Firetube boiler tubes consist of an expanded and beaded tube end. The method for achieving a bead has advanced over the years to include both hand beading and single roll beading expanders. In order to ensure a proper bead, there are several steps that need to take place before expansion can occur.
In general, you want to roll to the lowest wall reduction possible where a tight tube to tube sheet joint can be achieved. The harder the material the less wall reduction required to obtain a tube joint. You should always consult the manufacturer of the heat transfer vessel for specific information before undertaking any maintenance procedures.
Tube cleaners are vital to the vessels in use at many facilities. It is necessary that vessels be kept on the line in refineries, power plants, nuclear plants, processing plants and other facilities.
Geometry, materials, coatings, and application all influence the performance and life of a cutting blade. In order for it to perform well, it needs to be designed to work in a certain application. Using the incorrect cutting blade will reduce tool life and negatively impact cutting performance.
Materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering principles all influence the quality of a cutter. In order for it to perform in tough applications, it needs to have the right combination of variables. Otherwise, the cutter can fail prematurely or provide inadequate cleaning performance.
Single roll beading expanders simultaneously expand and bead the tube ends in firetube boiler applications. This tool accomplishes the creation of a pressure-tight tube-to-tube sheet joint, and a beaded tube end, by utilizing the natural feed force built into the expander to push the beading roll against the end of the tube while expansion is taking place. The successful operation of these expanders can be achieved by following a few simple steps.
There have been many variations of the tube plug over the years in an effort to achieve maximum sealing area and to control the method in which it is installed. While each of these plugs are still commonly used today, they were designed to overcome various challenges operators have had over the years.
Elliott offers the 445 Series Motors in both roll and lever throttle for tube sizes 2.000” (50.8mm) to 4.000” (101.6mm) to suit your tube expansion needs. The powerful 445 Series Motors are ideal for tough boiler tube applications. The right angle heads are suited for rolling tubes in hard to reach, tight areas.
Tube Hole Gauges make it easy to accurately measure tube IDs and tube sheet holes found in vessels such as heat exchangers, chillers, and surface condensers.
Retubing a vessel can be very extremely difficult depending on the type of vessel, how long the tube has been in service, and how efficient the initial expansion was. From support sheet bending to broken tubes, there are many issues that an operator can face during the removal process. Here are some tips & tricks you can use to overcome these common tube removal problems.
