Bolting solutions for mine and plant sustainability

Mines and general industry are transforming to automated, zero-carbon, battery-driven machines, equipment, and tools to help achieve economic and environment goals.  Atlas Copco Industrial Technique says that its range of bolt tightening hardware and software solutions contribute to sustainability by optimising productivity and efficiencies, increasing worker safety and reducing carbon footprints.  

The scope of supply includes the bolting tool as well as two smart batteries and a smart charger. The tools are supported by customisable software packages that offer on-screen operator instructions, weekly or monthly reporting, as well as remote viewing and automatic torque setting selection.

Mobile capital equipment operating in plant and mine environments requires regular maintenance or repairs to ensure optimum productivity.

 “The loosening and tightening of bolts during the disassembly and reassembly process may sound like a somewhat insignificant process but, if not carried out correctly using high quality bolting tools, an enormous amount of valuable time can be wasted,” explains Industrial Technique regional GM Cornelius Coetzee. He further notes that using traditional tools, the tightening process often has to be repeated up to five times to get it right. “Taking into account that a large machine like a crusher for instance, may have over 50 bolts, repeating each bolt tightening process even more than once will, at best, take double the time.”

The use of a smart bolting tool solution can lead to improved efficiency, accuracy and safety, says Coetzee, adding that Industrial Technique’s range of bolting tools is calibrated in-house to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications using reference equipment that meets South African and global standards.

In addition, smart tools can alert operators to potential problems such as under- and over-tightening of bolts, either of which can lead to machine or equipment failure that also threatens worker safety.

“Because we know our tool and process is correct in accordance with OEM specs, we can take our smart solution a step further by offering full traceability,” continues Coetzee. Industrial Technique’s software solutions work in parallel with its hardware, providing reports that prove that tools are OEM compliant.

Industrial Technique notes that its fully customisable bolting tool software system makes it possible to view and identify machinery located anywhere in the country and see how many bolts need loosening and/or tightening. Its next generation software system also offers sequential process solutions whereby bolts are tightened in the correct sequence with the operator simply following instructions on a screen.

The company also provides training on its tools, with an ‘easy start’ programme that trains operators on the optimal use of the tools, as well as providing on-site operator training. Qualified field service technicians deliver general repairs, annual service and maintenance, while service teams are also permanently located on sites where there are large tool populations or critical equipment that requires immediate repair.