Abstract: A semi-automatic cleaning system for removing debris from internal walls of a heat exchanger, or the like, having a plurality of tubes arranged in parallel with each other and ends of the tubes periodically spaced along a spacing line in a plane perpendicular to the tubes. A tool of the system is mounded along the spacing line and a fluid delivery device for providing a high-pressure fluid through each tube is moved from tube opening to tube opening in an automated manner following an initial setup procedure to determine a spacing distance. The spacing distance is revised with movement to each tube opening, so as to correct for any deviation from the nominal tube spacing. The system can include a cleaning device which is inserted into each tube, prior to providing the high-pressure fluid, to scrape and remove deposits, debris, and the like from the internal walls.

Abstract: A high confidence tube plug for sealing the bore of a tube against fluid flow has an elastomeric sleeve for sealing the tube. An axially aligned hydroscopic disk swells when contacted with water to frictionally grip the tube. The sleeve and the disk are fastened together by a bolt and nut arrangement.

Abstract: A tube plug for stopping the bore of a condensor tube or like conduit. The plug device includes a shoulder bolt having a flange at one end and a threaded shaft at the other. An enlarged shank portion extends outwardly a distance from the flange and terminates at a shoulder region. A resilient sleeve of an elastomeric material is positioned on the enlarged shank, bearing against the flange at one end, with the opposite sleeve end spaced outwardly from the bolt shoulder region. Mechanical gripper elements are positioned on the bolt and are expanded by movement of a nut along the threaded shaft. A washer positioned between the resilient sleeve and the mechanical gripper elements transmits an axial compressive force to the resilient sleeve to create first and second fluid seals around the sleeve and around the bolt shank respectively. The washer stops at the shoulder region to permit additional torquing of the mechanical gripping elements independent of the resilient sleeve.