Patent ID: 8973648
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: F16M,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A tool having an actuator for gripping a tubesheet of a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending at least partially through thru-holes in the tubesheet, each of the heat exchange tubes having a central axis extending along a length thereof, the actuator comprising: a first elongated finger sized to have a first end of the first elongated finger inserted at least partially within a first of the thru-holes within the tubesheet; a second elongated finger sized to have a first end of the second elongated finger inserted at least partially within a second of the thru-holes in the tubesheet, the second elongated finger being spaced from the first elongated finger to substantially align with the second of the thru-holes when the first elongated finger is substantially aligned with the first of the thru-holes; a tie rod connected between the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger at a first elevation along the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger that is spaced from the first ends, the connection of the tie rod between the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger being configured to restrain movement at the first elevation of the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger in at least a first of two lateral directions, either toward each other or away from each other; and an actuation arm connected between the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger at a second elevation along the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger that is spaced from the first elevation and spaced from the first ends, the connection of the actuation arm between the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger being configured to move the first elongated finger in at least one of the two lateral directions and cant at least one of the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger relative to the axis of a corresponding tube or thru-hole in which it is designed to be inserted to pressure the one of the first elongated finger and the second elongated finger against an inner wall of the corresponding tube or thru-hole and hold that position until the actuation arm is positively released.