“Seal of Approval: Using Load Indicating Fasteners to Prevent Oil Refinery Leaks at Turnaround”
“Because oil refineries constantly have flammable and hazardous fluid coursing through a network of pipes, it’s imperative that all flanges and joints be tightly sealed. Not only are leaks expensive due to loss of product, even more costly is an unplanned outage or work stoppage to perform repairs. Still, in some processes at a refinery, leaking assemblies seemed to be a fact of life. Fixed- and rotating-equipment engineers have long considered it impossible to have a 100% emission-free environment, but now they can turn to a unique and patented product to meet their needs.
The SPC4™ Load Indicating Stud is the key to trouble-free flanged assemblies. Manufactured by Valley Forge & Bolt, SPC4™ bolts and studs measure and display true tension, in real time, while in service. These engineered fasteners offer more robust joint integrity and better sealing, and mitigate leaks caused by poorly or improperly compressed gaskets.” Read More
“Split the Difference: Load Indicating Fasteners Offer a Clear Advantage in Manufacture of Split Case Gas Compressors”
“It’s said that you can’t fight progress. Equally true is that some traditions never die. But sometimes, even an old tradition needs a little help from something new. That was the situation with an original equipment manufacturer, whose classic design for a split case gas compressor needed an infusion of some new technology to remain profitably on the market.
The design for this particular split case compressor, which is used by the oil and gas industry to reduce the volume of material and increase product flow, has been around since the 1950s. Demand for the compressor warranted continued production; however, the compressor’s failure rate during pressure testing for leaks was alarmingly high because fasteners joining its top and bottom halves were not maintaining the proper tension.” Read More
Which Product do we recommend?
The High-Temp Maxbolt®
With an accuracy of +/- 5%, compliant with ASTM F2482, our Maxbolt® series of fasteners now includes a high temperature option.
Proven and tested to withstand temperatures up to 650o F, High Temp Maxbolt® now joins Valley Forge’s SPC4® solution as a tension-based load indicating fastener, providing real time tension indication where process & environment may result in elevated temperatures.
Employing all similar materials, a high temperature lens and easy to read gauge, the High Temp Maxbolt® will operate both in rapid thermal cycle applications or in prolonged high temp situations.
Available in all standard Maxbolt® diameters.
