Horizontal u-shaped tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool and method

By designing a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle extraction and pushing tool, the disassembly and assembly process of the heat transfer tube bundle is simplified by using hydraulic drive, solving the problems of complex operation and damage risk in the existing technology, and realizing efficient and safe tube bundle maintenance.

CN122158208APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05JIANGSU NUCLEAR POWER CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU NUCLEAR POWER CORP
Filing Date
2024-12-04
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies require the erection of numerous supports and lifting points during the assembly and disassembly of heat transfer tube bundles in horizontal U-tube heat exchangers. This process is complex, makes it difficult to ensure accurate alignment, and poses a risk of damage to the heat transfer tube bundles.

Method used

A tool for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger was designed, including a pulling and pushing support, a hydraulic station, a tube bundle support, and an anti-tipping support. The tool is hydraulically driven to pull out and push back the heat transfer tube bundles, simplifying the operation process, reducing manpower requirements, and improving alignment accuracy.

Benefits of technology

It enables the smooth extraction and retraction of heat transfer tube bundles, reducing operational complexity and personnel requirements, improving operational efficiency, and reducing the risk of damage to heat transfer tube bundles.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of nuclear power equipment, and more particularly to a tool and method for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger. The tool includes: a pulling and pushing support, one end of which is connected and fixed to the heat transfer tube bundle, and the other end connected to a hydraulic cylinder; the hydraulic cylinder is also connected to a hydraulic station, which is fixed to the cylinder support; the tube bundle support and the end support are connected by a connecting rod; several tube bundle supports are provided; anti-tipping supports are installed at both ends of the tube bundle supports for supporting the heat transfer tube bundle; the bottom of the tube bundle bottom support is fixed to a tube bundle support, and the top supports the heat transfer tube bundle; the hydraulic cylinder support moves on the tube bundle support or the end support, thereby driving the hydraulic station to move. The tool can be used to pull out and push back the heat transfer tube bundle. The tool structure of this invention is simple, avoiding the need for related supports and scaffolding, reducing the number of workers, simplifying the operation process, improving alignment accuracy, and reducing the risk of damage to the heat transfer tube bundle.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear power equipment, and more particularly to a tool and method for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] Large heat exchangers are widely used in many fields such as power, chemical, and heating. Currently, shell-and-tube heat exchangers dominate the market, while horizontal U-tube heat exchangers with detachable tube bundles are also widely used due to their robust construction, strong adaptability, and low maintenance costs. During the disassembly and maintenance of horizontal U-tube heat exchangers with detachable tube bundles, the U-shaped heat transfer tube bundles need to be extracted from the shell for cleaning and maintenance to ensure heat exchange performance. Current methods for disassembling and reassembling heat transfer tube bundles involve erecting supports and anti-tipping scaffolding along the disassembly and reassembly path, and setting up lifting points in both the extraction and reassembly directions. Lifting tools are used to extract and reassemble the heat transfer tube bundles. During the process, the positions of the supports and lifting points need to be adjusted to ensure the alignment of the heat transfer tube bundles.

[0003] Current maintenance methods lack effective specialized tools for the extraction and retraction of heat transfer tube bundles. They generally require the erection of numerous supports, anti-tipping scaffolding, and lifting points. The positions of supports and anti-tilting brackets need to be adjusted during the disassembly and assembly of the tube bundles. The operation requires a large number of personnel to cooperate, and alignment is difficult when reassembling the heat transfer tube bundles. Work efficiency is affected by the skill level and coordination of the operators, and there is a risk of damage to the heat transfer tube bundles due to improper operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tool and method for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger. The tool and method have a simple structure, avoid the need for related support and scaffolding, reduce the number of workers, simplify the operation process, improve the centering accuracy, and reduce the risk of damage to the heat transfer tube bundles.

[0005] This invention provides a tool for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger, comprising:

[0006] The pull-out bracket is fixed at one end to the heat transfer tube bundle and at the other end to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0007] The cylinder is also connected to a hydraulic station, which is fixed on the cylinder bracket;

[0008] The tube bundle support and the end support are connected by a connecting rod;

[0009] Several tube bundle supports are provided;

[0010] Anti-tipping brackets are installed at both ends of the tube bundle support to support the heat transfer tube bundle;

[0011] The bottom of the tube bundle is fixed to the tube bundle support, and the top supports the heat transfer tube bundle.

