Experts say bolt tensioners are more preferred by engineers

1. Experts say bolt tensioners are more preferred by engineers Introduction Bolt tensioning is a process to stretch the bolt; tensioning is the stretching of the bolt to get a preload. There are no inaccuracies caused by friction in this method. To create a torque a massive amount of effort is required which is then simply replaced with hydraulic pressure. Hydraulic bolt tools are used to tighten large diameter bolts quickly and simultaneously. One of the main features of bolt tensioners is its accuracy which is far better compared to any other method.

3. What is bolt tension and where it is used? It is a process to tighten the bolt or we can say seal a joint. Bolt tensioning requires a fastener which looks a little bit like a hydraulic load cell. In this method, an axial load is generated by the bolt tension and the target load is reached by pulling up a pre-fastener. In this process the main thing which an engineer has to keep in mind is the area of tensioner and the force which is being applied to the fastener, and then the engineer has to adjust the pressure of the stretching pump considering the two factors. This technology is used in applications where many large-diameter bolts are being used in critical joints like oil, power generation industries, and wind energy. Some problems with bolt tension are that it is expensive and it is a little bit more complicated to use than torquing. To use this process we require a workforce who are properly trained to handle stud tensioners.

5. What is the intention to use bolt tension?  Basic use is to stretch the bolt. You need to stretch the handle by exerting pressure. Here, you can do this by pulling or pushing the force which is being generated by the cylinder. Now, you can then use a wrench to fix the nut. In fact, bolting is done to achieve the correct bolt load. Some of the important features used are: • Bolt tension is a very stable process to use. • It gives more accurate values. • It is easy to control. • A big problem with this process is that it is expensive. • It is generally used when the bolts used are large in diameter. • The tools are very fast to install and operate and hence the speed is more in this method.

6. Advantages of bolt tensioner and why it is used by the engineers • Bolt tensioners give an easy and safe method for bolt tightening which have a large diameter. It gives accurate preloads whereas if you use other methods like torque or use nut bolts, you will get friction which might cause challenges later on. If the tension is preloaded, it can properly support different source loads. Clamp force is the term used for the force acting between the bolted joint members. Tension is directly proportional to the clamp force. So the more tightened the bolt is, the more tension will be developed and it will behave like a spring. • The tension inside the bolt is almost the same as the clamp force in the bolted joints. You can measure the bolt tension accurately based on faster elongation. So when the fasteners are installed, engineers use tension measurement to get proper clamp force. Methods like torque are misleading if consistent tension is available.

7. Tension measurement is more reliable. If a bolt is installed correctly then you will face fewer bolted joint problems over time. So if you ensure proper tension while installing then we can experience a reduced occurrence of failures. • It is considered to be the fastest method as we can tighten/loosen multiple bolts at the same time. • Tension enables us to inspect for security also. It gives you a strong advantage in fighting common problems like embedment and bolted joint relaxation. So tension must always be present in a securely bolted joint. • Tension measurement helps in making data sharing easier and more efficient as the requirements of clamp force are universally true for all bolted designs and it does not depend on other environmental factors. • Bolt tensioners are very safe to use compared to wrenchers and bolt heaters. The risk of getting injured is less in this process as it is a hands-free operation.

8. Since tensioning of several bolts is done at the same time it guarantees that the same load is applied to each bolt. • It is very versatile to use and one tensioning kit can be used for the different tensioning kits. Conclusion In this article you have learnt about bolt tensioning and why it is used by engineers nowadays instead of bolt torquing. By reading this article you have got to know about the different uses of bolt tightening and how it is used. You also understood the differences between tension and torque and what their applications are. Thus, by now you have observed that when an engineer decides about the tool he will use in engineering specifications, he decides that based on what is specified to use. Content Sources :- ABSGroup