Components

• Bolting Technology Review

• Science Fundamentals

• Instrument Variations

• Mandatory Requirements

• Critical Preparations for an Effective Job

• Development of a Proper Database

• Crucial Requirements for Immediate and Future Repeatability

• Instrument Preparation

• Equipment Programming

• Device Operation

• Signal Interpretation

• Data Analysis

• Report Generation

• CMMS Integration

• "Tips 'n' Tricks"

Today's equipment has evolved considerably since the earliest units were first developed over 20 years ago. While not nearly as complex and cumbersome as those early devices, the correct use of present instruments can quickly become daunting to the uninitiated and inexperienced. This has routinely led to silent operator frustration and often, unknown to the Owner until too late, compromised data.

Hevï's extensive experience can be leveraged by those Owners who wish to develop competent in-house capabilities for property self-sufficiency. At the onset of an initial project, the client assigns a designated representative to work alongside Hevï's Project Manager. Throughout the course of the construction process, this close participation provides a supervised experience and conveys the necessary knowledge so that this person becomes familiar with the detailed methodology of this science. This eliminates project risk by providing the Owner with the benefit of knowing that this important component of the plant's construction had been completed properly. It also prepares the Owner's personnel to confidently monitor the plant's critical bolt loads during subsequent shutdowns, usually without having to mobilize a Hevï crew from overseas.

Sometimes Owners might also choose to purchase complete ultrasonic bolt stress monitoring systems from Hevï for future self-reliance. Occasionally, an OEM may have already provided a basic set-up as part of a project's equipment package. In either event, unless the intended user has extensive experience in this highly specialized technology, comprehensive classroom and "on-the-job" training should be an essential consideration before any such device is used.

Ultrasonic Bolt Elongation Technology is quite unlike common NDE. Operator proficiency requires a unique blend of not only UT understanding but also of detailed bolting engineering knowledge. This is a rare combination unless the operator has a full-time focus in this specialised field. Of even more importance to the program's success is the Bolting QA Manager's prior history in properly establishing and directing similar projects.