Wind turbines, like helicopters, are fatigue machines—always vibrating and working to loosen their fasteners. More vibration will come as engineers develop longer blades to capture more wind energy and towers reach higher to accommodate them. These increased vibration levels may loosen some tower fasteners. To prevent this, engineers are looking for better ways to measure
Counteracting vibration and settlement in bolted joints
February 20, 2013 : 1 Comment
Hidenori Araki, Nord-Lock, www.nord-lock.com Wind turbines are home to a range of critical bolting applications. From the blades, rotor disc, the nacelle, all the way down through the tower and the foundation, bolted joints are major considerations. Hence, an effective bolt securing system is critical for safe and efficient operation of these massive feats of
ILSCO releases enhanced NIMBUS 4FLEX shapes
February 5, 2013 : 0 Comments
ILSCO has enhanced its NIMBUS 4FLEX line of pre-insulated connectors. Three new configurations (shapes) have been added to the line and include an X, T, and L. With the exclusive configurations of these new “shapes,” NIMBUS 4FLEX now has the greatest flexibility of any pre-insulated connector series on the market today. These new configurations will
Coating approved for A490 bolts
January 2, 2013 : 0 Comments
A coating developer says the specification of its Magni 565 coating has been approved for use on ASTM A490 high strength structural bolts. Magni’s 565 (ASTM F2833 Grade 1) zinc-rich base coat and aluminum organic-inorganic composition qualifies for A490s. Magni 565 is the only approved nonchrome, zinc-rich-inorganic coating approved to ASTM 490. Magni 565 passed
How bolting system simplicity increases safety
November 21, 2012 : 0 Comments
Article by Jason Junkers, Director of Operations at HYTORC Wind, www.hytorcwind.com In the world of industrial maintenance there are three priorities above all else: safety, quality, and schedule. Depending on whom you talk to, one may take precedence over another. However, for the person performing the work, safety is always the number one consideration. While
Wedge locking prevents spontaneous bolt loosening and more
November 9, 2012 : 0 Comments
A new dimension of safety to bolt security with the launch of the Nord-Lock X-series washer, says the company. The X-series combines the company’s Nord-Lock’s wedge-locking protection against spontaneous bolt loosening (due to vibration and dynamic loads) with an exclusive spring effect that protects against slackening due to settlement and relaxation. This combination makes X-series
Bolting company celebrates 25th anniversary
September 5, 2012 : 0 Comments
Aztec Bolting Services commemorated the 25th anniversary of its opening with a company-wide celebration on Sept. 14. The event included two days of training sessions that focused on strategies of continued growth of building for the future. The company says the anniversary is a testament to the company’s vision and commitment of providing quality and
No torque required for this fastener
July 31, 2012 : 0 Comments
Torque has taken its knocks as a way to tension a bolt because of the wide load variations it imparts. It’s easy to see that lubricated and dry bolts would generate different loads from the same torque. Conventional bolts also develop torsional forces from friction and geometric factors between the mating threads, resulting in a
Bolt brochure highlights multi-jackbolt tensioners and more
July 30, 2012 : 2 Comments
A manufacturer of bolt securing systems offers a combination of bolting expertise and a wide product range, including wedge-locking devices and Superbolt tensioners. The just released “Multi-jackbolt tensioners (MJTs) standard range” Superbolt catalog highlights one of the more innovative technologies available for tightening bolts and studs, according to the company. MJTs offer simple and cost
Keyless shaft locking bushing transmits up to 6,400 ft-lb
June 21, 2012 : 0 Comments
The stainless steel ETP Express-R shaft-locking bushings handle torque from 34 to 6,400 ft. lbs. The developer says the bushings work well locking into position gears, pulleys, sprockets, and other components in a machine’s power transmission system. The company says the bushings work well in systems requiring frequent washdowns because they are easily cleaned and
