There are many industries where large numbers of nuts and bolts must be tightened in a particular sequence and to a particular torque. Process industries are perfect examples where there are miles of large diameter pipes which are either fixed end to end through flanged connections or these pipes have large valves installed in line. Some of these flanged connections can easily include 50 or more bolts.
Not only do these fasteners have to be done in sequence and to a fixed torque, the torque required is high and in many cases the bolts are quite close together. When all of these issues are taken into consideration it is easy to see why hydraulic torque wrenches are favored over manual, pneumatic or electric powered wrenches.
As these tools are subjected to extreme operating conditions it is not uncommon that they fail and require hydraulic wrench repair. When one considers that these tools must apply precise amounts of torque, the least bit of damage to the tool may have an effect on the outcome which can be disastrous if the environment in which the installation is can be considered hazardous.
A hydraulic torque wrench is connected directly to a hydraulic power supply; they are self contained tools and can be easily disconnected when it is necessary to send them out for hydraulic wrench repair or to change to a different hydraulic tool. As a hydraulic power supply is universal, it can be used to supply power to hand tools as well as hydraulic jacks or hydraulic hoists.
Hydraulic tools run quietly and smoothly compared to air operated tools and many electric tools, furthermore, they are ideal for use in hazardous environments where the least spark could cause an explosion. As many petrochemical plants are carrying noxious chemicals the flanged pipe connections must be perfect, a hydraulic torque wrench ensures that this will be the case.
As a result of the environments in which the tools are often used, there is a constant need for tool maintenance and repair. Most contractors and facility managers find it to be in their best interests to send the tools out for repair as the repair shops have the replacement parts and factory certified technicians, two things that most contractors do not have.
