Supergrip bolts for

steam and gas turbines

Shorten outage time by days

Two-way torque
The torque in a coupling with Supergrip is transmitted in two ways: by shear strength of the expanded bolt in the hole, and by friction between
the flange faces created by preloading the bolt.
With Supergrips the loads between the bolts are
more uniformly distributed and the coupling halves
are held together much more securely.
Economic maintenance
The Supergrip bolt is designed to be inserted and
removed with an initial clearance fit. It provides for
simpler machining of the holes and no grinding of
the bolts. Re-reaming and re-honing are not
required.

The Supergrip bolts save time and money

in astronomical amounts for the power industry.
This clock from Switzerland is designed to show
time based on the position of the planets.

During the past twenty years, Supergrip bolts

have been installed in more than 1 000 turbine
couplings.
A money spinner in rotating flanges
The Supergrip bolt provides an intelligent and
sophisticated bolting method alternative to conventional bolting. Supergrip bolts are easier to
install and remove and save time compared to
conventional solutions. As the torque mainly is
transmitted by the shear strength in the bolt
a fewer bolts are needed.

The absence of clearance between the bolt and

hole eliminates coupling slippage and there is no
risk of bolt seizure when using Supergrip bolt.
SKF technology, quality and service
The Supergrip bolt is based on the SKF oil injection
method developed in the early 1940s. Since then,
we have carried the technology even further. Today,
we continue to develop different connection systems
with new technology that saves time and money in
power stations all over the world.
Thanks to SKFs global sales and service network,
you can always find us in your local market.

Supergrip bolts vs conventional bolting.

An independent case study
comparing Supergrip bolts with
normally fitted bolts during an
overhaul was made at the Ringhals power plant in Sweden by
the Swedish State Power Board.
The turbine line data was:
Turboset 2 x 400 MW with
four couplings in each set.
One coupling with 16 bolts,
58-mm diameter.
Three couplings with 20 bolts,
58-mm diameter.

Operation

Time required, hours

Conventional bolting

Removal of bolts
Honing of holes
Adjusting of fitted bolts to
individual holes
Extra work for locking the nuts
Concentricity check and adjustment
Alignment checks and adjustment
Balancing
Final assembly
Cleaning of Supergrip bolt
Total

160

Supergrip bolts

16

250
64
96
132
320
1 022

32
32
80

This is how Supergrip works

The bolt is inserted into the hole
by hand with a clearance. The
sleeve is expanded in the hole to
eliminate the clearance by pulling
the tapered shank into the
tapered bore of the sleeve.
The bolt is then tensioned against
one nut while the other nut is
tightened manually. A preload is
exerted on the bolt by releasing
the pressure on the tensioner.

Expansion sleeve
with a corresponding
tapered bore fits over
the shank. The outside of the sleeve is
cylindrical.

Sleeve expansion and tensioning

of the bolt are carefully controlled
by using the hydraulic tensioner
included in the tool set.
For removal, the bolt is released
from the sleeve by injecting oil
between the mating tapered
surfaces. The oil is fed through a
connection in the centre of the
bolt.

Bolt threaded at
both ends with a
tapered shank.

Nut in each end

of the bolt.

Mounting tool set, including

tapered adapter, collars, tensioner and
accessories in aluminium case.

SKF Coupling Systems AB was

established in the early 1940s when
SKFs Chief Designer, Erland Bratt,
invented the SKF oil injection
method. As the result of continuous
develop-ment, SKF is currently a
world leader in selected market
niches.
Our business concept is to develop,
produce and supply products based
on the SKF oil injection method.
These products significantly reduce
downtime and lower maintenance
costs of the capital-intensive equipment in which they are used.

SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.

SKF Group 2009
The contents of this catalogue are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even extracts) unless
permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this catalogue but
no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of the use of the
information contained herein.
Publication April 2009
Printed in Sweden on environmentally friendly, chlorine-free paper.

1000

SE-813 82 Hofors, Sweden.

Tel: +46 290 284 00. Fax: +46 290 282 70
E-mail: skf.coupling.systems@skf.com
Website: www.couplings.skf.com