The nuclear power industry demands leak-free joints and as such has adopted a ‘right first time’ philosophy. Hydratight, as a leading supplier of tensioning equipment, is proud to partner these utilities, helping them to meet their ALARA objectives.

Our application solutions include:

Steam Generators

Maintenance associated with steam generators is critical during outages. Hydratight has developed multi-stud tensioning systems (MSTs) to fit the majority of primary, secondary, hand-holes and inspection ports for almost every style of steam generator.

The MST is capable of tensioning all of the studs on any one cover simultaneously. Common MSTs for the primary and secondary applications contain four-five segments, while the smaller hand-holes and inspection ports typically have two.

In some cases, space restrictions are so severe that conventional circular ram designs cannot solve the problem. To combat this Hydratight has developed a uniquely designed asymmetrical ram which enables the tool to fit almost all applications. Speed and accuracy are the two driving factors for determining tooling for this application.

Hydratight are the global leaders in the provision of this technology. Here is a list of just some of our clients utilising Hydratight Multi-Stud Tensioning Systems:

• NMC-Prairie Island
• PG&E-Diablo Canyon
• AEP-DC Cook
• Dominion-Millstone Station
• Ameren/UE-Callaway Nuclear
• Progress Energy-Robinson & Shareron Harris
• Consumers Power-Palisades
• TXU-Comanche Peak
• APS-Palo Verde
• TVA-Sequoyah & Watts Bar
• HL&P-STP
• Energy-Indian Point

Hydratight has also sold equipment directly to the OEMs of steam generators including: Westinghouse, Areva/Framatome and Doosan.

Reactor Coolant Pumps

Using our expertise in identifying high-risk joints and designing fasteners and stud tensioning equipment, Hydratight engineers have designed a tensioning system which significantly reduces planned outage time and prevents leakage on reactor coolant pumps.

Based on this new stud and nut design, Hydratight has developed a tensioning system that not only precisely loads each fastener, but can also operate in the restricted space of the pump motor stand.

HP Turbines

There are only a few high pressure steam turbines which are designed with horizontal bolting tensioning, one in particular is the Westinghouse BB296.

Hydratight supply tensioners for this joint to both the OEM and service companies. Here are a few of the plants we supply who utilise this tooling:

• Westinghouse BB296 Frame
• First Energy - Beaver Valley Power Station
• Dominion - North Anna
• TVA - Sequoyah
• HL&P - STP
• Exelon - Braidwood
• FP&L - St. Lucie
• Progress Energy - Shearon Harris