July/ August 2020

HYDRAULICS Hydrocam hydraulically operated bolt tensioners are designed to offer far greater accuracy compared with alternative fixing methods. The bolt tensioners can reportedly remove uncertainty over the performance and long-term reliability of couplings. They can also save time and reduce risks, offering a high level of control and safety. According to Hydrocam manufacturer Pilgrim, part of the SKF Group, damage to bolts and associated structures is avoided, installation is faster, operation of equipment is optimized and maintenance needs are minimised. Bolted assemblies are used throughout industry but can present significant challenges. For example, incorrect assembly accounts for around 45% of all fatigue failures, with common problems being insufficient preload, over- or under- tightening and misalignment. “Conventional methods for tightening bolts use torque, applied by hand or torque tools,” explains Damian Lewis, general manager at Pilgrim. “These methods can damage threads and flange faces, leading to re-machining and added downtime. The bolts may also become loose over time and need re-tightening. An alternative is heat induction, but this requires specialist contractors and additional cost.” Hydrocam can overcome these problems by axially stretching bolts and studs, using a pre-determined residual load to create a high integrity fixing, which can be mounted and dismounted quickly and safely without damage. Hydrocam can be supplied as a single tool or incorporated into a multi- tensioner for homogenous tightening; in most applications it is intended to be reused with multiple fittings but can also be permanently incorporated into the nut assembly. Hydrocam is supplied ready for use with the tensioner unit, power pack and all relevant fittings. The power pack can be hydraulically, electrically or hand operated. Lewis concludes, “Hydrocam ensures consistent, safe and precise bolt assembly and fastening. It’s simple to use, eliminates the risk of errors and saves engineers throughout industry considerable time, effort and cost.” www.skf.com Hydrocam hydraulic bolt tensioners remove uncertainty from couplings Essentra Components, manufacturer of high-quality stock and custom industrial components, has introduced a new Hydraulic Hose Protection guide – downloadable from its website. During the course of everyday operations, hydraulic hose assemblies and other hoses are exposed to moisture, dirt, cuts, abrasions, crushing and UV rays. Continuous movement and rubbing against other hoses or equipment – often caused by machine vibrations – can erode hoses, while non-compatible fluids can eat away at them if left unprotected. Hose protection products from Essentra Components address these issues in the many ways described in this new guide, which includes information on use, installation and specifications of the following: Hose protection sleeves for hydraulic hoses offer the last line of defence in protecting people, environment and machinery against hose bursts or leakage. They also protect hoses against abrasion and may be fitted pre or post hose installation. Mining safety approved sleeves protect against hydraulic hose oil leakage, hose ruptures, hose spills. Likewise, Spiral Wrap for mining and quarrying applications is mine-safety-approved, flame-retardant and anti-static to protect underground hose assemblies. It is suitable for use across a wide range of industries such as mining, quarrying, drilling & tunnelling, forestry & agricultural, welding, manufacturing & automotive, marine sub-sea, offshore oil and gas construction. Excellent elasticity A full line of fire protection sleeves can offer excellent elasticity for protecting or bundling hoses, tubes and cables in a variety of hostile environments. The insulation properties of the outer silicone rubber and inner knitted glass fibre provide effective protection for personnel, easy bundling of hoses and improved aesthetics. Spiral hose wrap in a variety of styles, can protect against abrasion and crushing, thus extending hose life. If weight and size are an issue, then PVC point-of-contact protectors, also known as hose wear protectors, are a valuable option and are an economical solution when there are few single sources of hose wear. They are easy to assemble and remove as they are simply assembled with a cable tie. www.essentracomponents.co.uk Essentra Components hydraulic hose protection guide 32 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2020 www.hpmag.co.uk