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.

Tube Stub Removal

Elliott offers 3 pulling systems for tube stub removal; Collet Style Tube Tugger, Stub Tugger, and the Super Collet Style Tube Puller. You could also use the Manual Tube Puller if you have a limited number of tubes.

Collet Style Tube Tugger

While most of the systems cover a variety of tube sizes, the collet style tube tugger is specifically designed for pulling smaller tubes. The puller’s light and compact design makes it easier to use confined work areas. With 360-degree positioning handles, it can also be used for hard-to-reach tubes near channel plates and water boxes.

Super Collet Style Tube Puller

The Super Collet Puller is designed to quickly pull tubes from tube sheets without damaging the tube sheet hole.  The collet teeth have been designed using the same principles as our proven TT Spears. This one step tube stub removal process grips, pulls, and releases tube stubs in a matter of seconds, making it a quicker alternative to more traditional methods. Due to the power and versatility of the Super Collet Puller, it is recommended for most tube stub removal.

Stub Tugger

The Stub Tugger is a hydraulic tube pulling system used to remove tubes from both heat exchangers and boilers, especially in smaller workspaces. The Stub Tugger is also compatible with other competitive spear type tube pullers.

Manual Tube Puller

The Manual Tube Puller is the economical choice when you’re only pulling a limited number of tubes or sampling tube pulling for analysis. This option incorporates a socket and thrust bearing to allow for hand use with an impact wrench.

Tube Removal

Elliott offers 4 systems for tube removal; Tube Tugger, Super Tube Tugger, and the Cyclgrip. You could also use the Manual Tube Puller if you have a limited number of tubes.

Tube Tugger

The Tube Tugger is a powerful semi-continuous hydraulic tube pulling system for removing tubes from heat exchangers, chillers, and other heat transfer vessels. With a 30 Ton pulling capacity, the Tube Tugger breaks expanded tube sheet joint bonds. In many applications, tubes can be pulled from both tube sheets from one end of the heat exchanger.

Super Tube Tugger

The Super Tube Tugger is a powerful continuous hydraulic tube pulling system for removing tubes from boilers and surface condensers. Operating much like the Tube Tugger, the Super Tugger has a 60 Ton capacity, allowing it to pull more difficult tubes.

Cyclgrip

The Cyclgrip continuously pulls chiller, heat exchanger, and condenser tubes after the tubes have been pulled free from the tube sheet. The system’s design allows it to adjust to tube sizes without any additional tooling or tool adjustments. Additionally, the Cyclgrip can pull tubes that have been expanded into baffle or support plates, eliminating the use of slam hammers and accelerating tube removal.

Manual Tube Puller

The Manual Tube Puller is the economical choice when you’re only pulling a limited number of tubes or sampling tube pulling for analysis. This option incorporates a socket and thrust bearing to allow for hand use with an impact wrench.

When selecting a tube removal tool, the hydraulic pullers also require a hydraulic pump of sufficient power for your vessel. Learn more about Elliott’s hydraulic pumps here.

For more information on tube removal tools, contact Elliott Tool Technologies.