NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College wind energy program represented one of the industries that will benefit from a new bolt discussed during a worldwide webinar recently.
The bolt, which has sensors that help determine proper installation and on-going monitoring for tension, was discussed at length along with Northeast’s wind energy program as part of an hour-long webinar originating from England on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
The webinar took place in the evening from Cramlington, England, and early afternoon in Nebraska, with people from around the globe joining in to learn about the product and ask questions.
Northeast collaborated with Copper State Bolt and Nut of Phoenix, Arizona, and Transmission Dynamics of England. The British company has partnered with various companies and agencies, including Ford, Caterpillar, NASA, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and dozens of others.
Northeast, which offered the first college wind energy program in Nebraska, was represented by John Liewer, Northeast wind energy instructor. Liewer showed a PowerPoint presentation and gave a brief discussion of the program.
The bolt greatly reduces the chances for failure by setting the tension correctly during installation. It also sends out periodic reports for monitoring when such things as vibrations and fatigue can cause failure. A battery-operated sensor sends this information through Bluetooth.
Presenters outlined a range of uses for the bolt, including wind towers and turbines, railroads, mills, bridges and cranes. It also is expected to help reduce maintenance.
Webinar Bolt cutline
The Northeast Community College wind energy program took part in an international webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 12, to discuss its wind energy program as part of a presentation on a new bolt. (Northeast Community College)