Performing maintenance operations on heat exchanger tube bundles
US4323398A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1980 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23P19/024
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The tube bundle is moved out of its shell utilizing a frame structure having a number of movable trollies associated therewith for supporting the tube bundle at spaced points along the length thereof, the trollies having rollers disposed on opposite sides of the central axis of the tube bundle. The tube bundle supported by the trollies is horizontally moved off of the frame structure by rolling the trollies off of the frame structure, preferably onto a protector, and then can be moved to desired maintenance stations. The trollies are latched into place on the protector for movement from station to station. The tube bundle can be transferred from the trollies to a second set of trollies for effecting rotation of the tube bundle about its central axis at the same time that washing fluid is sprayed thereon, and the tube bundle while supported by the trollies may be moved off the protector into an automated cleaning system. Interlocks may be provided preventing movement of the protector without the carriages being properly latched in place.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.