Equalizer Nut Splitter: Case Study - Removal of Corroded Nuts
Equalizer Nut Splitter: Case Study - Removal of Corroded Nuts
The Problem:
The nuts on a API 6A 13 5/8” 5M flange "made up" in 1979 had seized due to the flange connection being so corroded that a torque tool was unable to loosen the nuts.
The Solution:
After identifying the size and model nut splitter suitable for the application, the Equalizer NS36TE Nut Splitter was used to cut the nuts.
The average time to split each nut was 12 minutes once the loose rust had been cleaned away, using hydraulic pressures of 6,000 to 8,000 psi (NS36 max working 10,000 psi). To enable rapid removal of the nuts, each of the 16 nuts were cut twice (into halves) during the process.
The Result:
Throughout the operation a single cutting tip was used. Once all of the 16 nuts were removed, the cutting tip showed no sign of wear meaning that it would easily go on to cut many more nuts if required.