Hydratight Gains DNV GL Type Approval on MorSafe(R) Bolt RenewalClamp

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04 June 2015

Hydratight, the market leading joint integrity specialist, has gained DNV GL Type approval for the MorSafe® clamp, Hydratight’s new bolt renewal clamp. The clamp is used to safely change out bolts on flanges that are in operation.
 
Hydratight has gained DNV GL type approval for its MorSafe bolt renewal clamp for offshore applications. Typical applications for MorSafe clamp are:

• Securing pressurized ASME B16.5 flange connections with degrading bolting
• Maintaining barrier for ASME B16.5 flange connections during live bolting
 
The need to replace corroded or damaged bolts that are fitted to live pressurized flanges is a common need for many offshore operators to extend the reliability and life of their aging assets without disrupting the day-to-day operations.
 
Hydratight’s MorSafe Bolt Renewal Clamp offers a robust solution, providing the highest level of risk mitigation of flange or gasket damage or worse, a leak. The philosophy behind the unique design is to minimize the possibility of disturbing the gasket.  The MorSafe clamp consists of a number of segments designed to fit around and encase the flange. Each segment has a number of pre-installed ‘backstops’. The novel design and backstop feature allows the preloading of the clamp without any significant clamp load passing through the parent flange and inter-alia the gasket.
 
The solution does not require any pneumatics or hydraulics for clamp engagement, nor does it increase the load on the gasket. The lightweight and compact design fits almost all flange space restrictions; it is easy to handle and fit, therefore enabling speedy bolt replacement. Furthermore it is designed and tested in accordance with ASME VIII Division 2.
 
Vivek Mittal, Specialty Services Product Manager for Hydratight, stated, "There are thousands of offshore platforms globally on which hot bolting is a common practice. Hydratight’s MorSafe Bolt Renewal Clamp is the safest solution for bolt change-out on live flanges. Safe hot bolting on old flange connections, using the revolutionary clamp design, mitigates many unknowns such as the condition of the bolts and gaskets; how the gasket will act under increased or decreased load; the remaining bolt tension after a long time in service and how much force is needed to remove old rusted bolts”.
 
Paul Holland, Technical Services Manager for Hydratight, added, "Customers recognize the benefits of Hydratight’s bolt renewal service, but for integrity and process validation purposes often request an independent assessment of the MorSafe clamp by a globally respected  organization.  Type approval from DNV GL will meet this request and complement the extensive testing and engineering evaluation work carried out over the past two years.”