The Bolt iQ system
The challenge with traditional bolting
The proper installation and maintenance of bolted joints is critical to the longevity and performance of industrial assets, but is challenging and labour-intensive. Retorquing bolts with hydraulic tools is slow and inaccurate, whilst elongation-based ultrasonic tools require numerous calibration protocols and pre-load measurements.
Unlike traditional bolt testing methodologies, Bolt iQ:
Can be used on the installed base without premeasurement
Requires zero device calibrations
Can measure a bolt in seconds
Bolt iQ is the only solution that measures bolt tension directly; it does not infer it from elongation or torque.
The Bolt iQ advantage
Our unique advantage: brilliant at bolts based on a deep learning core.
Bolt iQ can measure the tension in any bolt directly in seconds. It is the only solution that measures tension directly; it does not infer it from elongation or torque.
Bolt iQ is for manufacturers, owners, and service providers in the wind industry and delivers three big advantages:
Accuracy
Measure the tension of any bolt to +/-5.5% (certified by DNV) of actual tension, not torque or elongation.
Efficiency
Gather data quickly, safely and easily for better, faster insight at lower cost.
Traceability
Track, understand and automatically report on the tension of every bolt through our integrated cloud platform.
Bolt iQ’s 4 critical differentiators
Bolt iQ is a breakthrough in bolt tension measurement. It combines four critical differentiators:
- Direct measurement: Bolt iQ measures tension directly, it does not infer it from elongation or torque. Bolt iQ uses DNV certified bi-wave technology that delivers accuracy of +/- 5.5% with a 95% confidence level.
- No calibration: Unlike every other elongation-based solution, Bolt iQ does not need baseline data for every bolt to be measured. The system can be used immediately on in-situ bolts without calibration throughout a fleet of turbines. This capability eliminates costly preparation, saves maintenance time and reduces cost.
- Quick and easy to use: Simply put the couplant and transducer on the head of the bolt, turn the handle on the mag clamp to fix it in place, push a button, get a measurement and move on. Individual bolt tension is calculated in just one or two seconds. Bolt iQ can test over 100 bolts in less than 30 minutes, cutting man hours by 90%.
- Automated reporting: Using the device over time builds customers a record of every reading of every bolt. This can be used for reporting and long-term planning as well as informing future designs.
Bolt iQ in action
How it works
Our proprietary transducer generates longitudinal and shear waves in the bolt
The reflected signals are then captured for analysis.
Tension is measured using deep learning analysis of the waveforms
Taking into account all the factors that contribute to tension like diameter, lateral bending forces, clamp length, E & G modulus, temperature, bolt size, etc.
Automated reporting is built into the system
Our deep learning model then takes this data, extracts relevant features and generates a tension reading that is automatically uploaded to the cloud-based platform for viewing, analysis and reporting, allowing near real time viewing, analysis and decision making remotely.
Our innovative methodology, proprietary technology and simple, easy-to-use user interface make Bolt iQ the most accurate, fastest bolt tension measurement system on the planet. It’s safe and lightweight (around 1.5kg), easy to use (requiring a few minutes of non-specialized training) and requires no prior calibration.
Wind Energy
Bolt iQ is driving efficiency, safety and asset longevity across wind energy infrastructure.
Download our brochure on Predictant’s unique bolt tension measurement solution, Bolt iQ.
