Plugging apparatus and method using a hydraulically assisted plug expander
US4787420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/13
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A plugging apparatus and method utilizing a plug expander that is hydraulically assisted. The apparatus generally comprises a plug shell having a closed end and an open end, an expander element contained within the shell which is movable between the open and closed ends thereof for wedgingly engaging the shell and radially expanding it, and an expansion mechanism including a combination pull rod and expansion mandrel that is connected to the expander element contained within the shell. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid is connected to the combination pull rod and mandrel. The mandrel is capable of conducting pressurized hydraulic fluid between the closed end of the shell and the expander element in order to facilitate the movement of the expander element toward the open end of the shell. The invention may be used to conveniently and effectively plug heat exchanger tubes of either nuclear or fossil fuel steam generators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.