Patent ID: 8479392
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: F16L,F22B,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of installing anti-vibration bars in the U-shaped bend of a tube bundle of a U-tube heat exchanger, wherein the tube bundle has a plurality of rows of tubes, arranged in columns, with tube lanes therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: connecting two clamps that are hinged together at a scissor joint, respectively to two adjacent anti-vibration bars positioned respectively in the U-bend in the tube lanes of two adjacent columns of tubes of the tube bundle, the clamps each having an actuation arm upstream of the scissor joint, with the clamps, actuation arms and scissor joint forming a scissor assembly; operating a linear drive motor connected to the scissor assembly to adjust the distance between the clamps, and thus the distance between the two adjacent anti-vibration bars to alter the spacing between the anti-vibration bars and the column of tubes between the two adjacent anti-vibration bars; and welding end portions of the anti-vibration bars to a corresponding retaining ring encircling a periphery of a curved portion of the U-shaped bend of the tube bundle.