Abstract: A method of welding two work pieces that define a connecting zone between them is described. A friction pin is fed at a starting point into the connecting zone and into opposite regions of the work pieces on both sides of the connecting zone. The friction pin is moved in a welding direction along the connecting zone resulting in the work pieces being welded. The friction pin is led out of the connecting zone after welding the work pieces. The friction pin is fed into a sacrificial element while lifting the friction pin.

Abstract: A method of welding two work pieces that define a connecting zone between them is described. A friction pin is fed at a starting point into the connecting zone and into opposite regions of the work pieces on both sides of the connecting zone. The friction pin is moved in a welding direction along the connecting zone resulting in the work pieces being welded. The friction pin is led out of the connecting zone after welding the work pieces. The friction pin is fed into a sacrificial element while lifting the friction pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection and/or repair of tubes discharging into a chamber of a heat exchanger includes a tube sensor. A manipulator provides remote-controlled positioning of the tube sensor. A plurality of mouthpieces disposed on the manipulator introduces the sensor into tubes of a heat exchanger. Tube connectors communicate with the mouthpieces and have two ends. One of the ends of the tube connectors is coaxially attachable to orifices of the tubes of the heat exchanger. The other of the ends of the tube connectors are bundled into a circular group at an adaptor. A distributor plate has orifices into each of which a respective one of the tube connectors discharge. A parallel turntable is supported on the distributor plate. A guide hose is introduced into the turntable for guiding the tube sensor. Incremental rotation of the turntable selectively aligns the axis of the guide hose with the axis of one of the orifices in the distributor plate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for testing tubes of a heat exchanger having a U-shaped tube bundle includes a probe head unit having an ultrasonic vibrator and two opposite ends. Two flexible hollow shafts are each connected to a respective one of the ends of the probe head unit. One of the hollow shafts is rotatably supported in a guide tip and the other of the hollow shafts is rotatably supported in a cylindrical sheath. An electric drive unit is connected to and fixed against torque relative to the other hollow shaft. The flexible hollow shafts have supports at predetermined axial intervals. A sealing body is connected to the cylindrical sheath for sealing off a flow of a fluid for coupling the ultrasonic vibrator and a pusher hose is also connected to the cylindrical sheath.

Abstract: A device for eddy current testing of tubes of a heat exchanger having a U-shape tube bundle includes a test sensor having an insertion tip and a longitudinal axis. Elastic hose pieces are connected to the insertion tip. At least three coils are disposed along the elastic hose pieces. A pusher hose is connected to the elastic hose pieces. A pusher device is connected to the pusher hose for inserting the pusher hose into a tube of a tube bundle. The coils have contact surfaces each extending over only a portion of the inner periphery of the tube of the tube bundle. The coils are staggered about the circumference of the test sensor and are staggered along the longitudinal axis of the test sensor. A location recognition unit is disposed in the test sensor.