Welcome to HtBolts32®, the Industry Standard in High Temperature Bolts Database Management™. (Please follow this link for HtBolts32® NEWS). This power-packed version of HtBolts32 (32-bit) combines exciting features with the established functionality HtBolts (16-bit) users have come to rely on. HtBolts32 is a full-featured system designed specifically for preventing the failure in service of threaded fasteners (studs, stud bolts and bolts) operating at high temperatures for all Windows operating systems. HtBolts32 simplifies the process of creating and maintaining Bolt records and updating those records with any tightening information, etc; It automates the creation of reporting features including:

Threaded fasteners operating at temperatures above 370°C can fail catastrophically as a result of accumulated creep damage. However, with appropriate maintenance and a suitable management system, failures can be avoided.

HtBolts32 stresses the need to maintain procedures aimed at preventing the failure in service of threaded fasteners (studs, stud bolts and bolts) operating at temperatures exceeding 370°C. It provides background information and defines acceptable standards of practice based on operational experience and research. This will enable the person responsible (supported when necessary by specialist advice) to establish procedures appropriate to their location.

Tightening techniques have now been divided into categories with the introduction of a partially controlled method (See: The Effect of Tightening on Fastener Life), Additional guidance is given on the treatment of fasteners subjected to differential temperatures and a default penalty included for certain Group 6 steam chest cover fasteners if operating temperatures and gradients have not been measured (See: Penalties for Differential Temperatures in Fasteners and Joints).

Guidance on anti-seizure compounds has been changed in the light of increased knowledge of deleterios effects and the lack of consistency in proprietary specifications.

Hours in Operation should now be counted from the first occasion units are operated within 40°C of nominal operating temperature at the turbine stop valve, instead of the original 20°C. Where appropriate, advice from Regional specialists is now advocated instead of the manufacturers.

Advice on the care of nickel-based alloy fasteners has been extended to cover the avoidance of deleterious environments. Guidance is now given (See: The Sealing of Leaking Joints by Injection Processes) on the treatment of leaking joints sealed using a pressurised sealant: advice is given that this technique should not be applied to joints with nickel-based alloy fasteners.

Fasteners used at temperatures exceeding 370°C have a limited life. This is because the materials used for such fasteners Creep (See: The Care of Nickel-based Alloy Fasteners). They have a limited capacity for creep strain before they crack and fail.