Kaplan Blade Bolts

A representative of this company discovered Superbolt® at a trade show just prior to the unit outage. The individual was very enthusiastic, stating: "We have been struggling with this problem for years! I can't believe how simple the answer is!" He immediately consulted with engineering and purchasing to apply Superbolt Tensioners to his unit. The Torquebolts® were designed by Superbolt within two days of the initial inquiry from the trade show and the product was shipped within a week.

Old Method: Heating Rods with extensiometer check. Installation: 5-8 hours per blade due to the time required for heating & cooling of bolts, then extensiometer check. Removal - up to a full shift per blade.

Superbolt® Solution: (30) M60 Torquebolts®, two o-rings per bolt to provide a seal between oil lubrication and water flow through the turbine. Extensiometers were used for the first few Torquebolts® installed. The check confirmed .015" stretch achieved at 85 ft•lbs jackbolt torque. Installation required about 35 minutes per blade (6 minutes per Torquebolt®).