[0012] The cylinder support moves on the tube bundle support or end support, thereby driving the hydraulic station to move.

[0013] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, 3 to 5 tube bundle supports are provided.

[0014] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the tube bundle support is equipped with support legs and casters.

[0015] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the tube bundle bottom support includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, and the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod in the middle is adjusted according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle.

[0016] A roller is provided between the support head and the telescopic screw.

[0017] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the support head is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0018] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the anti-tipping bracket includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, wherein the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod is adjusted according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle.

[0019] A roller is provided between the support head and the telescopic screw.

[0020] This invention provides a method for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger, comprising the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Remove the end caps of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger;

[0022] Step 2: Install the pull-out bracket onto the heat transfer tube bundle sheet;

[0023] Step 3: Install several tube bundle supports and end supports in sequence;

[0024] Step 4: Install the hydraulic station and cylinder bracket onto the tube bundle bracket closest to the tube bundle;

[0025] Step 5: Connect the push-pull bracket and the hydraulic station using a hydraulic cylinder;

[0026] Step 6: Install the anti-tipping brackets at both ends;

[0027] Step 7: Gradually increase the pressure and slowly pull out the heat transfer tube bundle;

[0028] Step 8: After the first round of extraction is complete, extend the hydraulic cylinder, move the hydraulic cylinder bracket along the bracket direction, and then fix it again;

[0029] Step 9: Continue to pull out the heat transfer tube bundle. At the same time, adjust the positions of the tube bundle support, anti-tipping support and tube bundle bottom support according to the specifications of the heat transfer tube bundle to ensure that the heat transfer tube bundle can be supported stably.

[0030] Step 10: Repeat steps 8 and 9 to gradually pull out the heat transfer tube bundle and adjust the support positions of each bracket.

[0031] Step 11: The heat transfer tube bundle is completely extracted, and the anti-tilt bracket and tube bundle bracket are all installed in place. The extraction work is completed, and the heat transfer tube bundle maintenance work can be carried out.

[0032] Step 12: After the maintenance is completed, gradually push the heat transfer tube bundle back.

[0033] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, when pulling out or pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle, pay attention to the status of the heat transfer tube bundle and the tool at any time. If any abnormality is found, stop immediately and check.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle extraction and pushing tool and method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0035] [1] The present invention can complete the extraction and retraction of horizontal heat transfer tube bundles. It has a simple structure, small size, and the extraction and retraction speed of the tube bundles can be monitored and controlled at any time. The process is highly controllable and occupies a small area, ensuring the smooth and reliable extraction and retraction process of the tube bundles.

[0036] [2] The tube bundle support and anti-tipping support designed in this invention can support, position and prevent the heat transfer tube bundle from tipping over, effectively avoiding the work of erecting scaffolding on the work site; after adjusting the position of each adjustable component according to the specifications of the heat transfer tube bundle, the subsequent repeated execution of this work does not require further adjustment. Compared with the existing heat transfer tube bundle disassembly and assembly methods, it reduces the number of workers and the work time, and improves work efficiency.

[0037] [3] The cylinder bracket designed in this invention can be positioned and fixed in the direction of the tube bundle bracket, and the position of the heat transfer tube bundle can be adjusted according to the needs of on-site work, which is highly adaptable. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the tool for pulling out and pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger;

[0039] Figure 2 A top view showing the tool for pulling out and pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger;

[0040] Figure 3 A partial view showing the tools for pulling out and pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 4A partial view of the anti-tipping bracket; Figure 5 A partial view showing the bottom support of the tube bundle;

[0042] In the diagram, 1-heat exchanger shell, 2-plant foundation, 3-heat transfer tube bundle, 4-pull-out support, 5-oil cylinder, 6-hydraulic station, 7-oil cylinder support, 8-tube bundle support, 9-end support, 10-connecting rod, 11-anti-tipping support, 12-bottom support of tube bundle, 13-outrigger. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To further understand the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the present invention.

