Welcome to our comprehensive article on hydraulic torque wrenches. In this article, we will delve into the details of what hydraulic torque wrenches are, their types, the importance of calibration, their usage, differences between a hydraulic torque wrench and hydraulic bolt tensioning, pros and cons of tension wrenches and torque wrenches, and the advantages of using hydraulic torquing or tensioning equipment. So, let’s dive in!
What is a Hydraulic Torque Wrench?
A hydraulic torque wrench is a powerful tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a bolt or nut. It is commonly used in various industries such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and more. Hydraulic torque wrenches are designed to provide precise and controlled tightening of bolts, ensuring accurate and consistent results. They are known for their efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.
What Are The Types of Hydraulic Torque Wrenches?
There are three main types of hydraulic torque wrenches available in the market:
- Electric Motor Driven Hydraulic Torque Wrench: This type of hydraulic torque wrench is powered by an electric motor and is ideal for applications that require continuous and high-speed tightening. It offers precise and consistent torque application and is commonly used in heavy-duty industries.
- Pneumatic Driven Hydraulic Torque Wrench: This type of hydraulic torque wrench is powered by compressed air and is suitable for applications that require high torque output. It is known for its fast operation and is commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy.
- Battery-Powered Hydraulic Torque Wrench: This type of hydraulic torque wrench is powered by a rechargeable battery and offers portability and flexibility. It is ideal for applications that require mobility and versatility, such as field operations or remote locations.
Importance of Calibrating Hydraulic Torque Wrenches
Calibration of hydraulic torque wrenches is a critical aspect to ensure their accuracy and reliability. Over time, hydraulic torque wrenches can lose their calibration due to various factors such as wear and tear, temperature changes, and external forces. It is important to calibrate hydraulic torque wrenches regularly to maintain their performance and to ensure that the desired torque is applied accurately and consistently.
Who uses hydraulic torque wrench?
Hydraulic torque wrenches are used by a wide range of professionals and industries, including:
- Construction companies for assembling steel structures
- Oil and gas industries for pipeline installations
- Manufacturing companies for heavy equipment assembly
- Automotive industries for tightening bolts in engine components
- Aerospace industries for assembling aircraft components
- Power generation companies for maintenance and repair of turbines and generators
- Shipbuilding industries for assembling ship structures
- Wind energy companies for installing wind turbines
Difference between Hydraulic Torque Wrench and Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning
Hydraulic torque wrenches and hydraulic bolt tensioning are two different methods of achieving proper bolted joint integrity. While both methods involve the use of hydraulic force, they differ in their application and advantages.
Torque vs Tensioning
Hydraulic torque wrenches apply torque directly to the bolt or nut, causing it to rotate and tighten or loosen. Torque is the rotational force applied to the bolt, measured in units such as Newton meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lbf-ft). Hydraulic torque wrenches are used when the desired torque value is specified for the application.
On the other hand, hydraulic bolt tensioning involves applying a tensile force directly to the bolt. This stretches it and creates an axial load that generates clamping force on the joint. This method measures the tension in the bolt, which is typically expressed in units such as kilonewtons (kN) or pounds-force (lbf). Hydraulic bolt tensioning is used when the desired tension or preload in the bolt is specified for the application.
Advantages of Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning Equipment
Hydraulic bolt tensioning offers several advantages over hydraulic torque wrenches:
- Uniform Load Distribution: Hydraulic bolt tensioning applies an axial load to the bolt, which results in a uniform load distribution across the joint. This helps to achieve more even clamping force distribution and reduces the risk of uneven bolt loading, which can lead to joint failure.
- Higher Accuracy: Hydraulic bolt tensioning allows for more precise control over the applied tension in the bolt compared to torque wrenches, which rely on friction factors and other variables that can affect torque accuracy. This results in a more accurate and consistent preload in the bolt, ensuring reliable joint integrity.
- Faster Operation: Hydraulic bolt tensioning can be a faster method compared to torque wrenches, especially for applications with multiple bolts. Once the hydraulic tensioning tool is set up, it can be quickly operated to tension multiple bolts sequentially, saving time and labor costs.
- Reduced Risk of Damage: Hydraulic bolt tensioning minimizes the risk of damage to the bolt and the surrounding components, as it does not involve rotational forces that can cause shearing, stripping, or galling of threads. This helps to extend the lifespan of the bolts and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.
- Versatility: Hydraulic bolt tensioning can be used for a wide range of bolt sizes, types, and applications, making it a versatile method for achieving precise preload in various industries, including oil and gas, construction, automotive, and aerospace.
HEMS Hydraulic Torque Wrench
HEMS also supply a hydraulic torque wrench. You can view it here. It comes as part of our undercarriage maintenance section, which is rife with products. Nevertheless, our hydraulic torque wrenchs are designed for the removal and tightening of shoe bolts of most of the small, medium and large sizes of Track Chains. Similar products to this that we sell are a roller & idler rebuilder and a track press (not to be confused with our master pin pusher).
Our hydraulic torque wrench, also known as our HM-UC/T is an incredibly powerful device incomparable to some of the smaller ones you may find by just typing said keywords into google. We have two models, the 700 and 900. To put into perspective how powerful these machines are, the smaller one has a wrench RPM of 8-150, a power of 5.6kWand weighs 850kg! If you have heavy-duty maintenance needs, then look no further. Explore our website and improve your workshop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calibration is a critical aspect of hydraulic torque wrenches to ensure accurate and reliable torque application. Regular calibration is necessary to maintain the performance and reliability of the tool. It should be performed by trained technicians using calibrated equipment. Hydraulic torque wrenches are widely used in various industries and professions where precise torque application is essential. For example, oil and gas, construction, automotive, and aerospace. Hydraulic bolt tensioning, on the other hand, offers many advantages. These include uniform load distribution, higher accuracy, faster operation, reduced risk of damage, and versatility. Both methods have their unique applications and advantages. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the bolted joint and the industry in which they’re used.