HYTORC USE RT-BOLT FOR KNURLING STUDY PUBLICATION

The Problem:
Hytorc needed a simplified reliable Bolt Load Measurement method that was comparible to well controlled laboratory measuring rods that would work at high temperatures for research.  The study was on the impact of Bearing Face Knurling on bold load relaxation at elevated temperatures.

The Consequence:
"The RT-Bolts worked very well!  We were very impressed with the repeatability of the measurements.  I have spent years personally doing elongation readings on nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV’s) with floating measuring rods.   The scatter in those RPV stud measurements was manageable when careful, but I have always found the vulnerabilities concerning.  Dirt, grime, surface conditions and centering issues all...

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Integrity Assurance for Offshore Platform Compact Flange Conversion

The Problem:
Compact flanges were used on a NPS 40 gas line on an offshore platform. The compact flange joints proved very difficult to seal during assembly and commissioning. They are also likely to be difficult to maintain, as small imperfections can cause leakage of the seal ring. A back-up plan was formulated that involved using a kamprofile gasket in place of the compact seal ring. This required very accurate joint assembly, in order to ensure that an adequate buffer against leakage could be established with the kamprofile gasket.

The Consequence:
Leakage of these joints would not only shut the platform down, but (if ignited) it would have the potential to severely damage the platform infrastructure. In addition, envisaged...

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Coke Drum Bottom Deheading Valve Joint Assembly and Monitoring

The Problem:
Coke Drums operate at high temperature and
see extreme cycles of operation every 24 hours. Most sites using delayed cokers have had leakage problems with the joint between the bottom deheading valve and the coke drum or coke drum transition spool.

The Consequence:
Joint leakage can escalate to the point where ignition is possible, requiring the unit to be taken offline to repair the joint. This leads to several days of lost production from the unit. In addition, there is cost associated with the periodic tightening of the joints and the potential for over-tightening of the bolts, leading to damage to the valve body at the studded bolt hole.

Previous Fixes:
Many sites operate a time-...

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Assembly and Monitoring of High Temperature Heat Exchanger Joints

The Problem:

A refinery had continuous nuisance leakage from a bank of high temperature heat exchangers with 3/4” bolts. Assessment of the joint integrity revealed that an extremely high assembly bolt load (90% of yield) was required in order to ensure good joint integrity.

The Consequence:

Leakage of these joints was problematic for the re nery, requiring shutdown to retighten the joints and, on occasion, shutdown to replace the gaskets. The cost associated with these activities, and the risk to personnel were substantial.

Previous Fixes:

Other load indicating bolts had been used in the past, but due to the small diameter of the bolts and the larger bore of the device, these devices prevented...

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RT-Bolt can be read with analogue or digital probes

Both analogue and digital probes are available and can be produced with a ceramic base for high or low temperature measurement, there is also the option to have a removable probe or a permanently installed probe.