Tube protection device
US4799305A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53952
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tube protection device is positioned within a heat exchange tube of a nuclear steam generator to span a defect region and protect same against damage or deformation during withdrawal of the tube from the generator for subsequent defect analysis and testing. The tube protection device includes gripper means at the opposite ends thereof which are expansible from a relaxed condition permitting movement of the device through the tube to a clamped condition, releasably, frictionally engaging the contiguous interior sidewall surfaces of the tube at positions respectively spaced from the defect and spanning the defect region. An installation tool includes an elongaged linkage mechanism insertable through an open end of the tube for positioning the tube protection device and for operating same from the accessible portion of the linkage mechanism exterior to the open end of the tube between said relaxed and clamped conditions, and for remote withdrawal of the tube protection device from the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.