Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for expanding the ends of a sleeve that has previously been installed into a defective section of inaccessibly located soft metal heat exchanger tubing. The sleeve ends are expanded using an apparatus of a plastic bladder connected to a series of connectable sections of sufficient length to reach the ends of the installed sleeve. The expansion is performed by locating the plastic bladder inside the sleeve at one end and hydraulically compressing the plastic bladder and forcing it to expand in diameter as a function of Poisson's ratio to thus expand the sleeve end into the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for expanding the ends of a sleeve that has previously been installed into a defective section of inaccessibly located soft metal heat exchanger tubing. The sleeve ends are expanded using an apparatus of a plastic bladder connected to a series of connectable sections of sufficient length to reach the ends of the installed sleeve. The expansion is performed by locating the plastic bladder inside the sleeve at one end and hydraulically compressing the plastic bladder and forcing it to expand in diameter as a function of Poisson's ratio to thus expand the sleeve end into the tube.

Abstract: A caching apparatus and method for enhancing retrieval of data from an optical storage device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a first memory device for storing data therein. The first memory device preferably includes a predetermined application. An optical storage device is positioned in communication with the first memory device for optically storing data therein. The optical storage device includes a plurality of data storage sectors. A second memory device is positioned in communication with the first memory device for storing data. The second memory device preferably has a predetermined amount of data storage space. The predetermined amount of data storage space includes a caching space defined by only a portion of the predetermined amount of data storage space of the second memory device.

Abstract: A method for installing a tube repair sleeve in a tube at a selected location relative to a tube defect or a tube support. The method includes using a hydraulic expander having at least one expandable bladder. The expander includes a stud having at least one conduit formed therein and a plurality of slidable expandable bladders mounted on the stud for radial expansion, each of the bladders in fluid communication with the conduit. A detector means is mounted on the expander and responsive to tube supports and defects in the tube. Finally, a control system is electrically connected with the detector means and operative to control the expansion of the bladder in response to signals received from the detector means.

Abstract: A hydraulic expander assembly for installing a tube repair sleeve in a tube at a selected location relative to a tube defect or a tube support. The apparatus includes a hydraulic expander having at least one expandable bladder and adapted to receive the sleeve thereon. The expander includes a stud having at least one conduit formed therein and a plurality of slidable expandable bladders mounted on the stud for radial expansion, each of the bladders in fluid communication with the conduit. A detector is mounted on the expander and responsive to tube supports and defects in the tube. Finally, a control system is electrically connected with the detector and operative to control the expansion of the bladder in response to signals received from the detector.

Abstract: A lance assembly designed to clean sludge from the portion of the OTSG tube bundle which is inaccessible from the open tube lane. A track assembled between the OTSG outer shell and circular shroud around the tube bundle substantially opposite the open tube lane has a motorized carriage driven on the track which directs high pressure fluid through a plurality of nozzles toward the tube bundle through windows in the circular shroud. The nozzles are attached to a nozzle block which is capable of being moved vertically on the carriage to vary the flow impact area on the tube bundle.

Abstract: A sludge lance wand for cleaning once through steam generator tubes. A curved high pressure fluid feed tube has a plurality of feed tube extensions attached at one end and a first nozzle brace attached at the other end and in fluid communication with the feed tube. A second nozzle brace bolted to the first nozzle brace retains nozzle blocks in position between the two braces. The nozzle blocks are in fluid communication with the first nozzle brace and are provided with nozzle openings angled for cleaning the triangular-pitch positioned tubes in a once through steam generator. O-ring seals on each end of the nozzle blocks press fit against the braces to prevent leakage and insure that full fluid flow is directed through the nozzle openings.