Vulcan Offshore Tip #11: Assembly Procedures

In all Vulcan equipment mechanically bolted connections are kept to the minimum to avoid unnecessary maintenance. Where they are used… Cylinder Heads…Steam Chest Heads… Pipe Flanges…Stuffing Boxes… proper assembly and re-assembly practices should be followed. When assembling hammer components.. it is essential that all nuts be installed on their respective studs using Torque Wrench equipment so as to insure equal and even clamping force on all joints. Given below in table form are the recommended torque levels for the various joints:

NOTES:

• The above Torque Valves apply to both UNC & UNF studs and nuts.
• Always be sure that your torque wrenches are in good condition and calibrated.
• Torque Valves shown are for threads lubricated with light engine oil or grease

Subsequent History of Vulcan Fastener Torque Specifications

In the late 1980’s Vulcan overhauled its torque specifications for both the air/steam and the vibratory hammers, based on recommendations of its fastener supplier. The values for the torques are different from those listed above. Details on the newer specifications can be found in the vibratory field service manual contained in the Vulcanhammer.info Guide to Pile Driving Equipment (the later air/steam field service manuals contained similar information, although the recommendation given above for the stuffing box studs is unchanged.)

Also keep in mind that, since many studs, nuts, bolts and capscrews used on Vulcan hammers are not of Vulcan manufacture or even specifications, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the fastener manufacturer.

Also, click here for a reminiscence of a hammer assembly that had a “surprise ending.”