FMG Ironbridge Project – Special Bolted Assembly Tanks
FMG decided to adopt the use of bolted tank constructions as it is much quicker and lower cost than standard welded constructions. The benefits of this are:
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Lower cost
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Faster delivery
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Less oversize transportation
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Each segment fits through existing bridges, tunnels and conveyor systems meaning no special roads or diversions were required during construction
This method has been tried previously but the tank flanged joints had failed to seal and some had ripped apart.
Our solution using ultrasonic bolt tension measurement to ensure solid joints with all bolts to exactly the correct bolt elongation.
Overall 18 tanks with a total of 19061 bolts were measured whilst tightening and there have been zero failures.