초록 ▼

A plugging apparatus and method utilizing a plug expander that is hydraulically assisted. The apparatus generally comprises a plug shell having a closed end and an open end, an expander element contained within the shell which is movable between the open and closed ends thereof for wedgingly engagin

A plugging apparatus and method utilizing a plug expander that is hydraulically assisted. The apparatus generally comprises a plug shell having a closed end and an open end, an expander element contained within the shell which is movable between the open and closed ends thereof for wedgingly engaging the shell and radially expanding it, and an expansion mechanism including a combination pull rod and expansion mandrel that is connected to the expander element contained within the shell. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid is connected to the combination pull rod and mandrel. The mandrel is capable of conducting pressurized hydraulic fluid between the closed end of the shell and the expander element in order to facilitate the movement of the expander element toward the open end of the shell. The invention may be used to conveniently and effectively plug heat exchanger tubes of either nuclear or fossil fuel steam generators.

대표청구항 ▼

A plugging apparatus for plugging a conduit, comprising: (a) a plug shell having a closed end and an open end; (b) an expander element contained within the shell and sealingly engaged therein that is movable between the closed end and the open end and that wedgingly engages the shell and radially ex

A plugging apparatus for plugging a conduit, comprising: (a) a plug shell having a closed end and an open end; (b) an expander element contained within the shell and sealingly engaged therein that is movable between the closed end and the open end and that wedgingly engages the shell and radially expands it when so moved, and (c) an expansion means including both a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for facilitating said movement of the expander element by conducting said fluid to the shell interior between the closed end of the shell and the expander element, thereby expanding the shell while urging the expander element toward the open end of the shell, and a rod means for pulling the expander element toward the open end of the shell, whereby said expansion means moves the expander element by the application of both the hydraulic force from the pressurized fluid, and the pulling force from said rod means.