Tube expanding is a technique used to create a secure connection between a tube and tube sheet, by compressing the outer diameter against a fixed surface. This process ensures a leak-proof joint that is crucial for the proper functioning of heat exchangers and other pressure vessels.
In order to increase efficiency and lower operating costs, many boiler makers are switching to X-ID enhanced tubing. While X-ID tubes are beneficial for the end user, they can be challenging to install.
As end users strive for increased heat transfer efficiency, customers are often tasked with building vessels that will withstand heavy use and the test of time. This often results in the use of more wear resistant tube sheet and tube materials, such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and Duplex Stainless Steel. While exotic materials often mean longer tube life, they can take a big toll on expander tool life.
Grooved tube sheets are the standard in most shell and tube heat exchanger applications. Providing both leak protection and improving the tube-to-tube sheet joints, grooves play an important role in prolonging the life of a tube and the efficiency of a vessel. However, in few applications where grooves are not required, there can be challenges during the tube expansion process.
Tube patterns describe how the tube holes are distributed through a tube sheet. Manipulating tube patterns helps increase flow but these modifications can create challenges for tube expansion.
Dunn Heat Exchanger, Inc., a fabrication company located in Texas City, Texas, offers heat exchanger cleaning, decontamination, repair, and fabrication services in the highly competitive shell and tube market.
Elliott Tool Technologies, a USA based tube tool manufacturer, announced the launch of an all new assisted tube rolling system.
Elliott Tool Technologies, a USA based tube tool manufacturer, announced the launch of a new condenser expander collar design. The air cooler collar ring is designed to prevent costly damage to the plug hole threads and reduce the pressure put on the header box face.
Tube expansion can be challenging regardless of the application. From inconsistent wall thicknesses to exotic materials, a lot of factors can influence the quality of an expansion. In smaller applications, there can be some additional complexity to the process which makes choosing the right expander more critical.
It's no secret that tube leaks or failing hydro is a huge headache for organizations. When it comes to tube installation, proper expansion can be the difference between an expensive repair bill and a long-lasting vessel.
