Method of installing a tube sleeve
US4505017A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1982 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4994
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for installing a close-fitting cylindrical metal sleeve (26) within a tube (14) secured to a tube sheet (12) of a steam generator, comprising the following steps. First, the sleeve is inserted into the tube until an upper portion (28) of the sleeve is above the tube sheet while the lowr portion (30) of the sleeve is within the tube sheet. Next, the upper portion of the sleeve is radially deformed against the adjacent tube wall to form substantially coextensive permanent bulges (32,34) around the circumferences of the sleeve and the tube. The sleeve is then displaced axially, or longitudinally, relative to the tube, such that the bulge in the sleeve produces a wedge-like mechanical interference seal (40) against the tube wall (16'). Finally, the lower portion (30,38) of the sleeve is joined and sealed (42) against the adjacent tube wall (16') to permanently maintain the tight mechanical interference seal at the upper portion of the sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.