Boiler tube removal can be an extremely difficult process and the method used will vary depending on the application. The amount of expansion, as well as, the age of the tube and whether or not it was welded will all impact the removal process. Despite the challenging nature of removal, there are a few tips that can help make this tough job a little bit easier.
Similar to a shell and tube heat exchanger, air coolers are made up of stacked finned tubes with header or water boxes on either end of the vessel. While air cooler maintenance can be challenging, there are a few tips and tricks that can help make the process easier.
Tubes are welded for many different reasons, such as providing additional leak protection or to carry additional load. Although welds can be beneficial while the vessel is in service, it can cause some challenges during the removal process.
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.
To pull tubes using a tube puller and spears, one of the first steps is to “set” the spear in the tube. This process is done by threading the spear into the tube ID with an impact wrench or by hand.
Tube pullers grip and pull the tube out from the tube sheet. There are a variety of tube removal tools available and each one has a specific use. Review the quick guide below to make sure you select the right tool for the job.
When removing tubes from a vessel, one of the most difficult tasks can be removing tube stubs from the tube sheet. Depending upon how long the tube has been in the vessel, in addition to how efficient the initial expansion was, the removal process can be very difficult.
In order to obtain the best results and improve tool life, proper lubrication is necessary. There are many different types of lubricants designed to suit specific applications and operator preferences.
When removing tubes from a vessel, one of the most difficult tasks can be removing tube stubs from the tube sheet. Depending upon how long the tube has been in the vessel, in addition to how efficient the initial expansion was, the removal process can be very difficult.
The factors affecting a Tube Bundle Cutter’s performance are: bandsaw blade selection, blade tooth pitch, cross-sectional area of the bundle, blade speed and feed.
