초록 ▼

Both an apparatus and method for plugging a conduit, such as a tube in the tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator, is disclosed herein. The plugging apparatus generally comprises an inelastically expandable plug that contains a fluid-receiving cavity, and an expansion means including both a source o

Both an apparatus and method for plugging a conduit, such as a tube in the tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator, is disclosed herein. The plugging apparatus generally comprises an inelastically expandable plug that contains a fluid-receiving cavity, and an expansion means including both a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a pull-rod member having a piston for advantageously applying both a radially expansive force and a compressive force to the plug at the same time in order to inelastically expand it into sealing engagement with the inner wall of a tube. In the apparatus of the invention, the compressive force exerted on the plug by the pull-rod member not only serves to inelastically deform the plug into a radially expanded shape, but is also used to seal the open end of the plug so that the pressurized hydraulic fluid admitted within the cavity of the plug will not escape. Both the apparatus and method of the invention are particularly well suited for installing plugs in tubes surrounded by relatively inelastic structures, such as tubesheets. Additionally, the invention conveniently and reliably plugs small diameter tubes in the peripheral regions of these tubesheets.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of plugging a conduit with an inelastically deformable plug containing a cavity, comprising the step of applying a radially expansive force by containing a pressurized fluid within the cavity of the plug while applying a compressive force across the plug by connecting a pull-rod member with

A method of plugging a conduit with an inelastically deformable plug containing a cavity, comprising the step of applying a radially expansive force by containing a pressurized fluid within the cavity of the plug while applying a compressive force across the plug by connecting a pull-rod member within the plug at the distal end of the cavity and by pulling said pull-rod member while applying a counterforce onto the proximal end of the plug that prevents the plug from moving along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, said compressive forces being orthogonally disposed with respect to said radial force in order to radially and inelastically deform the plug into the walls of the conduit.