Fasteners secure safe comminution equipment setup

Technofast EziTite Hydraulic Nuts are used to secure vibrating mechanisms and drive motors to sieves, screens and comminution equipment so as to avoid downtime and maintenance. They are actuated simultaneously to give accurate, even and simultaneous torqueing across sets of bolts used in crusher screen applications such as mineral processing, quarries, roadmix refining, food and beverage processing and sorting of industrial materials. Technofast EziTite Hydraulic Nuts are a faster and safer way to secure vibrating screen and crusher motor bolts and have been shown in service to save time previously taken for the installation and maintenance of the drives of this industrial comminution equipment. 

One of several EziTite fasteners that have enhanced safety and cut downtime in widespread applications. Image credit: Technofast Industries

Technofast Founder and CEO John Bucknell stated that one of the issues facing operators of this type of equipment is the propensity for bolts to loosen under the constant vibration and cyclic loading. This issue is alleviated by incorporating a flexible poly washer to augment the performance of the EziTite fasteners in service. The special EziTite fasteners for vibrating and crusher applications incorporate a Poly Washer for extended service, eliminating problems such as hex nuts vibrating loose, lack of control of the bolt load, and physically demanding and hazardous use of flogging spanners.

EziTite Hydraulic Nuts can be used when accurate and reliable loading is required on bolting, or when vibrational or torsional stresses are a problem. The hydraulic nuts are also suitable where regular maintenance requires repeated adjustment or removal of nuts, or if there are confined or difficult nut locations. Such safety benefits are true of many applications; the EziTite hydraulic nuts are suitable for tensioning all of the studs on a flange, joint or cover simultaneously, loading 100% of the fasteners at once.

“This gives an extremely accurate even load onto the flange/joint, enhancing ongoing safety and reliability of the machinery in service,” Bucknell said.

A quarry and mining application in Western Australia reduced the installation time of the motor bolts from a six-hour operation needing two or three personnel, to a two-hour operation involving two people. Bucknell notes that the machine operator involved reported that using the poly washer as a shock-resistant component and tensioning them simultaneously with precise accuracy was a game changer.

“Not only did the application benefit from easy installation and safer handling, but also the simultaneous and precise tensioning of the EziTite nuts produced highly accurate bolt loadings without the ‘cross talk’ coming from individual torque tightening. This resulted in a safer, more secure and longer-lasting joint,” Bucknell said.

Technofast has doubled the size of its Brisbane premises in recent years as a result of expanded global demand for its products, which are typically used where rapid, simplified, and safe maintenance is important and secure, long-lasting joints are integral to safety. Applications range from servicing nuclear reactors and conventional turbines, to partnerships with industry leaders such as Framatome and Siemens in areas such as mineral processing, motors, crushers, dragline drums, cranes, mantle nuts and gearbox couplers. EziTite Hydraulic Nuts and Bolts can be applied by being placed installed on bolt studs then hydraulically actuated, stretching the bolt to the precise tension required and then locking it in place mechanically with a locking device. Rapid disassembly can be carried out by reversing the procedure, when it is eventually required for maintenance.

Top image credit: Technofast Industries