Bolted joint reliability on oil+gas in the Caspian

Over the last 12 months, RotaBolt technology has been introduced into a wide variety of applications to deliver bolted joint reliability for oil and gas operators in Azerbaijan and the Caspian

Over the last 12 months, RotaBolt technology has been introduced into a wide variety of applications to deliver bolted joint reliability for oil and gas operators in Azerbaijan and the Caspian.

Offshore platform structures, cranes and a major new gas pipeline have all benefited from RotaBolt products and James Walker expertise.

At Azeri, there are now seven platforms that feature the RotaBolt tension control systems.

The unique, built-in technology of the RotaBolt constantly and accurately measures and maintains tension, and has been used on riser clamps, structural clamps, "J" tube bolting, flow line flanges and even on Christmas trees.

The fasteners are also used on the platform's cranes, delivering joint reliability on the main slew rings.

Recognised as a global centre of excellence for bolted joint technology, operators are increasingly turning to RotaBolt and its range of fasteners to deliver tension control, critical to bolted joint reliability.

At Shah Deniz, RotaBolts are used on riser compact flanges and flow line flanges, as well as on Christmas trees and the main slew rings of platform cranes.

"Operators are looking for a cost effective solution to bolted joint safety and reliability," commented John Hirst, RotaBolt Engineering Manager: "it is encouraging to see that a technology driven approach to tension control is becoming more widespread.

One of our biggest challenges remains one of education when there is a culture of tightening and fixing.

We are delighted that across a variety of applications, operators now see that to achieve bolted joint reliability you have to install bolts to their correct design tension and accurately maintain that tension - that's what our technology does".

Elsewhere, RotaBolt technology has also been used on gas coolers on offshore platforms to correct imbalances in gasket sealing.

In the original application, operators BP realised that joint reliability was dependant upon all the bolts being tightened to a uniform design tension, to develop the required gasket stress.

The decision was made to change out all the bolting to the RotaBolt tension control system.

The installation was carried out by the frame agreement tightening contractor, who had used traditional methodology in the past.

The joints have now been in service for over a year and continue to remain leak free.

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