Development and Performance Evaluation of the 350k Tool: A Novel Instrument for High-Capacity Industrial Fastening
The primary objective of this project was to develop a hydraulic bolt tensioning tool—designated the "350k Tool"—capable of generating 350 kips of axial load while maintaining a compact profile suitable for space-restricted environments (e.g., turbine casings and subsea Christmas trees). Secondary objectives included extending the service life of the seals to over 20,000 cycles and ensuring compatibility with standard 10,000 psi (690 bar) hydraulic pumps. 350k tool
The FEA results indicated a maximum Von Mises stress of 650 MPa at the internal radius of the cylinder wall under maximum load. With a yield strength of 1,100 MPa for the heat-treated 4340 steel, the theoretical safety factor was calculated at 1.69. Development and Performance Evaluation of the 350k Tool: