Technofast – Industry Update – Vibrating Screen
EzyTite fasteners provide safer, time-saving solution to vibration challenges
A two-thirds time saving has been achieved in the installation and maintenance of vibrating screen and crusher motor drives by the use of Technofast EziTite Hydraulic Nuts.
The 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 torquing 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.
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
“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. We have alleviated this issue by incorporating a flexible poly washer to augment the outstanding performance of the EziTite fasteners in service,” says Technofast Founder and CEO Mr John Bucknell.
“One typical quarry and mining application in Western Australia dramatically cut 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.
“The machine operator involved reported that using the poly washer as a shock-resistant component and tensioning them simultaneously with precise accuracy is 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,” said Mr Bucknell.
Technofast has more than 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 and long-lasting joints are integral to safety. Applications range from servicing of nuclear reactors and conventional turbines, through 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 are rapidly 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. The reverse procedure permits equally rapid disassembly when it is eventually required for maintenance, for example.
EziTite Hydraulic Nuts are ideal where:
- Accurate and reliable loading is required on bolting
- Vibrational or torsional stresses are a problem
- Regular maintenance requires repeated adjustment or removal of nuts
- There are confined or difficult nut locations
Such safety benefits are true of many applications. EziTite hydraulic nuts are ideal 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,” says Mr Bucknell.
