The Nord-Lock bolting solutions, available from industrial equipment supplier BMG, include Boltight hydraulic bolt tensioning tools, which have been developed for use in all industries where critical bolting requires accurate and reliable tightening.

Boltight hydraulic bolt tensioning equipment – which can be used to tighten bolts simultaneously, ensuring even preload in industrial applications and extreme environments – is particularly useful for bolts on valves, pipes, pumps and engines.

“Advanced bolting technology in large machines and equipment eliminates the risk of loose or over-tightened bolts and is critical to ensuring optimum performance and safety in arduous conditions such as mines and quarries,” says BMG fasteners sales manager Maryna Werner.

She explains that, as bolts increase in size, so the load critically increases, meaning operators are faced with the challenge of achieving the correct bolt elongation, to ensure bolt load accuracy.

The Boltight operating principle is based on the flow of hydraulic oil into the load cell. The load generated by the load cell is transferred into the puller and the puller then transfers the load directly into the bolt. The nut lifts clear of the flange mating surface owing to bolt stretch and the socket is used to turn the nut down, retaining the load.

“When tightening a bolt using traditional torque methods, it can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for the operator to achieve the correct bolt elongation, due to friction,” elaborates Werner.

The Boltight equipment has been specially developed to axially stretch the bolt. The nut is then rotated down the joint face, accurately locking in the bolt load.

Boltight hydraulic bolt tensioners, she highlights, are manufactured to stringent global quality and safety specifications, using high-pressure hydraulics and a predetermined pressure to make onsite bolting jobs safer, faster and more efficient.

“BMG offers a wide range of standard and customised bolt tensioning tools to optimise bolt tightening during the construction of new plants and equipment, or for maintenance operations.

“Boltight tools provide continuous performance, without the need for frequent maintenance and repair. In addition, the fast and efficient turnaround and reliability of these tensioners is vital to saving time on site and for the controlling of running costs,” she says.

Boltight tools are used extensively throughout the mining, marine and oil and gas industries, where reliable and accurate bolt tightening is critical to operational efficiency.

Standard bolt tensioners are used on onshore and offshore pipeline flanges, compact flanges, heat exchangers, cranes, pumps, valves and for other critical bolting applications, while Xtra load bolt tensioners are recommended for higher loads and for restricted space applications.

BMG’s fasteners team, which offers an extensive range of quality branded fasteners and specialist solutions for every application, is committed to eliminating breakdowns, controlling downtime and ensuring optimum safety in diverse industries.