Tentec Launches New Generation of Topside Bolt Tensioners for Compact Flanges

WEST BROMWICH, U.K. - July 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Tentec Ltd, a leading global designer and manufacturer of bolt tensioning equipment is pleased to announce the launch of the new V-Series of Compact Flange bolt tensioners on Stand 1B61 at Offshore Europe 2013. The V-Series is a purpose designed range of tools designed specifically for use on SPO Compact flanges and the Norsok L-005 compact flanges. The range consists of 11 bolt tensioning tools covering bolt sizes from 3/4” to 4”.

Since its introduction in 1989, the SPO Compact Flange from Vector International has been used internationally by installation and maintenance engineers offshore, onshore and subsea and is widely believed to be the most effective, environmentally friendly piping joint available. However, although the preferred method of tightening the SPO compact flange bolts is by using bolt tensioning tools, due to the small size and relatively high bolt load requirements of the flanges, most conventional bolt tensioners either do not fit or do not have a high enough bolt load capacity. So, once again, Tentec answers the needs of the oil and gas industry with the launch of the V-Series Compact Flange Tensioners.

During the challenging development of the V-Series, Tentec design engineers modelled over 300 different configurations of SPO compact flanges using the latest 3D solid model CAD software. The result was that the tensioners fit perfectly onto the SPO flanges as they have been designed to clear not only the elliptical profile of the flanges, but also the weld protrusion and the pipe diameter. The  design team has also ensured that the profile machined tensioners would stay clear of any adjacent hexagon nut, so smooth operation is guaranteed. The bolt load specified by Vector International is exactly met by the new V-Series, so guaranteeing a leak free bolted joint.

Reliability is further enhanced by the fact that Tentec has designed the tools without using bonded seals.  Bonded seals are used by most bolt tensioning manufacturers to seal the hydraulic connections to the tensioner. These tiny seals are prone to failure and when just one of the many bonded seals used in a tensioning system fail, the whole tensioning procedure comes to a halt until the failed tiny seal is replaced.  Tentec has designed out the use of these fragile seals so that this new range of tensioners no longer rely on bonded seals, improving safety and minimising downtime.

To make life easier for all users of the V-Series tensioners, Tentec’s popular Bolt Tightening Software (BTS) has been updated to include all Vector International standard compact flanges along with the correct recommended tensioning pressures. Using BTS takes away the complexity of calculating tensioner pressures and torque values, making it quick, easy and a foolproof way to avoid human error.

The new V-Series complements Tentec’s existing ranges of bolt tensioners that includes the recently introduced Compact-8 series of subsea bolt tensioners that is ideal for use on subsea Vector/SPO compact flanges.

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Further Details:  Paul Egginton. Tentec Ltd.  Plymouth House. Guns Lane, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 9HS.
Tel: + 44 (0) 121 524 1990 Fax: + 44 (0) 121 524 1999
E-mail: sales@tentec.net     Web: http://www.tentec.net
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Tentec_offshore    


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240TEN
July 19, 2013