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Bogie systems technology

Bolted joint monitoring system

Bolted joint monitoring system

Function principle

Smart bolts with built-in LED optoelectronic system sensors that communicate via a router to analytics software, paired with a system that enables real-time monitoring and alerts, to prevent unexpected production stops and ensure operational reliability.

 

Remote preload monitoring

It may seem straightforward to tighten a bolt with a certain torque and achieve a desired preload.

However, there are several factors that can affect the result. What does this uncertainty mean for safety and reliability and how can one know that a bolt is tight? So, bolted joint monitoring system can help to find the answers.

 

Bolted joint monitoring system is comprised of 3 elements:

  • a LED sensors equipped bolt (photodiodes, temperature / magnet sensors)
  • a router
  • an analysis software

 

Smart monitoring system can be applied in many industries.

Such as a manufacturing, energy, transportation, or construction, their technology is designed to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

  • Oil & Gas
  • Energy & Power Generation
  • Construction & Infrastructure
  • Mining / Material handling
  • Manufacturing & Heavy Industries
  • Steel industry
  • Railway technology
  • Offshore / Ship

 

Developed for standardized bolts

  • M10 to M27 bolt sizes
  • Standard ISO 4014 / 4017 bolts
  • Grades 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9
  • Grades 88 & 109 by Bumax®, A4-70 and A4-80
  • Stainless steel, carbon steel, exotic alloys

 

ROUTERS & concentrator cards

  • Stable up to 90 meters

Between bolt and router on free space

(up to 500m, with antenna & amplifiers, upon concrete space configuration)

  • Various communication options

Ethernet/LAN, Wi-Fi, 4G LTEor IoT-exclusive SIMs

 

MAA Intelengineering SIA represents the interests of Strainlabs AB in the markets of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Problems with bolts
A bolt can be associated with many problems, which a monitoring system can detect and provide notifications for.

  • Over tightening
    The bolt is over-stressed and may break.
  • Under tightening
    The bolt is too loosely assembled and cannot support its intended load.
  • Corrosion
    Leads to microscopic cracks which ultimately fracture.
  • Leaking gaskets
    If the bolts clamping a gasket are not evenly preloaded, the gasket will leak.
  • Fatigue
    Too high cyclic loads induce fatigue and the bolt breaks.
  • Vibrations
    Cause gradual loosening of the bolt and lead to failure.
  • Temperature effects
    Fluctuating temperature expand and contract materials, which affects ‘the bolts performance.
  • Misalignment
    Unevenly tightened bolts may cause mis- alignment and/or stress concentration of/in components.
  • Thread damage
    Reduces the load carrying capacity of the bolt, which cannot support its intended load
  • Insufficient preload
    The bolt is not able to withstand the working load it is intended for and will fail.

ADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

The conclusion is that the values gained by bolt monitoring can be used to:

  • Ensure the integrity of a bolted joint.
  • Reduce disturbance to operation.
  • Grow sustainable business.
  • Increase safety.
  • Increase the level of innovation and positive perception of a company.
  • Introducing and future-proofing digital business models.

SAFETY

  • Condition Monitoring
  • Preload monitoring, custom alert levels
  • Installation accuracy and precision over time

PRODUCTIVITY

  • Increase up-time
  • Condition Based Maintenance
  • One sophisticated system, mechanical design element enabling IoT

INSIGHTS

  • Analysis – monitoring & data collection
  • Digital twin & predictive maintenance
  • Flexibility (upcoming developments with AI, data science, and machine learning)
DATA SHEET

DATA SHEET