[0044] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a tool for pulling out and pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger. Figures 1-2 As shown, it includes:

[0045] The pull-out bracket 4 is fixed at one end to the heat transfer tube bundle 3 and at the other end to the oil cylinder 5;

[0046] The hydraulic cylinder 5 is also connected to the hydraulic station 6, which is fixed on the hydraulic cylinder bracket 7;

[0047] The hydraulic station 6 uses a hydraulic cylinder to pull out and push back the heat transfer tube bundle 3, serving as the power source. The hydraulic station 6 is mounted on the hydraulic cylinder bracket 7. Due to the long heat transfer tube bundle, the pulling out and pushing back processes are carried out in steps to reduce the tool size. The hydraulic cylinder bracket 7 is connected to the tube bundle bracket 8 by bolts. The hydraulic cylinder bracket 7 can move on the tube bundle bracket 8 or the end bracket 9 to achieve the purpose of gradually pulling out and pushing back. This structure can reduce the tool size.

[0048] The tube bundle support 8 and the end support 9 are connected by a connecting rod 10;

[0049] Several tube bundle supports 8 are provided; preferably, 3 to 5 tube bundle supports 8 are provided according to the actual situation.

[0050] Anti-tipping brackets 11 are installed at both ends of the tube bundle support 8 to support the heat transfer tube bundle 3 and prevent the heat transfer tube bundle 3 from rolling and tipping over during the extraction and retraction process.

[0051] The extension length of the bolt in the middle of the anti-tipping bracket 11 can be adjusted according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle 3;

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the anti-tipping bracket 11 includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, and the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod in the middle is adjusted according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle.

[0053] Rollers are provided between the support head and the telescopic screw. The anti-tipping bracket is designed with adjustable rollers, which can prevent the heat transfer tube bundle from tipping over, while protecting the heat transfer tube bundle and reducing transmission resistance.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the tube bundle bottom support 12 is fixed on the tube bundle support, and the top supports the heat transfer tube bundle 3; the tube bundle bottom support 12 includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, and the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod in the middle is adjusted according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle.

[0055] A roller is provided between the support head and the telescopic screw.

[0056] The support head is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0057] During the extraction and retraction of the heat transfer tube bundle, the support head made of polytetrafluoroethylene can roll to drive the tube bundle to move, resulting in low friction.

[0058] The bottom of the tube bundle support 8 is equipped with support legs 13 and casters. The adjustable fixed support and retractable casters make transportation and installation convenient and quick.

[0059] This invention utilizes hydraulic drive to realize the extraction and retraction process of the heat transfer tube bundle. The hydraulic station gradually slides and controls the process on the tube bundle support. The extraction and retraction support works with the tube bundle support to complete rapid positioning and centering. The tube bundle support and anti-tipping rod support the heat transfer tube bundle, assist in positioning, and prevent tilting during the extraction and retraction process.

[0060] To achieve the extraction and retraction of the heat transfer tube bundle, the point of force application can utilize the ground, such as ground-fixed structural connections or installation anchor bolts, or it can utilize the heat exchanger shell, such as the connection between the bracket and the heat exchanger shell flange.

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for extracting and pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger, comprising the following steps:

[0062] Step 1: Remove the end caps of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger;

[0063] Step 2: Install the pull-out bracket 4 onto the heat transfer tube bundle 3 tube sheet;

[0064] Step 3: Install several tube bundle supports 8 and end supports 9 in sequence;

[0065] Step 4: Install the hydraulic station 6 and cylinder bracket 7 onto the tube bundle bracket 8 closest to the tube bundle;

[0066] Step 5: Connect the push-pull bracket 4 and the hydraulic station 6 using the hydraulic cylinder 5;

[0067] Step 6: Install the anti-tipping brackets 11 at both ends;

[0068] Step 7: Gradually increase the pressure and slowly pull out the heat transfer tube bundle 3;

[0069] Step 8: After the first round of extraction is complete, extend the hydraulic cylinder 5, move the hydraulic cylinder bracket 7 along the bracket direction, and then fix it again;

[0070] Step 9: Continue to pull out the heat transfer tube bundle 3. At the same time, adjust the positions of the tube bundle support 8, anti-tipping support 11 and tube bundle bottom support 12 according to the specifications of the heat transfer tube bundle 3 to ensure that the heat transfer tube bundle 3 can be supported stably.

