The SBT range from the global manufacturer of high pressure hydraulic tools offers all the features of the standard STS range of bolt tensioners

Hi-Force, a leading global manufacturer of high pressure hydraulic tools, which offers a range of hydraulic bolt tensioners has most recently launched the SBT spring assisted return bolt tensioners.

Now available with imperial bolt sizes of 1 ¼-inch to 4-inch and metric bolt sizes of M30 to M100, the SBT range consists of 22 imperial and 26 metric models, each with a maximum working pressure of 21,750 PSI (1500 Bar).

Hi-Force’s SBT range offers all the features of the standard STS range of bolt tensioners, however with the added feature of spring assisted return hydraulic pistons. Designed primarily for topside operation, the additional feature of this range reduces bolt tensioning cycle times considerably, as the tensioner piston automatically retracts immediately after the hydraulic pressure is released, thus removing the need to manually wind down the threaded puller.

In addition to spring assisted return feature of the tool, the SBT range is also able to offer the same versatility as the STS range, with a variety of interchangeable threaded pullers and nut rotating sockets available, either as bolt size conversion kits or individual parts. All SBT bolt tensioners are designed and manufactured with a wear coated piston, maximum stroke indicator, self-energising high pressure seals and dual quick connect couplers, for easy multiple tensioner hook up.

Suitable hydraulic pumps for the SBT range include the Hi-Force AHP275BTU and AHP2-237BTU air driven pump as well as the Hi-Force HPX1500BTU manually operated pump. Each pump operates at a maximum working pressure of 1500 Bar and is supplied complete with a pressure gauge and quick connect release outlet couplings for ease of use. The complete system, including an air inlet filter, regulator and lubricator unit is fitted with a robust steel frame. The HPX1500BTU manually operated pump however is lightweight, compact and is independent from any required power source, making it the ideal choice for onsite tensioning applications, particularly with Hi-Force’s small SBT tensioners.

Only the best design and process engineers are recruited for the manufacturing of Hi-Force products, including the hydraulic bolt tensioners. "All the components of the hydraulic bolt tensioners are designed, produced and tested at our manufacturing facility in Daventry on a fleet of twelve Mori Seiki machines and using only the highest quality materials. All our products, for example the tensioner load cells, are issued with a unique serial number which gives us the ability to identify precisely the material certification, machining batch numbers, heat treatment process and finally the build and testing information," says Chris Dickinson, group operations director.

With the best available technology, world class manufacturing principles and the accredited ISO9001:2008 procedures, quality control is assured in the Hi-Force brand. "Each component is manufactured to exacting requirements and repeatedly checked at multiple stages of the manufacturing process. This ensures that the tolerances needed for load cells operating at pressures of 21,750 PSI (1500 Bar) are accurately maintained. Our measuring equipment, both electronic and manual, are calibrated on a regular basis to ensure accuracy and traceable quality at national standards," elaborates Dickinson.

In addition to the standard range of bolt tensioners, Hi-Force has the capability to manufacture custom design tensioners to suit specific requirements. The product design incorporates the latest Solid Works computer technology, and together with the latest ‘state of the art’ CNC production machinery, Hi-Force has the expertise to offer a solution to meet the needs of its customers.

The SBT range of tensioners, along with suitable hydraulic pumps, hoses and couplings are available from all Hi-Force operations as well as through the global network of authorised distributors. In addition to supply, Hi-Force is also able to offer tool rental packages as well as onsite bolting service packages.