Top Side Torque Tools and Instruments
Norbar has developed a wide range of solutions for torque application and torque testing. Where there is not a standard solution from our range, our Engineer to Order service designs and manufactures bespoke solutions.
Tool Testing
Norbar provides the biggest selection of measurement solutions for torque tools available, from the smallest screwdriver to the largest hydraulic or pneumatic wrench. For harsh environments, such as deck-mounted applications, Norbar has developed a range of measurement and calibration equipment that is rated to IP65/IP67.
Valve Testing
The ability of Norbar’s PneuTorque® range of pneumatic torque multipliers to give smooth, controllable torque up to 300,000 N•m has made them invaluable in the pressure testing of valves, even up to the largest sizes. The tools are usually combined with torque transducers and often with angle measurement so that a relationship can be plotted between the exact position of the valve stem and the actuation torque.
USM - Ultrasonic Bolt Measurement
In joints that are highly critical due to safety or the implications of down time, a more direct means of establishing bolt tension than torque control is needed. One of the most versatile methods of establishing tension is to measure the extension of the bolt due to the tightening process using ultrasound. Norbar’s USM-3 has been both laboratory and field proven to be the most accurate, reliable and cost effective solution to bolting failures which could place workers at risk, lead to the loss of production and/or cause damage to capital equipment.
PneuTorque® Pneumatic Torque Wrenche
PneuTorque® wrenches are available in a range of models from 500 N•m (maximum torque) to 300,000 N•m. They all provide smooth, continuous and controllable torque with low noise and exceptionally low vibration levels. The Norbar PneuTorque® is faster than comparable hydraulic ratcheting tools. These attributes make PneuTorque® wrenches suitable for a huge range of applications in the oil and gas industry, from flange bolting to machinery barring (turbines and engines) and torque testing.
Norbar Hydraulic Wrenches
Norbar offers both Square Drive Series “NSD” and Hex Link Series “NHCL” hydraulic wrenches, specifically designed for extremely low height access applications. Our robust and lightweight aluminium body completely encloses the drive train keeping the crucial lubricant inside the tool while significantly reducing the opportunity for contamination from the outside elements. The model range extends to 81,360 N•m in the Square Drive Series and 67,800 N•m in the Hex Link Series.
Subsea Tools and Instruments
Norbar’s gearboxes have become the industry standard for API Class wet valve intervention tools. However, increasing demands of the subsea industry for smaller and lighter tools is driving forward development of the gearbox. Using lightweight materials, whilst maintaining durability, has been a key development area. Another is the integration of a torque transducer – traditionally a separate, bolt on item – giving a significant reduction in size and weight of the overall package.
Having gained great experience manufacturing gearboxes for intervention tools, Norbar have applied this learning to the manufacture of complete API intervention tools. The API Class 4 to 7 Adapter Gearbox is a good example of how Norbar has listened to the needs of the industry and applied them to make an innovative tool. Most API intervention tools in the world use Norbar multipliers.
Pipe Clamp Tools
Tools used for subsea pipe clamping are often required to deliver significantly higher torques than valve intervention tools. On a tool with a required torque output of 60,000 N•m, for example, the weight of a standard steel bodied tool becomes unacceptable. The need for pipe clamping tools used on the Langeled pipeline from the Ormen Lange gas field in Norway to have a maximum submerged weight of 60 kg led Norbar to develop a gearbox that made extensive use of lightweight alloys. The techniques learned from this has given Norbar new technology that they are able to apply to other specialist projects and improved standard products.
Special Engineer to Order Product Service
The diverse needs of the oil and gas industry, both on land and at sea, mean that Norbar’s standard product may not be ideally suited. Norbar therefore offer an Engineer to Order service that spans a range from modified reaction plates and non-standard gearbox input and output drives to completely one off tools or measurement systems.