Heat Exchanger

Problems: This heat exchanger head was a constant problem in this oil refinery. The original equipment hex nuts, which were tightened with a hydraulic torque wrench, could not maintain a leak free seal on the head. Lack of accuracy and inconsistency of stud preloads was another major concern. The largest single problem was the time and labor required to remove and replace the head.

Solutions: Replacement of the original hex nuts with Superbolt® "Classic" ST-225-8/w Torquenuts has reduced installation/removal time to one quarter of the previous time. Hand torque wrenches are much easier to handle than the old hydraulic units, and the need for hydraulic pumps and hoses has been eliminated. Best of all, there have been NO LEAKS!

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  BEFORE: Heavy cumbersome hydraulic wrenches were required for hex nut tightening.
  
  

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  AFTER: After pretightening with air wrenches, workers systematically verify jackbolt torques with hand wrenches.