title-wind

News

The 8 most important considerations when selecting your next hydraulic torque wrench

Published in: Wind, Talking Point, Exclusive Articles

The 8 most important considerations when selecting your next hydraulic torque wrench image

Operating and maintaining a single generating station or wind farm and distributing that power in an ever changing and highly regulated market is an enormous challenge. Utility leaders are under constant pressure to meet rising demands, maintain regulatory compliance, shift to a diverse energy mix, and implement sustained cost reductions, without impact to quality and reliability. As their assets and workforce age, power generators recognize the need to innovate and partner with suppliers with the same priorities.

Wind is an important and growing source of energy around the globe. Consumer demand for cleaner, renewable energy, along with favorable prices has fueled increased investments in wind capacity installations. As onshore and offshore wind farms become commonplace, demand for specialized tools for the installation, maintenance or decommissioning of wind turbines.

A wind turbine can contain approximately 25,000 bolts, each of them under precise bolt load and up against a variety of forces in nature. Maintaining bolt integrity with Enerpac wind tower tensioners and torque wrenches uniquely supports both wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm operators alike with a broad set of proven tool technology and services.

Torque wrench basics

Hydraulic torque wrenches have come a long way since they were first introduced in the early 1960s. Advancements in technology have created countless options, features, and benefits to decipher - making it much harder to have confidence in your final tool selection.

Hydraulic torque wrenches create the exact torque output or torque load necessary to loosen or tighten the threads of a nut and bolt for a leak-free joint. A hydraulic torque wrench is comprised of two primary parts; square drive socket combination or hex cassette and a drive unit which is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. A complete hydraulic torque wrench system includes a hydraulic pump with a coupler and hose. Actuating the pump advances the torque wrench.

If you are a seasoned bolting specialist, then you will know the must-have features needed to complete your specific bolting projects like a pro. However, if you are new to controlled bolting, selecting the right hydraulic torque wrench for your job requires understanding the choices available. The design and features of each series of torque wrenches are tailored to suit different applications. Below are key considerations when selecting a torque wrench for your unique job.

More from across PES