BaTMaN - a novel Bolt Tension Monitoring seNsor

The primary objective of the project is to simulate and build a prototype of a novel bolt tension sensor concept developed at SINTEF to verify the measuring principle of the sensor. In addition a commercialising-analysis of the sensor concept will be performed. Today a bolt's axial load or pre-tension must be carefully controlled to ensure safe and reliable operation of engineered structures. Insufficient pre-tension or excessive preload is a cause of bolted joint failures. In the period 2008-2014 incorrectly installed joints in pipes was the largest cause of carbon emissions and stop of production. Maintaining a safe and reliable operation currently requires bolts and nuts to be retightened to the correct tension at regular intervals. Such preventive maintenance is often required by regulations, and often involves complex procedures, working at heights and in cluttered areas with special heavy hydraulic equipment. The innovative bolt tension sensor concept developed by SINTEF will enable continuous monitoring of the tension in bolts used in bolted constructions allowing improvements for the owner/operator of the bolted construction along the following axes: - Increased integrity of bolted constructions through improved installation procedures of a bolted joint. - Reduced cost of bolted constructions through condition based maintenance of bolted joints. - Increased integrity and safety of bolted constructions through continuous monitoring of bolted joints.