W.Christie - Bespoke Solutions for Difficult Applications - 15/01/2008

The long term experience of W.Christie yields great benefits in bespoke bolt-tightening applications which require know-how and adaptability in developing industry specific solutions. One such example is the current project work involving an offshore 0.5m diameter pipeline application with a combination of limited access, height restrictions and difficult operating conditions. The securing of pipeline connection clamps and 'risers', which provide buoyancy and stabilisation, is a critical application requiring exacting standards.

The required torque of 1200 N/M for the clamp application was achieved using a C-RAD 21 pneumatic tool. A specially designed thin wall socket and nose cone allowed reaction against each bolt, meaning the required accuracy could be achieved.

For the securing of the 'risers' a C-RAD 8 was adapted in such a way that 2 pneumatic units were mechanically spanned, to operate simultaneously and react against one another, thus making the operation easier and quicker.

To ensure ease of use on vessels operating in the difficult conditions of the North Sea, these adaptations to the tooling were essential. Further modifications incorporated additional water filters helping to protect the motors in this particular environment, ensuring reliability and continuity.

Each of these bespoke adaptations were handled in-house by the W.Christie team of highly trained and experienced technicians. Christies fully equipped manufacture and service centre includes calibration systems traceable to UK National Standards, providing complete reassurance to customers. In addition, W.Christie works in partnership with clients who operate in ever more demanding and harsher environments, in order to enhance on-site safety.

The C-RAD range of tools is perfect for many demanding situations, providing robustness, accuracy, reliability, ease of use and adaptability for bespoke applications. Examples of industries currently using the C-RAD range of tools include Petrochemical, Energy/Power Generation, Transportation and Infrastructure, Mining and Quarrying, Chemical Processing, General Manufacturing and Engineering, Building and Construction and Subsea/Offshore.

These are applications which typically reflect the toughest operating environments; corrosive, extreme temperature, high pressure, high altitude, dust and debris and limited access. In many cases, they also call for bespoke torque tool solutions.