Advantages of Stud Tensioning & Hydraulic Tensioners

When you hold a stud or a bolt, it is hard to imagine that this sturdy object can act as a spring. In fact, the fasteners in a bolted joint do just that. They must be stretched at assembly with enough force to keep the joint firmly clamped together when it is placed in service. The joint can fail if the load in the studs is too low, too high, or if it is not uniform from stud to stud. HTI's Hydraulic Tensioners and Hydraulic Stud and Bolt Tensioning Systems are the simple and efficient answer to this problem. It is the tightening method that will help you control the significant costs resulting from incorrectly tightened studs.

Typical Hydraulic Tensioner Applications Include:

Pipeline Flanges Pressure Vessels Valves and Pumps Manways Heat Exchangers Diesel Engines Cranes Presses Steam and Gas Turbines Shaft Couplings Coal and Rock Grinders Catalyst Reactors Wind Turbines

HTI's Hydraulic Tensioners and Hydraulic Stud and Bolt Tensioning Systems offer these important benefits:
Accurate and Repeatable Stud Loading:
The theory and practice of tightening with Hydraulic Tensioners and Hydraulic Stud and Bolt Tensioners is simple. A Hydraulic Stud Tensioner is a special purpose hydraulic cylinder. The tension it applies to a stud is a direct function of the area of the hydraulic

cylinder and the hydraulic pressure supplied by the Pump. Since we closely control these variables, the stud tensioning is highly accurate.

Uniform Stud Loading:

Even loading in each stud is important, especially in applications with gaskets. HTI recommends multiple Hydraulic Stud Tensioners for applications with more than one stud. These Hydraulic Tensioners are inner connected to each other and to the pump. As the hydraulic pressure increases, the tension in each stud is the same, and the flange comes together simultaneously and evenly.

Time and Labor Saving:

Multiple Hydraulic Stud Tensioners, working together, save time. Using Hydraulic Tensioners is usually faster than using hydraulic torque wrenches. Compared to torque, using one Hydraulic Tensioner for every four studs on the flange, or "25% cover" will typically cut the tightening time by fifty percent (50%). With one Hydraulic Tensioner for every two studs, or "50% cover", the time can be cut by an additional one-third (33%).

Ease of Use and Safety:

Hydraulic Tensioners and Hydraulic Stud and Bolt Tensioners have a high power-toweight ratio. They are lighter, less bulky and much easier to use than torque tools. One operator can work most applications with less effort. The operator handles the Hydraulic Tensioner parts (Load Cell, Puller Bar and Bridge) separately. The weight of any one of these parts is usually significantly less than the weight of the hydraulic wrench, and socket, for the same stud size and tightening capacity. Hydraulic Stud and Bolt Tensioners are quiet and are safer to use than slugging wrenches or bolt heaters. The air, or hand-operated, Hydraulic Pumps are in-herently explosion proof.

Increased Stud Life:

Hydraulic Stud Tensioning eliminates thread galling and seizing. When using Hydraulic Tensioners, the threads and nut contact surfaces do not see the high contact pressures that cause galling. Hydraulic Technology can help you find a solution to all of your hydraulic tensioning needs. One of HTIs solutions is a hydraulic hand pump. Call us at: (936) 494-2000, email or use our contact us form to learn more about HTI and its services. Hydraulic Tensioners How HTI Hydraulic Tensioner Systems Work

General Operation of Hydraulic Tensioners: The general operating principle is the same for all models. High pressure hydraulic oil from a pump applies an accurate, axial load to the fastener. Once the system reaches a predetermined pressure, the operator uses a small bar to run the nut down by hand. This is easily accomplished because there is no load on the nut. After he seats the nut, he releases the hydraulic pressure, transferring the axial load to the fastener. HTI offers three stud hydraulic tensioner models (Fixed, Variable and Subsea), hydraulic nut and hydraulic bolts. The following illustrations show the features and operation of HTI's hydraulic stud tensioner models: HTI Stud Tensioning Systems Brochure

Fixed Hydraulic Tensioner Model/Compact Hydraulic Stud Tensioners

Fixed hydraulic tensioner models are compact, simple to use and the most economical. Each tool is designed for one thread size. The operator places the Bridge over the nut and threads the Load Cell on to the stud until it contacts the bridge. He then connects the hoses and follows the general operating steps noted above.

Variable Hydraulic hydraulic nut The hydraulic nut Tensioner replaces the nut Models/Versatile normally used and stays with the stud. Hydraulic Stud This is the most Tensioners compact system and
Variable hydraulic tensioner models allow the tensioning of several thread sizes or types of threads using one Hydraulic Load Cell. The variable hydraulic stud tensioner models also have side hydraulic ports, giving them the lowest installed height. The operator places the Bridge and Load Cell over the nut. Next he threads the separate Puller Bar onto the stud until it contacts the Load Cell. He then connects the hoses and follows the general operating does not require additional stud length. The operator simply screws the hydraulic nut down tight and connects the hydraulic hoses. After reaching pressure, he either screws down a collar (style illustrated) or inserts shims designed for the application

steps noted previously.