METHOD FOR REMOVING TUBES FROM TUBE PLATES Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: repairs of heat-transfer apparatuses. SUBSTANCE: method involves separation of tube plate from tube bank, its fixation in horizontal position, and removal of faulty tube by applying axial force to tube end. Novelty is that in case of combination tube-and-plate assembly involving tube welding to plate on face of the latter axial force is applied to tube on side opposite to plate face to cause sequential formation of bulge on tube, its radial deformation making tube walls unstable in axial direction, removal of tubes from annual grooves of plate, and finally shear deformation of tube material relative to axis of the latter at weld causing no deformation of plate holes nor distortion of geometric dimensions of annular grooves. EFFECT: facilitated procedure. 4 dwg