Method and apparatus for extracting and installing heat exchanger bundles

• US 20020015638A1
• Filed: 05/08/2001
• Published: 02/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: STARCON International, Inc. (The Cianbro Cos.)
• Original Assignee: STARCON International, Inc. (The Cianbro Cos.)
• Inventors: Wilson, Jeffrey L., Uremovich, Michael J., Cichon, David E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,685,423 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/745.3
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 19/024 tube bundles
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 7/16 by one or more hydraulic or pneumatic jacks

Abstract

An apparatus and a method to remove and install horizontal heat exchanger bundles. A continuous track and a main frame having a carriage frame with vertical hydraulic cylinders are used and achieve the stability necessary to support and level a heat exchanger bundle during removal from its shell at various vertical heights. The preferred configuration allows the main frame, hydraulic cylinders, pads and tracks which provide a large surface area on the ground, to remain on the ground as the hydraulic cylinders raise the carriage frame to the height of the bundle shell to increase stability of the apparatus. Moreover, the tracks allow the self-propelled extractor to move over gravel, asphalt, and/or soft uneven surfaces without becoming embedded into the surface. Alternatively, the carriage frame may be raised or moved using a crane or helicopter by removing the carriage frame from the main frame.

Claims