We have a track record of solving problems. We've helped many clients to achieve reliable bolted joints. We invite you to browse through our application list. Contact us; we'd be glad to help with your bolting application or problem, whether it be assembly or performance, we can help!

Nuclear Power

1. Reviewed assembly procedures of all safety related systems, analyzed joints and recommended fastener preloads.
2. Designed and conducted test program to study compressive strains in the Lower Bearing Block vessel closure mechanism for shipboard nuclear reactors.
3. Consulted on the development of the Nuclear Plant Threaded Fastener Improvement program. Programs included materials standardization, gasket selection, standardized assembly procedures, training, leak reduction tracking and trending.
4. Consulted on the determination of existing preload in the Reactor Pressure Vessel Anchor Studs. Controlled the detensioning of the studs to a lower preload.
5. Developed load versus elongation relationship for Reactor Top Guide Stud.
6. Advised and trained personnel on assembly of Navy 10" Swing Check Valve using ultrasonic stretch measurements.
7. Determined the stripping strength of tapped holes for Tugco steam generator upper lateral support bolt.
8. Reviewed and recommended changes to South Texas project Bolted Joint assembly procedures.
9. Developed stud preload models and statistical techniques for predicting preload for large fasteners of heavy equipment supports. Methods were validated by experiments on 3" diameter heavy equipment support studs.

Authored EPRI reports:

1. NP2124: "A Study of Bolting Problems, Tools and Practices in the Nuclear Industry."
2. NP-5067 "Good Bolting Practices" a reference manual for maintenance personnel.
3. NP-6316 "Guidelines for Threaded Fastener Application in Nuclear Power Plants"
4. Two hour videotape on leak prevention in bolted joints

1. Analysis of 10", 1500 lb. flanges.
2. Analysis of 127" diameter reactor flanges.
3. Analysis of stripper joints.
4. Analysis of 3500-psi hydrogen control valve bolted joints.
5. Analysis of 18", 3500-psi hydrogen reactor joint.
6. Analysis of hardening tube assembly procedure.
7. Analysis of 60" expander inlet spool piece flange.
8. Analysis of large diameter, high temperature reactor flange.
9. Developed preload recommendations for mixer to vessel bolted joint.

1. Established torquing specifications for the M60 tank track threaded fasteners. Ten-fold increase in track reliability was achieved.
2. Consulted on failure analysis of M60 cylinder studs. Recommended modification of the nut-bearing surface, which resulted in a 50% increase in achieved stud preload at the specified torque.
3. Developed a computer program for the analysis of bolted joints in accordance with the VDI 2230 Analysis of High Duty Bolted Joints.
4. Consulted on fatigue of large ball and sag mill bolted flanges.
5. Designed and managed the production of 20,000-ft. lb. assembly machines used to torque gland nuts on hydraulic piston rods.
6. Developed equipment for real-time monitoring of bolt loads on automotive assembly line. Collected data on 20,000 bolts.

1. 2nd Biennial Movable Bridge Symposium: presented a paper on "The Use and Misuse of Galvanized Structural Bolts." Discussed problems relating to the use of galvanized A325 structural bolts including; thread stripping, low installation preload, bolt failure. Recommended practices to alleviate this problem.
2. Using an ultrasonic extensometer, measured insitu loads in A325 galvanized bolts and A490 black bolts which were installed in a bascule bridge. The tests were part of a study sponsored by federal DOT contract DTFH61-85-C-00174. The results were included in a report, "High Strength Bolts for Bridges" by J. Yura, et.al.
3. Measured residual preload on Williamsburg Bridge cable clamp assembly.
4. Measured stud preload on George Washington Bridge cable clamp assembly.
5. Studied the preload of improperly installed A490 structural steel bolts in a forty-story office building.