The industries Hydratight serve have highlighted the need to apply accurate bolt loading in a controlled and safe manner. Increasingly we see that this is achieved using hydraulic bolt tensioners.

Hydratight has been at the forefront of the development of bolt tensioning systems for 30 years, and we’ve been responsible for the extensive uptake of this technology across the world in the oil and gas and power generation markets.

Bolt-tensioners are suited to both topside and subsea applications. We have designed innovative features to increase the efficiency and speed of use across both these sectors.

The technology surrounding hydraulic bolt tensioners can either be very simple or extremely complex. Our wealth of experience is perfectly suited to cope with the wide variation of requirements we receive. We design and manufacture tensioning products in-house at three Hydratight locations, and our tension product group is focussed on the continued development of the range as well as new product development.

Why use hydraulic bolt tensioners?

Specifying the use of hydraulic bolt tensioners has many benefits when compared to other tightening methods. These include:

• Accuracy - Tensioners do not require the bolt or nut to be lubricated. Lubrication often introduces unknowns that can impact accuracy which can increase bolt load scatter
• Multiple bolts tightened simultaneously - This ensures the joint is evenly closed and the gasket evenly loaded. Even gasket load significantly improves gasket performance
• Speed - Because it is common to simultaneously tension multiple groups of bolts, joints can be tensioned very quickly
• Reliability - Tensioning only requires a robust hydraulic cylinder to be pressurised
• Quality Assurance – Bolt tensioning process is very reliable and repeatable
• Environmental considerations - Uniform bolt loading gives even gasket loads minimising risk of emissions from bolted joints