How does a Hydraulic Torque Wrench work?

Hydraulic torque wrench are frequently used in sectors of construction, maintenance, repair houses of heavy equipment manufacturing, cement, shipbuilding, metallurgy, mining, electric power, chemical, petroleum, and other industries. According to pertinent statistics, faulty bolting accounts for 50% of equipment failures. Reports of equipment accidents resulting from faulty bolting do occasionally surface. 

Hydraulic torque wrenches are usually used during equipment installation and maintenance to affix and remove large-sized bolts. A torque accuracy of +/- 3%, which is hard to attain manually, is provided by this kind of torque wrench in addition to being easy to use and convenient. A hydraulic torque wrench operates on the premise of converting hydraulic pressure into torque. Fasteners are either tightened or loosened using the resulting torque. However, how do they function and what goes on inside the tool? Read the whole article to know how a hydraulic wrench functions.

Knowing Types and Mechanisms

There are two types of hydraulic torque wrenches: hex drive and square drive. Each of these is made specifically for the area in which it is utilized.

The distance between the center of the twisted object and the tool's center is the product of the turning force imparted to a bolt and the torque. In Newton meters or pound-feet, the distance multiplied by the force is expressed.

Because of how they work, hydraulic wrenches differ from other powered wrenches.

• These wrenches simply use hydraulic pressure to generate torque.

• They have an internal ratcheting system.

• They have a technology that can precisely measure the torque applied

How does a Hydraulic Torque Wrench work?

Remembering that the hydraulic torque wrench's operating principle is based on Newton's Law, that there is an opposite and equal reactive force for every applied force, will help to comprehend how it operates. A tension in the opposite direction functions as the clamping force, pulling the fasteners components in the same direction with a clear tension or load when the wrench is set on a bolt or nut and rotated. The joint integrity is compromised as the torque rises, allowing the bolt to be loosened or tightened. The length, size, and type of the joint, the fastener's quality, and the lubricant used in it all affect how much torque is required to tighten or loosen it.

Hydraulic torque wrenches are made to accommodate joints with various heights and widths, as well as the corresponding nuts. This allows for simple, unrestricted movement without external disturbance.

• The components of this apparatus are a high-pressure hydraulic cylinder and grip-fastening bolt-compatible attachments.

• The cylinder piston uses the measured hydraulic pressure to push up on the puller, which in turn pulls or stretches the bolt.

• When the applied force is more than the bolt's preload tension and the force required for it to relax, the bolt is run down, tightening it against the joint.

• The tightened nut on the fastener is then released, preventing it from moving back to its original position.

• The most hazardous component of a hydraulic torque wrench is the responsible member. It bumps into the immovable item, preventing the wrench from rotating the fastener.

Things you need to pay attention to when using the hydraulic wrench

To preserve safety, a hydraulic torque wrench must be utilized in a specific manner. Hydraulic torque wrenches work at their peak when specific settings are used by safety guidelines. Here are the things that should be considered while using a hydraulic torque wrench. 

• Adjusting the pressure is the first thing that requires to be done when operating. The remote switch lever allows the operator to finish this procedure. A popping sound, for instance, indicates that the wrench is in place, that it has stopped rotating, and that it still has to be locked while adjusting. Setting the torque, pump station pressure, and wrench turning direction, among other things, is necessary if you need it to attain a better locking function when in use. The rule of safety first should be followed when using a hydraulic wrench. Power tools include hydraulic torque wrenches. To prevent personal harm and equipment damage, you should carefully go through the directions, warnings, and precautions before using.

• The guard plate on the hydraulic torque wrench must not be removed, the wrench and accessories should not be changed, and the security on the rotary joint must not be altered during operation to prevent personal injury and equipment damage. Each hydraulic component must be able to withstand a working pressure of 70MPa. valve. Utilize a hydraulic torque wrench to maintain the equipment's rated load, take precautions to prevent overloading, and use a tension gauge in the system to show the operational load.

• Serious winding and bending of the hydraulic oil line should be avoided while using it to prevent damage. Extreme bending and winding will result in severe back pressure, which will harm the oil pipe's interior and force an early replacement! Use original, high-performance sockets and inserts instead of damaged ones, and avoid using metric sockets to remove bolts and inch nuts.

Conclusion 

So, these are the precautions you must take while using a hydraulic torque wrench and how it works. Bolts and screws can be tightened or loosened using torque wrenches. They are critical where tightness is a key element. They are made to deliver a calculated torque to achieve the appropriate level of bolt tightness. 

Content Sources :- ABSGroup