[0071] Step 10: Repeat steps 8 and 9 to gradually pull out the heat transfer tube bundle 3 and adjust the support positions of each bracket.

[0072] Step 11: The heat transfer tube bundle 3 is completely pulled out, and the anti-tilt bracket and tube bundle bracket 8 are all installed in place. The extraction work is completed, and the heat transfer tube bundle 3 can be maintained.

[0073] Step 12: After the maintenance is completed, gradually push the heat transfer tube bundle 3 back.

[0074] Specifically, it includes:

[0075] Step 12-1: Check that all supports of the tool are in good condition, that all supports are securely fixed, and that the direction of the heat transfer tube bundle is not off.

[0076] Step 12-2: Connect all components in the same way as when the tube bundle is pulled out, and slowly push the heat transfer tube bundle back into the shell;

[0077] Step 12-3: After the hydraulic cylinder extends to its full position, remove the hydraulic cylinder bracket and retract the hydraulic cylinder, then re-fix the hydraulic cylinder bracket.

[0078] Step 12-4: Repeat steps 12-2 to 12-3 to gradually return the heat transfer tube bundle to the inside of the shell;

[0079] Step 12-5: After confirming that the heat transfer tube bundle is in place, remove the tools and push the heat transfer tube bundle back to complete the work.

[0080] When pulling out or pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle, pay attention to the condition of the heat transfer tube bundle 3 and the tool at any time. If any abnormality is found, stop immediately and check.

[0081] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0082] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A tool for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The pull-out bracket is fixed at one end to the heat transfer tube bundle and at the other end to the hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is also connected to a hydraulic station, which is fixed on the cylinder bracket; The tube bundle support and the end support are connected by a connecting rod; Several tube bundle supports are provided; Anti-tipping brackets are installed at both ends of the tube bundle support to support the heat transfer tube bundle; The bottom of the tube bundle is fixed to the tube bundle support, and the top supports the heat transfer tube bundle. The cylinder support moves on the tube bundle support or end support, thereby driving the hydraulic station to move.

2. The horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube bundle support is provided in 3 to 5 units.

3. The horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the tube bundle support is equipped with support legs and casters.

4. The horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube bundle bottom support includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, and the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod in the middle is adjustable according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle. A roller is provided between the support head and the telescopic screw.

5. The horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support head is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. The horizontal U-tube heat exchanger heat transfer tube bundle pulling and pushing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-tipping bracket includes a support head, a telescopic threaded rod and a base connected in sequence, and the extension length of the telescopic threaded rod in the middle is adjustable according to the size of the heat transfer tube bundle; A roller is provided between the support head and the telescopic screw.

7. A method for pulling and pushing heat transfer tube bundles in a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Remove the end caps of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger; Step 2: Install the pull-out bracket onto the heat transfer tube bundle sheet; Step 3: Install several tube bundle supports and end supports in sequence; Step 4: Install the hydraulic station and cylinder bracket onto the tube bundle bracket closest to the tube bundle; Step 5: Connect the push-pull bracket and the hydraulic station using a hydraulic cylinder; Step 6: Install the anti-tipping brackets at both ends; Step 7: Gradually increase the pressure and slowly pull out the heat transfer tube bundle; Step 8: After the first round of extraction is complete, extend the hydraulic cylinder, move the hydraulic cylinder bracket along the bracket direction, and then fix it again; Step 9: Continue to pull out the heat transfer tube bundle. At the same time, adjust the positions of the tube bundle support, anti-tipping support and tube bundle bottom support according to the specifications of the heat transfer tube bundle to ensure that the heat transfer tube bundle can be supported stably. Step 10: Repeat steps 8 and 9 to gradually pull out the heat transfer tube bundle and adjust the support positions of each bracket. Step 11: The heat transfer tube bundle is completely extracted, and the anti-tilt bracket and tube bundle bracket are all installed in place. The extraction work is completed, and the heat transfer tube bundle maintenance work can be carried out. Step 12: After the maintenance is completed, gradually push the heat transfer tube bundle back.

8. The method for pulling and pushing the heat transfer tube bundle of a horizontal U-tube heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, When pulling out or pushing back the heat transfer tube bundle, pay close attention to the condition of the heat transfer tube bundle and tools. If any abnormality is found, stop immediately and check.