In heavy industrial settings, hydraulic wrenches are powerful tools that facilitate the tightening and loosening of bolts and nuts. Proper functioning of these wrenches is critical to avoid over or under-tightening that could lead to failures. This makes the calibration and testing of hydraulic torque wrenches vital.
We explore why choosing a competent lab can make all the difference in terms of safety and precision.
What Role Does Calibration Play?
Calibration refers to the process of adjusting the hydraulic torque wrench by comparing its performance to a known standard. This ensures the wrench consistently provides the correct torque output per the manufacturer’s specifications, regardless of factors like frequency of use or environment.
Properly calibrated wrenches are essential for tightening of fasteners in critical applications in construction, oil and gas, aerospace, and other technical industries. The competence and capabilities of the calibration laboratory are key to trustworthy and accurate hydraulic torque wrench testing.
Hallmarks of a Competent Calibration Lab
A competent calibration lab needs to meet rigorous internationally-recognized quality and technical standards, with factors like:
- Third-party accreditation demonstrates competence, quality processes, traceability protocols, and ability to generate data.
- Utilising properly calibrated equipment and measurement standards to ensure accuracy and traceability.
- Qualified, skilled technicians overseeing calibration and clearly established testing capabilities and scope.
- Robust quality framework for all aspects – verification, reporting formats, tool handling, environmental controls during calibration etc.
- Adherence to mathematical, statistical techniques and uncertainty calculations when determining tool accuracy.
- Proper techniques for identification and handling of tools to prevent damage or deterioration.
- Training procedures and skill testing methods for calibration staff to assure competency.
By meeting standardized criteria, an accredited lab has systems and staff in place to deliver reliable, reproducible, and documented calibration procedures for optimal torque wrench performance. Leading labs focus extensively on quality and continuous improvement, even beyond baseline requirements.
Benefits of Testing at a Competent Calibration Lab
Testing hydraulic torque wrenches at an accredited, competent lab offers many benefits:
- Reliable and Traceable Results: Testing procedures are standardized, equipment calibrated, and environmental controls ensure minimal uncertainty. This leads to results you can trust.
- Adherence to Standards: Factors like trained staff, uncertainty reporting, and sample handling as per relevant NIST standards assure quality.
- Confidence in Tool Performance: Tools are tested to manufacturer specs, so you can trust them to tighten fasteners precisely to required torque values in your facilities.
- Uncover Issues Before Failure: Testing may reveal impending hydraulic, mechanical, or electronic issues in torque wrenches, preventing failures.
- Safeguarding Your Facility, Equipment and Staff: Well-functioning, calibrated hydraulic torque wrenches prevent under or over-tightening that could lead to leaks, damage or injury.
What Does Testing Entail?
Hydraulic torque wrench testing is a comprehensive process that evaluates all aspects of performance. It involves:
Testing accuracy
Testing accuracy across the full operating range to confirm that the wrench consistently achieves the expected torque readings at all levels per the manufacturer’s stats.
Checking for signs of damage
Thoroughly checking the torque wrench body and accessories for any signs of leaks, damage, wear and tear, or issues with fittings/hoses that could impact function or safety. Seal integrity, handle grips, reaction arm movement etc. are inspected.
Assessing safety mechanisms
Confirming safety mechanisms and handles function smoothly and properly. Auto-shut off systems, release valves and handle ergonomics are vetted to manufacturer guidelines during operation.
This testing validates all key aspects of hydraulic wrench operation, ensuring any issues are identified and addressed before calibration and recertification. Once compliant with all parameters, the tool gets a calibration certifying performance to stated specs.
ALLTORC’s Hydraulic Torque Wrenches
Regular hydraulic torque wrench testing provides assurance that safety-critical tools consistently perform to their stated specifications. Choosing a torque tool calibration service with trained staff, quality processes, and calibrated equipment ensures accuracy in the testing and calibration process – leading to precise tightening during daily use.
ALLTORC offers an extensive selection of high-precision hydraulic torque wrenches engineered for safety-critical, heavy industrial bolting applications. To restore and retain the accuracy of these machined tools over years of use, we provide comprehensive torque wrench calibration services using cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and testing procedures. All our calibrations are traceable and verifiable via NIST.
To learn more about our hydraulic torque tools or our specialized calibration services focused on accuracy and longevity, contact our experts today.