Best practices for safety while using hydraulic torque wrenches

 Hydraulic torque wrench is one of the fastening tools that helps in producing a massive amount of torque output when it is connected with an operating hydraulic pump. A hydraulic torque wrench can be seen as an advanced version of the torque wrenches that were handheld traditionally. In addition to that, the main function of a torque wrench that comes with calibration is to apply the exact pressure in the form of torque to get the perfect tightness of the bolt or the pressure that is needed to loosen a bolt. In 1968, George A. Sturdevant invented it, and since then, it has been used across industries such as oil and gas explorations, field erections, transportation, etc. These torque tools can be used on fasteners or bolts that are well-lubricated. They are lightweight as well as precise in their operation if you comparison them to pneumatic torque wrenches. Moreover, their accuracy goes to the extent of +3% and has long-lasting usability. They are perfect in their application in industries that use large bolts and require a high level of torque accuracy. 

Types Of Hydraulic Torque Wrenches 

There are two major types of Hydraulic Torque wrenches, and each of them is designed based on the specific area where they are supposed to be used. Following are the two types of hydraulic torque wrenches: \

  • Square Drive
  • Low Profile

Torque can be defined as the force that is applied on a bolt and the overall distance from the tool to the center of the object that needs to be twisted. The final product of the distance and force is measured in Newton-meters or in pound-feet. Hydraulic torque wrenches are different from other torque wrenches in the following ways: 


  • They function with a self-ratcheting mechanism. 

  • They produce torque only with the help of hydraulic pressure. 

  • They use a system that helps them in measuring the torque that is applied with absolute precision


Best Practices For Safety When using Hydraulic Torque Wrenches


Hydraulic torque wrenches are great tools, but it is important to keep safety measures in mind while using them. Operational safety is crucial and therefore, the following tips can be extremely useful for you when you are using them: 

  • Be focused when you are using the equipment and keep all the distractions away. Do not have mobile phones or any other distracting things around you while working with the tools. 

  • Make sure there is good lighting in the place where you work with these tools. In the absence of enough light, you must carry portable lights with you. 

  • You must wear good quality gloves, P.P.E., and safety glasses. 

  • Make sure that all your team members are briefed well regarding the work before you actually start working together with the tools. 

  • Make sure that your hands are away from the tool when the hydraulic wrench is actually operating. 

  • You must check your hydraulic pump for the following things: 

  • You must check electricity over it: There must be a 15-amp electric source, and you must use an extension cord of 12 gages (heavy duty) whenever needed. 

  • You must check hydraulic pumps for air over it: There must be 90 P.S.I. with a source of 30 C.F.M. 

  • You must ensure that the hoses that are present between the tool and the pump are not bent or damaged. 

  • Check that the hydraulic fitting connections are completely screwed with each other, and there are no gaps between them. 

  • Before starting, you must confirm that the pump gage is installed correctly and is calibrated perfectly on the pump. 

  • Check that the hydraulic wrench is correctly calibrated and the pressure that you are using is right as per the torque chart as given in the chart of the serial number of that particular tool.


Hence, making sure you follow all the safety practices will help you use the hydraulic torque wrenches in the best possible way. These are small steps but can bring about huge operational safety at work. 


Conclusion


Hydraulic wrenches are very useful tools and can help you save a lot of labor as well as time on heavy bolting applications. They are ideal for valves, pumps, flanges, and turbines when used correctly. However, it is crucial to be trained properly in it and follow all the safety measures that are mentioned here. This will ensure that you use the tool in the best possible way. Moreover, you will also get great outcomes from using it. This article sheds light on some of the best practices that you may adopt while using hydraulic torque wrenches. One of the most important things while using them is to make sure you have the right training and your team members are well-aware of the job. Once this and other safety measures are taken care of, you will be in a good place in terms of using hydraulic torque wrenches and bringing efficiency to your work.


Content Sources :- ABSGoup


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