque wrench

Introduction

 

The world is full of tools that we use for various applications. When it comes to the tightening and loosening of bolts and nuts, a torque wrench is the most preferred tool. The tool can be used in almost every bolting application and still deliver accurate and consistent torque output. However, when we talk about major industries like oil & gas, power, wind, steel, cement, and mining industry that can complete bolting jobs faster and deliver lower downtime. To meet such industry requirements, the hydraulic torque wrenches delivers the best power to weight ratio.


1. Knowing The basics

 

Let us recap what is Torque and a wrench to understand torque wrenches better.

Torque

Torque is the measurement of force applied on an object which causes it to rotate.

Wrench

Wrench is a tool used to provide torque to turn objects. The most common shapes are open-end wrench and box-end wrench. Generally, they are chrome-plated to resist corrosion and for ease of cleaning.

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is an advanced version of wrench used to tighten and loosen fasteners to a predetermined torque value. These are operated either mechanically, pneumatically, Hydraulic or Electrically

2. How do Hydraulic Torque Wrenches work?

Among all the different types of torque tools available, the hydraulic torque wrench is the most preferred bolting tool to tighten and loosen large bolts with high accuracy.

In this torque wrench, the piston is connected to a ratchet through a reaction pawl assembly, which drives it to engage the ratchet teeth in the advance mode, to rotate the nut. Subsequently releases during piston retraction to reengage in the next push position. This repeats until the desired torque is met.

3. Type of Hydraulic Torque Wrenches

There are basically 2 types of hydraulic torque wrenches namely - square drive (external socket required) and low profile or direct fit (hex) drive.

Square drive Hydraulic Torque Wrench

With a powerful ratchet mechanism and a multi axis swivel provides impressive power to weight ratio.

·         The Hydraulic Square Head Torque Wrench utilizes sockets.

·         It is relatively heavy and less compact than the direct fit models.

·         It consists of two main parts, a reaction arm mounted to a base.

·         The reaction arm can be adjusted according to need.

·         A positioning handle can be positioned on either side of the tool.

·         It is very quick and easy on the square drive to reverse direction.

Low Profile/ Cassette type or Direct Fit Hydraulic Torque Wrench

·         The Low-Profile/ Cassette type or direct fit Hydraulic Torque Wrench is preferred in areas where difficult to reach.

·         It is basically made of two components. These are the drive (power head) and cassette (link).

·         The Direct fit features tilt and swivel vertical and horizontal manoeuvrability.

·         The cassette is used in place of a socket.

·         The fast release drive allows rapid and easy exchange of cassettes.

·         Cassettes are interchangeable for different bolt sizes or inserts can be used.

4. Choosing the right tool

Square drive and hex drive bolting tools can resolve real time challenges. Choosing the correct bolting equipment purely depends on the job application. Low profile hydraulic torque wrenches are ideal for bolting applications that have space constraint. Square drive hydraulic torque wrenches are ideal for applications where speed and different bolt size handling are of great concern. Each of these tools have an equal importance in Industry.

5. Power Source

Hydraulic Pumps or Hydraulic Power packs are the source of pressure for these types of torque tools. The range with a portable pump is up to 700 bar (10,000 psi). Pumps operate with two primary power sources either air or electric to provide optimum performance of power and speed, even in the hardest and toughest conditions.

While pneumatic powered pumps are safer in explosive environments, electric pumps are simpler to operate in some cases.

6. Do they need calibration

To ensure hydraulic torque wrenches provide precise and accurate measurements, they must be calibrated periodically.

As tool accuracy deteriorates with age and usage of tool, it is important to calibrate these tools. The allowed range of calibration error is 3%. Any error beyond this value may potentially affecting the performance of the tool quite seriously. This could lead to accountability for product failure or application failure.

7. Applications

With so many methods are available for controlled bolting using torque tools, it is important to note that a Hydraulic torque wrench is key in many industries for -

·         Aerospace – Joining of bulkheads

·         Power plant – Joining of the shafts

·         Oil & Gas - Assembling blind flanges for pipeline

·         Petrochemical – Flange joints in main lines

·         Mining – Heavy tools and attachments

·         Heavy Machinery – for erecting the machinery

·         Shipyards – Assembling the auxiliary shaft to main shaft

·         Wind mill - Installing wind turbines

  • Irrigation - Tightening an offshore pump casing

Content Source :- ABS Group

 


 

 

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