Expanding tubes after they have been welded can be frustrating for operators. If not rolled properly, tube material can build up and put stress on the weld. In extreme cases the tube material can build up so much that the expander can get stuck in the tube, delaying the job.
Tube Expanding is based on engineering principles, involving elasticity and plasticity, to compress the OD of the tube against a fixed container, such as rolling tubes into tube sheets, drums, ferrules or flanges. To assure a proper tube joint, the tube wall must be reduced by a predetermined percentage. The following chart can be used for determining the correct tube wall reduction.
Before you can start rolling, you will need to select the right expander for the job. Tube OD, and Wall/BWG will determine the size of the expander. However, there are some other factors to consider, such as tube projection, roll length, reach requirements, space constraints, and whether it’s minimum or average wall tubing.
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.
