Thermal Power Plant – U-Bolt Pipe Support Assembly
*Some images are for illustration purposes only.
Overview
Loose bolts in U-bolt assemblies cause movement, resulting in fatigued draining piping over time. This fatigue leads to small cracks to build up in the material, leading to possible leaks of dangerous gases and chemicals, and eventually, to serious accidents. To prevent such accidents, proper installation of double nuts in piping support assemblies is required. The double nut, also known as the jam nut, uses a friction locking method which does not allow workers to apply a precise tensile strength, leading to unreliable locking of threaded components. Not only do double nuts carry the risk of over-fastening and damaging the threads when installed by non-experienced workers, they are also difficult to install: 2 wrenches are required, one for the top and bottom nut.
HARDLOCK Nut resolves such issues, allowing for reliable locking with no risk of over-fastening and only one fastening tool.
Problem
Severe Transient Pipework Vibration from Gas Turbine Drain Piping
Transient vibration loosened threaded assemblies
Increased excitation occurred from loosened U-bolt assembly
Due to space constraints, optimal double nut tightening was difficult
Solution
HARDLOCK Nuts Replaced Double Nutting and Jam Nuts
Proven torque control for exact tensile strength with appropriate loosening prevention mechanism
Pipe excitations is reduced after installation No strict tightening torque specs
Easy installation in a constrained space