The role of hydraulic wrenches in plate heat exchanger installation and precautions

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A hydraulic wrench is a specialized tool for tightening bolts that uses hydraulic power to generate high torque, and it is used for installing and removing bolts; it is often employed to tighten and loosen bolts ranging in size from M14 to M120. In the production of plate heat exchangers, a hydraulic wrench is an essential tool. 　　Functions of hydraulic wrenches: 1. They are simple to use and require less effort. 2. They do not need much operating space. 3. **They reduce the workload on workers, increase production efficiency, and ensure product quality. 4. They enable all plates to move forward simultaneously in a parallel manner during the clamping process, thus ensuring the sealing performance of the heat exchanger. 　　Precautions for hydraulic wrenches: For a plate heat exchanger, whether it is newly installed or disassembled for repair and then reinstalled, ensuring that all plates and gaskets are properly pressed together is an issue that must be given careful attention during operation. Assume that there are eight fastening screws for installing the equipment; after all the components have been basically assembled, insert the quick connector of the hydraulic wrench between the wrench and the front clamp, and tighten it as specified before starting to apply pressure. Two points need to be noted: 1) The counterforce rod must be placed in the appropriate position to ensure proper force application; 2) The wrench’s twisting rod should rotate within the range specified by the equipment. During the pressure application process, it is necessary to monitor the pressure gauge to keep track of the torque force. After the first tightening step, switch the directional valve to the other side to reset the pressure, and then disconnect the hydraulic connector from the plate heat exchanger. 　　By repeating the above steps, the screws on the plate can be tightened properly, resulting in a qualified product.