9.0 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
1. Determine the maximum points of misalignment. In
step 1 (see figure 2) the maximum points are on the
top or bottom of the joint, as illustrated by the
arrows.
Fig 2 – STEP 1: The Problem
2. The lift hook of the tool should be guided into the
bolt hole at the maximum point of misalignment as
shown in step 2 (see figure 3).
Fig 3 – STEP 2: Attaching the tool
Hold tool up level
in the bolt hole
3. The drop leg should be released onto the pipe while
the lift hook is held up level in the bolt hole.
Fig 4 – STEP 3: Aligning the joint
Cylinder adjusting
sleeve
Drop leg release knob
Extend wing
Lock pin
4. Pull out the lock pin to allow the wing to be extended
out to the desired distance (see figure 4). Rotate the
cylinder / adjusting sleeve clockwise until it locates
onto the surface of the opposite flange. At this stage
ensure that the tool is sitting level and that the end of
the cylinder is in full contact with the surface of the
higher flange.
5. The hydraulic hose / pump may now be connected
and the pump primed until the joint comes into
alignment.
10.0 ROTATIONAL OR TWIST MISALIGNMENT
This is a common problem on both onshore and
offshore pipeline installations (see figure 1). Quite often
the flanges are in alignment but the operator is unable
to fit the bolt into any two corresponding bolt holes on
the joint's circumference. The ATM-5, with its 45 kN (5
ton) capacity, has the ability to manipulate the flanges
in various directions.
The set-up procedure is the same as before with one
possible exception. The ATM-5 can be attached to the
most accessible point on the joint's circumference
because the misalignment occurs at all bolt holes to the
same degree.
10.1 The recommended operating procedures are:
1. Select the most convenient or accessible point on
the joint's circumference and attach the tool there.
(Follow steps 1 thru 3 in figures 2, 3 and 4).
2. In the situation when both flanges are aligned but
rotational misalignment is present the ATM-5 is used
to push the flanges beyond alignment until one pair
of bolt holes become parallel (see point A in figure 5).
3. Insert the bolt into the bolt hole at point A and then
release ATM-5. The load will transfer onto the
inserted bolt.
Fig 5 – Rotational misalignment
A
4