Bolt+ embeds standard flange data for ANSI B16.5, B16.47 Series A/B, MSS SP-44, API 6A, API 17D and Norsok L005 Compact Flanges (illustration: Boltight)

Boltight has developed an extremely powerful, yet easy-to-use software program for calculating the correct tool, bolt load, bolt stress and tool pressure values that need to be used when tightening standard bolted flanges. Called Bolt+, it gives the user immediate access to critical data that would otherwise be supplied by an engineer.

Bolt+ embeds standard flange data for ANSI B16.5, B16.47 Series A/B, MSS SP-44, API 6A, API 17D and Norsok L005 Compact Flanges. It also features a built-in torque calculator with data for many of today’s hydraulic torque wrenches.

After inputting just basic details about the flange, the software automatically recommends the optimal Boltight bolt tensioner to use and delivers a series of values for bolt load, bolt stress and tool pressure. The process is less tedious than performing manual calculations and less prone to error. The calculations can not only be saved and retrieved later, they can also be exported into a number of ready-made templates to generate work instructions with additional notes and diagrams.

If required, it is possible to override the existing load or stress data to create custom tensioning procedures. Bolt+ simply re-calculates the required pressure value. The software, which supports both metric and imperial bolting, is designed to work with other manufacturer’s tools as well.

To complement the Bolt+ calculator, Boltight has developed an equally powerful flange management program called Bolt+ Manager that can greatly assist with the asset management of project, yielding huge saving in terms of both cost and resource. It is used for the planning, capturing and analysing of project data, and generating reports of all activities related to the inspection, maintenance and testing of bolted joints. Each flange is documented with information on the service personnel who carried the work out, the procedures used and the current status of the installation. Interactive P&ID drawings can also be added to the database. Bolt+ Manager includes an embedded Bolt+ calculator as standard.

Phil Jarvis, Boltight's General Manager, says, “Bolt+ will undoubtedly save time and reduce flange calculation errors. It is intuitive and easy to use. The addition of the flange management software adds a whole new dimension. It creates a ‘master system’ of an entire plant installation that can be logged and documented using just one single piece of software.”

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