Wind Bolting Applications
Difficult Wind Turbine bolting applications require a simple and cost effective solution.
Superbolt’s Multi-jackbolt Tensioners fit the bill. They dramatically reduce the torque required to tighten and loosen large nuts and bolts. Only small hand or air tools are required, which greatly increases safety, and reduces downtime. Superbolt® tensioners provide a number of advantages that make them the perfect bolting method for Wind Turbine applications.
A Simple Solution:
Superbolt® tensioners can retrofit onto new or existing studs. They are ideal for use in applications where:
- • High preloads are required
- • High torque requirements
- • Space restrictions exist
- • Dynamic forces (vibration)
Windmill Bolting Applications:
Advantages:
Multi-jackboltTtensioners solve common bolting problems facing the wind industry. They are a cost effecient, safe bolting alternative. Click on any advantage below to read more information:
1. Only small hand/air tools needed
6. Fast installation & removal
>> View 'Time Test' Video
How They Work:
Superbolt® tensioners are completely different from any other bolting method, because no special tooling is required.
Each nut body or bolt head is round rather than hexagonal, and has a ring of jackbolts threaded through it. When torque is applied to the jackbolts, they thrust against a hardened washer. This stretches the bolt or stud, which generates preload on the joint.
Because jackbolts are used, a very small amount of torque is needed to achieve even extremely high preloads. Superbolt® tensioners are designed so the simple hand/air tools are all that is needed for installation and removal.
>> View our video: 'The Simple Solution to Bolting Problems.'
1. Only small hand/air tools required:
Workers do not need to carry heavy or dangerous bolting equipment while performing maintenance or constructing wind turbines. Not only does this make the job easier, but it helps keep the workers safe. Additionally, space restrictions are of little concern because small tools can fit into small spaces, unlike cumbersome torquing equipment.
2. Joints stay tight:
Superbolt tensioners have proven time and time again to keep joints tight, even in applications where highly dynamic forces are present, such as on wind turbines. This saves time and money because the likelihood of stud/bolt failure is reduced, and little time is wasted going back to retighten the nuts or bolts multiple times.
Superbolt tensioners are loaded in pure tension without twisting, so thread galling in the bolt/stud is greatly reduced or eliminated. Nut-type tensioners also flex out slightly at the base, which distributes stress concentrations more evenly throughout the treads, therefore reducing the likelihood the bolt/stud will break. This can save a significant amount of money by preventing components from taking unnecessary damage. In short, Superbolt tensioners keep your equipment running better for longer.
In any energy sector, reduced downtime can lead to significant cost savings. Superbolt tensioners are very fast and easy to install/remove and reduce critical problems such as thread galling and seizing, which can require studs to be drilled out. Some customers have reported saving several days of downtime during planned outages for maintenance, resulting in millions of dollars in savings. Improved joint integrity also reduces downtime caused by unexpected maintenance caused by joint failures and broken or loose studs.
5. Accuracy:
Preload accuracy from stud to stud is very high. Because the torque is distributed between a number of jackbolts, variations in torque do not have much effect on the preload, resulting in preload accuracy of +/- 5%. In contrast, even though hydraulic wrenches can have 95% torque accuracy, preload may vary +/- 40% due to surface conditions or varying friction factors.
6. Fast installation & removal:
Some people think that because multiple jackbolts must be tightened, Superbolt tensioners must take a long time to install and remove. This is not true. They have actually proved to have faster installation and removal time versus other methods, saving thousands of companies significant amounts of time and money.