Rivet Nut Fasteners Used in the Energy Industry
Turbines | Nuclear | Solar | Wind

Rivet Nut fasteners, also known as threaded inserts or blind rivet nuts, are small but important parts used in the energy industry. They help hold things together securely in places like energy turbines, nuclear power plants, solar panels, and wind turbines. These fasteners make it easier to attach, remove and re-attach panels together, especially in thin or soft materials where regular screws or bolts might not work. By doing this, rivet nuts help make energy systems safer, stronger, and more reliable.

What Are Rivet Nut Fasteners?

A Rivet Nut or Bollhoff’s RIVNUT® is a specialty fastener that create a strong, permanent thread inside thin materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or steel. They’re installed using a simple tool that expands or upsets the rivet nut inside the material, forming a secure thread. They are sometimes called Blind Rivet Nuts because the installer only needs to have access to one side of the parent material (and can be “blind” to the backside of the material). Once installed, the insert allows mating bolts to thread into the insert and allow for secondary attachments (like an inspection plate affixed to a turbine housing).

Unlike regular Rivets, which don’t have threads, Rivet Nuts do have threads. The threads allow for more flexible and durable connections, especially in places where you can’t easily drill or thread a hole.

Turbines in Power Plants

Rivet Nuts are also used in turbines found in power plants that run on gas or steam. Rivet Nuts can work well in environments that have high pressure and heat.

1. Turbine Assembly: Rivet Nuts are used to fasten different parts of the turbine, including its outside casing / enclosure.
2. Easier Repairs: Like wind turbines, gas and steam turbines also need regular maintenance. Rivet Nuts make repairs easier by providing secure threads that fastened, then unfastened and can be reused again, speeding along repair time and reducing the need for new replacement fasteners.

Nuclear Energy

In nuclear power plants, safety and strength are key. Rivet Nut fasteners help with the installation and maintenance of the plant’s equipment, which usually call for high-strength fasteners like Rivet Nuts.

1. High Temperature Resistance: Nuclear power plants can be hot environments. Rivet Nuts are made from heat-resistant materials like stainless steel, so they can handle high temperatures.
2. Easier Maintenance: Nuclear plants need regular checks and repairs. Rivet Nuts make it easier to take things apart and put them back together without damaging the equipment. This saves time and keeps the plant running smoothly.

Solar Energy

Solar energy systems, like solar panels, also use Blind Rivet Nuts to stay strong and last longer. Solar panels need to be fastened securely to their frames, and Rivet Nuts help make that happen.

1. Light and Strong: Solar panel frames are often made of aluminum, which is lightweight but still needs to be strong. Rivet Nuts help attach the panels to the frames securely, even in high winds or bad weather.
2. Resisting the Elements: Solar panels are exposed to sunlight, rain, and changing temperatures. Rivet Nuts are made from materials and have plating finishes that resist rust and damage from the weather, so they last longer in outdoor conditions.
3. Quick Installation: Installing solar panels can be time-consuming. Rivet Nuts make it much faster to install panels, vs a traditional nut and bolt approach. Rivet Nuts are a proven winner, dozens of solar companies use them for building large solar farms.

Wind Energy

Wind turbines are big machines that generate power from the wind. Blind Rivet Nut fasteners help keep these turbines running smoothly, even in harsh weather and high winds.

1. Offshore and Harsh Environments: Many wind turbines are built in the ocean or areas with extreme weather. Rivet Nuts made from special corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel are used in these conditions, to make sure turbines stay in good shape despite the tough environment.
2. Vibration Resistance: Wind turbines experience a lot of vibrations as they turn in the wind. With the right torque values and possibly the use of special finishes that increase assembly torque values, Rivet Nuts can help prevent screws or bolts from loosening over time, which keeps the turbines running safely.

Why Rivet Nut Fasteners Are Important for the Energy Industry?

1. Works with Different Materials: Rivet Nuts are installed in a variety of materials like metals and plastics, which are common in energy systems. This makes them perfect for many different parts of the energy industry.
2. Cost-Effective: Since Rivet Nuts are easy to install and save time during maintenance, they help reduce costs in building and maintaining energy systems.
3. Safety: By providing strong, reliable installations in critical parts of the energy industry, Rivet Nuts help make sure everything stays safe and secure, preventing accidents or malfunctions.
4. Long-lasting: Rivet Nuts are made to last, even in tough conditions. They resist heat, corrosion, and wear, which helps energy systems last longer and work more efficiently.

Rivet Nut fasteners (aka Blind Rivet Nuts, RIVNUTS®, or threaded inserts) play an important role in the energy industry by helping build and maintain systems that produce energy from nuclear power, solar, wind, and turbines. They are strong, cost-effective, and easy to use, making them an essential part of the energy sector. Whether it’s keeping solar panels in place, securing turbine blades, or helping nuclear plants run safely, Rivet Nuts help ensure that energy systems work properly for years to come.

For more information on how Rivet Nut Fasteners or specialty fasteners can help your energy assembly, contact Rivet Nut USA™ and a member of our knowledgeable customer service team can find the right fastener for your needs!