BP has installed RotaBolt measurement tension indicator fasteners to a heat exchanger at the company’s gas processing terminal.
Fitted as part of BP’s continuous improvement programme, the fasteners were used to assure that the correct design load was being achieved on bolted joints on four of the terminal’s re-boilers. RotaBolt is a sealing and bolting product from global engineering business James Walker.
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BP gas processing terminal asset care engineer said that RotaBolts have been fitted on the bolted joints where the main vessel connects to the channel system.
"We had been using ultrasonic measurement of bolt extension to check correct pre-load but the use of RotaBolt measurement has helped us overcome some inconsistencies. The improvements, which included re-machining the sealing faces, are assuring our leak-free start-ups," the engineer added.
The joints may experience substantial temperature differentials during start-up and can be subject to distortion.
It is essential that the correct tension is being achieved and maintained across the joints during the thermal swings in order to assure integrity.
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By GlobalDataEach RotaBolt fastener is fitted with new technology assuring that the correct tension is achieved and maintained throughout the life of the bolted joint. The fastener design can be instantly finger-tip checked, which serves as an added advantage.
A reduction in the amount of time taken to carry out routine maintenance has lead to a substantial reduction in costs, according to James Walker.
