Abstract: So as to position a device, such as an eddy current probe support inside a cylindrical cavity with radial perforations opening into said cavity, a device (36) is proposed, said device including a pole (50) orientated parallel to the axis of the cavity. This pole may occupy different pre-established indexing positions in rotation and in translation inside the cavity by means of a mechanism (42, 44, 54, 58, 60). In each of these indexing positions, an active head (98), mounted at the extremity of the pole (50) by means of a pantograph (66) and a cladding arm (100), is able to move in a specific active zone on the lower wall of the cavity. To this effect, the active head is clad by the arm (100) and is equipped with autonomous thrustors controlling its movement.

Abstract: Detensioning of expanded tubes is brought by way of an installation using a rotopeening method. The tool is constituted by a cage moved along a helical path centered on the axis of the tube to be treated. The cage supports in rotary manner a shaft, whose axis is parallel and offcentered with respect to that of the cage. The shaft carries flexible plates, called brushes, whose ends are equipped with shot able to peen the inner wall of the tube during the rotation of the shaft. The helical path ensures a regular distribution of the impacts and consequently a uniform treatment of the surface.

Abstract: A method of withdrawing a mobile inspection sensor assembly from the lower header of a vertical tubular heat-exchanger includes the steps of introducing into a guide tube of the assembly and into a water tube of the heat-exchanger aligned therewith an end portion of a dummy sensor in the form of a tube of a relatively rigid material, which may nevertheless be slightly bent, securing the end of the dummy sensor to the water tube by actuating means operable at the other end of the sensor tube, and sliding the sensor assembly along the tube of the dummy to an access opening of the header.A dummy sensor for carrying out this method includes an expansible head which may be mechanically or pneumatically operated to fix the sensor in a water tube.