Bolt Tensioning and Torquing Services in Canada
Do it once, do it right!
Altex has more than 25 years of experience designing, building, and servicing heat exchangers, including plant turnaround, shutdown, and maintenance services. We know how critically important it is to be leak-free at plant startup.
Controlled Bolting for Critical Applications
Controlled bolting, which includes both torquing and tensioning services, is performed by our highly experienced Field Service teams. As controlled bolting is such a high-risk scope, Altex provides internal training and certification over and above what the union provides. We track and manage who has this training so that we only provide highly experienced and competent work crews. This differentiates Altex from other contractors. You can trust Altex to do the job right the first time.
Ideal for critical service, high-pressure, and challenging sealing applications.
Why Controlled Bolting Matters
Achieving a leak-free seal in high-pressure systems requires more than just tightening a nut. It requires a deep understanding of engineering principles to ensure equipment integrity and continued safe operation.
Controlled bolting is essential to ensure that the fluids are contained safely in the vessel, that heat exchange is maintained at peak efficiency with no leaking circuits, and that any hazardous fluids are not permitted to create a potential safety hazard to personnel and the plant itself.
Method Comparison: Torquing vs. Tensioning
Choosing the right method depends on the criticality of the asset and the specific pressure requirements of the system.
Torquing
- Best Application: Standard ANSI flanges, general piping, and non-critical systems.
- Mechanism: Uses rotational force to create a clamping load.
- Benefit: Offers rapid setup and execution for a wide range of standard industrial applications where high-risk complexity is lower.
Tensioning
- Best Application: Critical heat exchangers, reactor heads, and high-pressure loops.
- Mechanism: Uses hydraulic tools to provide direct axial stretching of the stud.
- Benefit: Provides the highest level of accuracy and uniform load distribution. This is essential for reaching zero-leak targets in complex machinery like sulfur condensers or waste heat boilers.
Full Bolting Service Capabilities
Altex arrives on-site with a full suite of specialized tooling and embedded engineering support to handle any joint integrity challenge.
- Torquing and Tensioning Equipment: Altex has a full range of internal equipment necessary to execute work at customer sites. Fully calibrated and maintained, ready to execute work on your site.
- Experienced and Certified Manpower: Altex provides training and certification for controlled bolting to ensure that only highly competent crews are working on your equipment.
- Leaders in Heat Exchangers: Altex Industries is the Canadian leader in heat exchanger design, engineering, fabrication, and field services. Altex can be counted on for all things heat exchanger related.
- Flange Management and Quality Control: Altex can provide complete QC documentation and records for every joint tightened, meeting all pressure regulatory authority requirements across Canada.
Real-World Application: Heat Exchanger Flange Integrity
During a major refinery turnaround, Altex was tasked with the simultaneous tensioning of multiple high-pressure heat exchanger flanges. Using multi-jack systems, our field supervisors ensured uniform gasket loading across the entire circumference of the equipment.
This precision execution allowed the client to bypass the delays of discovery leaks during the hydrotesting phase. By utilizing our in-house engineering depth, we resolved technical concerns quickly on the ground, moving directly into a safe and on-time restart without waiting for external consultants.
Integrated Field Solutions
Our controlled bolting services are part of a comprehensive field service cluster designed to support your most vital assets:
- Heat Exchanger Maintenance: Specializing in bundles, shells, and high-pressure loops.
- Boiler Services: Including OTSGs, HRSGs, and waste heat boilers.
- Leak Sealing & Troubleshooting: 24/7 engineering support to resolve unexpected technical concerns.
Expert Bolt Tensioning Backed by Certified Field Service Teams
We are committed to employing experts with the training, knowledge, and experience to safely operate bolt torquing and tensioning equipment like a hydraulic bolt tensioner.
These precision services are part of our broader range of Field Services designed to optimize
The performance and reliability of your heat exchanger systems.
How to ensure leak-free sealing:
- Check flange surfaces and machine as necessary
- Maintain flange alignment
- Proper gasket selection
- Bolt preparation - remove scale
- Bolt lubrication before bolt torquing
- Apply uniform bolt loading
Contact Altex Industries for Professional Bolt Tensioning & Torquing Services
Altex is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to provide technical support and expert field execution for your facility. Whether you are planning a scheduled shutdown or require emergency troubleshooting, our team is ready to mobilize across Canada.
Contact our Field Services division today to discuss your joint integrity and controlled bolting needs.
