Process for plugging a tube of a straight-tube heat exchanger
US5167907A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49352
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The tube (4) to be plugged is cut at its ends adjacent to the first and to the second branch (14, 15) and the metal of the junction zones (16, 16') of the tube (4) with each of the branches (14, 15) is eliminated. At least one portion of the tube (4) adjacent to at least one of the branches (14, 15) is cut and eliminated. Into each of the ends of the tube (4) in place inside the heat exchanger is introduced a plug (24, 30) of tubular shape, the diameter of which is smaller than the inside diameter of the tube (4), so that the plug has a closed end (24a, 30a) inside the tube (4) and an opposite end located inside the corresponding branch (14, 15). The plugs (24, 30) are fixed in place in the branches (14, 15), and a continuous sealing weld is made between each of the plugs (24, 30) and the corresponding branch (14, 15 ), the tube (4) having some freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction in relation to the plugs (24, 30).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.