Method of tube stub removal
View Patent ↗The invention is related to an improved method of removing tubes from tubes sheets. The improved method softens and elongates a tube circumferentially surround by tube sheet, wherein the softening and elongating steps allow for quick and easy removal of the tube from the tube sheet without damaging the tube sheet or tube seats.
1. A method of tube stub removal consisting of the steps of
providing a tube circumferentially surrounded on at least one end by a tube sheet,
cutting the tube to create a tube stub,
utilizing induction heating to rapidly heat and soften the portion of the tube circumferentially surrounded by the tube sheet,
attaching a hydraulic jack to the tube stub,
elongating the softened portion of the tube with the hydraulic jack, and
removing the tube from the tube sheet.
2. A method of tube stub removal consisting of the steps of
providing a tube circumferentially surrounded on at least one end by a tube sheet, the at least one end being belled and the tube comprising a ring for seating the tube in the tube sheet,
cutting the tube to create a tube stub,
utilizing induction heating to rapidly heat and soften the entire portion of the tube circumferentially surrounded by the tube sheet,
attaching a hydraulic jack to the tube stub,
elongating the softened portion of the tube with the hydraulic jack, and
removing the tube from the tube sheet.
3. A method of tube stub removal consisting of the steps of
providing a tube circumferentially surrounded on at least one end by a tube sheet, the at least one end being belied and the tube comprising a ring for seating the tube in the tube sheet,
cutting the tube to create a tube stub,
utilizing induction heating to rapidly heat and soften the portion of the tube circumferentially surrounded by the tube sheet,
clamping a hydraulic jack to the tube stub,
elongating the softened portion of the tube with the hydraulic jack, and
removing the tube from the tube sheet.