Abstract: A system (150) and method of tensioning a bolt (44) across a flange assembly (42). A tensioning apparatus (40) includes the bolt and an unthreaded nut (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure to a groove (54) between the nut and the bolt. A tensioner (58) is energized by a pressure to pre-load the bolt by pulling on the bolt while pushing on the nut while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the nut and the bolt. The tensioner is sized to achieve the required pre-load in the bolt at the same working fluid pressure that is necessary to relax the interference fit on the stretched bolt, thus permitting a single pressure source (148) to be used for both functions.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus (40) for applying a closing force across a flange assembly (42). The tensioning apparatus includes a shank member (44) and an annular member (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure (P1) to a groove (54) between the annular member and the shank member. A tensioner (58) is used to pre-load the shank member by pulling on the shank member while pushing on the annular member while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the annular member and the shank member. Once the pre-load is established, the interference fit is reestablished by releasing pressure P1 to lock the annular member in position for maintaining the closure force across the flange assembly after the tensioner is removed. A lock nut (34) may be tightened against the annular member to provide additional protection against the release of the pre-load.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus (40) for applying a closing force across a flange assembly (42). The tensioning apparatus includes a shank member (44) and an annular member (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure (P1) to a groove (54) between the annular member and the shank member. A tensioner (58) is used to pre-load the shank member by pulling on the shank member while pushing on the annular member while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the annular member and the shank member. Once the pre-load is established, the interference fit is reestablished by releasing pressure P1 to lock the annular member in position for maintaining the closure force across the flange assembly after the tensioner is removed. A lock nut (34) may be tightened against the annular member to provide additional protection against the release of the pre-load.

Abstract: A system (150) and method of tensioning a bolt (44) across a flange assembly (42). A tensioning apparatus (40) includes the bolt and an unthreaded nut (48) connected to the shank member by an interference fit. The interference fit may be selectively relaxed by applying a fluid pressure to a groove (54) between the nut and the bolt. A tensioner (58) is energized by a pressure to pre-load the bolt by pulling on the bolt while pushing on the nut while the interference fit is sufficiently relaxed to allow relative movement between the nut and the bolt. The tensioner is sized to achieve the required pre-load in the bolt at the same working fluid pressure that is necessary to relax the interference fit on the stretched bolt, thus permitting a single pressure source (148) to be used for both functions.

Abstract: A shear pin assembly to be used in a blind radial hole on a rotor assembly stack. The blind radial hole is located at the interface between the disks that form the rotor stack and has a slot cut into one of the disks. The shear pin is disposed in the blind radial hole and includes, a cylindrical body, a cavity, and a cam pivotally disposed in said cavity. When the shear pin is installed, the cam is pivoted into the slot, locking the pin in the blind radial hole.

Abstract: A bolting system secures its nuts with locking pins and securing portions. The first and second bolts extend through a surface in the same general orientation, wherein each of the bolts has a threaded end. First and second nuts are engaged with the bolts' threaded ends. Each nut has a nut wall with a threaded inner surface, an opposing outer surface, and a pin insertion hole radially extending at least partially through the nut wall from the outer surface. First and second locking pins are disposed in the pin insertion holes, each pin having a top portion that extends beyond the outer surface. The top portion has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A first securing portion extends through the first locking pin aperture and is secured around the first nut outer surface. A second securing portion extends through the second locking pin aperture and is secured around the second nut outer surface. A third securing portion is secured through the apertures of the first and second pins.

Abstract: A bolting system for securing at least two structures having a bolt, a coupling nut, a hydraulic tensioner, and a lock nut. The bolt has a body with a threaded end and another end with a bolt head. The coupling nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt and has a top face having one or more dog indentations. The hydraulic tensioner has a hydraulic cell with an engagement end that engages the threaded end of the bolt. The hydraulic cell stretches the bolt while an engaging member of the hydraulic tensioner engages the dog indentations of the coupling nut with complementing, engaging member dogs. The engaging member rotates the coupling nut while the engagement end of the hydraulic tensioner tensions the bolt. The lock nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: An axial tensioned bolt and nut for bolting together a turbine or similar piece of equipment. The bolt has parallel threads and the nut has a coil insert. The bolt is stretched and tensioned by a hydraulic tensioner. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic tensioner rests on a bridge element which in turn rests on the surface of the turbine around the nut. The hydraulic tensioner is then attached to the threads of the bolt. The bolt is stretched by the hydraulic tensioner pulling on the bolt while pushing against the bridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a stool with a wide top face rests on the surface of the equipment and the bolt extends through the stool and engages the nut. The bridge element rests on the top face of the stool while the hydraulic tensioner stretches the bolt. In a third embodiment of the invention, a parallel action hydraulic tensioner is attached to both ends of the bolt and pulls the bolt to stretch it.