If you take a moment to think about all the structures, machines, and industrial apparatus around the world that are held together in some way or another by nuts and bolts, then the count must be billions, and many of those nuts and bolts will have been tightened by a hydraulic torque wrench. It is just one of four of the main industrial torque wrenches that are widely used.
Torque wrenches came into being just over 100 years ago when a New York City Water Department employee named Conrad Bahr realised he needed a tool more appropriate than normal wrenches for tightening the bolts on water pipes. Since then torque wrenches have been responsible for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of many things that can be found in business and industrial settings.
Four Types Of Industrial Torque Wrenches
Hydraulic
The hydraulics for these torque wrenches are generated either by an electrical or a pneumatic pump. Used where powerful torque limits are required, they are often required to tighten extremely large bolts and nuts. One other main benefit is that as a hydraulic torque wrench is separate from the pump, it can be used in tighter spaces than electric or pneumatic torque wrenches.
Electric
Powered by electricity there is therefore a need for a power outlet to be available where the torque wrench is being used. They are more accurate than other types of torque wrenches and often have data readouts that allow engineers to monitor their use.
Pneumatic
Often used on jobs where time is of the essence and the work needs to be done quickly. They are also commonly used in locations where gas and flammable liquids are present as they present less risk of sparks being created.
Battery
The most modern type of torque wrench and its use has increased significantly in recent years. They are lightweight, portable, and as they require no external power source, they can be used just about anywhere.
3 Business Sectors Where Hydraulic Torque Wrenches Are Commonly Used
We have mentioned that hydraulic torque wrenches are powerful, so it will be no surprise to learn that their use is common in settings where larger bolts are used, and where fasteners need to be able to withstand large or heavy loads. Below are three business sectors where you would expect to find these larger fasteners and thus the use of hydraulic torque wrenches.
Mining And Quarry Operations
Few industrial environments are tougher or rougher than mines and quarries, so it stands to reason that much of the equipment used is large and powerful. The bolts, nuts, and other fasteners for these require the power of a hydraulic torque wrench to ensure they are tightened accurately and securely.
Specific examples of where a torque wrench might be used include engine maintenance, gearbox maintenance, bulldozer track maintenance, excavator maintenance, and drill rig maintenance.
Pipelines And Power Generation
When you consider the risks that would exist if pipelines and power lines were not secure you can understand why the use of hydraulic torque wrenches is vital in these business sectors.
Specific examples include nuclear power plant cooling pipe seals, pipes and valves at gas and oil pumping plants, gas and oil pipeline seals, gas and oil wellhead connectors and nuclear reactor covers.
Wind Turbine Energy
Did you know that on some wind turbines it requires over one thousand nuts and bolts to hold it together? Imagine the dangers if it were not secure and either the blades flew off or the tower was not stable in high winds. For these reasons, it is hydraulic torque wrenches that are often used to secure the base of the wind turbine tower, their gearboxes, and their turbine blades.