Richard A Gilbertson

US Patent:

47855169, Nov 22, 1988

Filed:

Jan 30, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/824443

Inventors:

Richard G. Gilbertson - Plymouth MN

International Classification:

B21D 5302

US Classification:

291573C

Abstract:

An apparatus for inserting tubes (20) into openings in tube sheets or baffles (13) in a heat exchanger such as a steam condenser (12), includes at least one, preferably two, drive members (97,103) such as air inflated tires mounted on wheels, in cooperating relationship on opposite sides of the tube for advancing the tube (20). The tires (97,103) are canted in opposite directions at acute angles for simultaneously rotating the tube (20) on its own axis, whereby the tube (20) rotates as it advances through the baffles (14). The rotation distributes stresses on the tube (20) to help prevent damage to the tube and assist in clearing the tube openings (18) within the condenser (12). The tube (20) is firmly frictionally engaged by the tires (97,103) and a predetermined amount of friction is selected and maintained to allow the tires to slip on the tube when an obstruction is encountered to help reduce damage to the tube and to facilitate passage of the tube into the condenser. A hole cleaner or pilot (130) is mounted on the leading end of the tube (20) with a wire brush (148) which rotates within the openings (18) as the tube advances, thereby cleaning them ahead of the tube. Suitable stops (150) are provided to control the fixed position of the tube (20) in the condenser (12).