With the best available technology, world class manufacturing principles and the accredited ISO9001:2015 procedures, quality control is assured by the brand

Hi-Force is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high pressure hydraulic tools, and offers a range of hydraulic bolt tensioners for topside and sub-sea applications, operating at maximum pressures of 1500 bar (21,750 psi).

Available with imperial bolt sizes of ¾ inch to 4 inches and metric bolt sizes of M16 to M100, the STS topside and SBT spring return tensioner ranges offer up to 26 imperial and 32 metric models. Both these ranges are designed primarily for topside operations in a wide variety of applications including pipeline flanges, heat exchanges, pressure vessels and compressor covers.

The SBT range offers the additional feature of the spring assisted return piston which reduces bolt tensioning cycle times considerably. Once the hydraulic pressure is released, the tensioner piston automatically starts to retract, thus removing the need to manually wind down the threaded puller.

The STU sub-sea tensioners are designed and manufactured to suit the demanding requirements of divers operating in harsh sub-sea environments. With an easy to operate two piece design comprising a quick fit/release threaded puller and a hydraulic load cell with integral bridge, the STU series offer a consistent, reliable and cost effective method of tensioning sub-sea imperial bolted joints up to 3 ½ inches and metric bolted joints up to M90.

On-site bolting containers offer appropriate tool storage facilities and can serve as a repair facility for the tools during their time on site

With the best available technology, world class manufacturing principles and the accredited ISO9001:2015 procedures, quality control is assured by the Hi-Force brand. '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, Hi-Force Group operations director.

Suitable hydraulic pumps for the bolt tensioner ranges include the AHP275BTU and AHP2-237BTU air driven pumps as well as the 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.

Recently, the UK manufacturer expanded its service offering to offer bespoke on-site bolting services, as part of its continued effort to improve the after sales and service package. Hi-Force bolting solutions are designed to maintain the integrity of bolted joints across multiple industries, where the safe movement of hydrocarbons in a leak free environment is absolutely critical.

Hi-Force Group managing director Kevin Brown states: 'To complement Hi-Force’s extensive range of bolting tools, our on-site bolting services are tailored to suit unique customer requirements. Customers can select the required support which extends to manpower, supervision and training from our highly competent team of technicians, tool sale or rental agreements, as well as our innovative bolted joint integrity software, BoltRight Pro and Flange Management database. Our flexible approach to offering clients the individual components of our on-site service capabilities ensures a cost-effective and satisfactory service.'

The Hi-Force on-site bolting containers offer an on-site storage of purchased or leased bolting equipment, an ECITB approved training rig for on-site training and demonstration purposes as well as a repair facility for any service and maintenance required for the tools during their time on site, limiting costly time delays. The on-site containers include appropriate tool storage facilities, an air condition environment, on-site training equipment, compressed air and a wide range of spare parts and additional tooling.

The company offers:

• Full technical support and advice during pre-construction phase;

• Tooling specification for correct tightening of all bolts and joints, available for both purchase and rental;

• Special tooling for unique customer requirements, designed and manufactured by Hi-Force engineers;

• Bolting software and flange management database;

• Fully equipped, purpose designed and air conditioned on-site tool store container;

• Air conditioned repair and training container, complete with ECITB approved training rig for on-site training and demonstration purposes as well as repair and maintenance facilities, limiting costly time delays;

• Qualified and experienced on-site bolting crews, supervisors and trainers; and

• ECITB-approved training for contractors bolting crews available.