Abstract: A cradle stake (28) for being inserted transversely into a lane (20) between first and second rows (16) of tubes (14) in a tube bundle (10), for damping movement of the tubes in the bundle, includes first and second elongated metal strips (30, 32), which are arranged with their inner sides (40) facing one another, and a plurality of compression springs (42, 44 and 46) extending between the inner sides and being attached to the metal strips. In one embodiment, the springs have progressively greater lengths so that the metal strips are tapered, one to the other. In one embodiment, each elongated metal strip has a V-shaped bend along its length so that the metal strips themselves are also resilient, and each of the elongated metal strips includes indentation saddles (52) on outer sides thereof for engaging the tubes.

Abstract: A cradle stake (28) for being inserted transversely into a lane (20) between first and second rows (16) of tubes (14) in a tube bundle (10), for damping movement of the tubes in the bundle, includes first and second elongated metal strips (30, 32), which are arranged with their inner sides (40) facing one another, and a plurality of compression springs (42, 44 and 46) extending between the inner sides and being attached to the metal strips. In one embodiment, the springs have progressively greater lengths so that the metal strips are tapered, one to the other. In one embodiment, each elongated metal strip has a V-shaped bend along its length so that the metal strips themselves are also resilient, and each of the elongated metal strips includes indentation saddles (52) on outer sides thereof for engaging the tubes.

Abstract: Adjustable tube-cleaning device (10) has a scraper sub-assembly (16) which includes a substantially annular sleeve (32) on a circumferential outer surface (30) of an elastic core (14) which, in turn, is mounted on a central shaft (12). The sleeve (32) contracts toward a pre-formed, non-loaded configuration in which it has a smaller internal diameter than a diameter of the outer surface of the elastic core. The scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scrapping vanes (32) held by the sleeve to the elastic core and extending radially outwardly from the elastic core. Each of the scraping vanes has a scraping edge (54) directed radially away from the elastic core. The elastic core is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the central shaft between anchor (18) and adjustable compression member (26). The scraping vanes in one row of vanes can be placed on an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft.

Abstract: An expansion-joint system (48) for forming a seal between a steam turbine and a condenser includes an expansion-joint belt (50, 51) having a width-wise cross-sectional shape with first and second knobs (62, 64) at respective first and second opposite ends (72, 74) of a thinner elongated web (70). The knobs are formed by an abrupt bulge (66, 68) on only a first opposite side, while each of knob portions (76) of a second opposite side of the belt, opposite the bulge, forms a substantially straight line with a lead-in portion (80) from the elongated web. The knob portion and the lead-in portion of the second side are parallel with a symmetrical center (57) of fabric layers (56) in the belt. In one embodiment the substantially straight line formed by the knob portion and lead-in portion of the second side continues over a distance of approximately at least twice the length of the bulge.

Abstract: A novel S-shape web section in a dog bone style expansion joint belt, having a very significant increase in the ability to define a successful seal even in misaligned or otherwise off-specification expansion joint environments. The web section has the potential of significantly increasing belt service life in contrast to a conventional OEM belt, due to lower stress levels at finite element locations proximate to the mid-span, and particularly on the convex inner surface of the belt during high vacuum situations. The web preferably has only 3 layers of polyester or nylon fabric, each with an intermediate skim coat of neoprene rubber, to bond the fabric plies together and also to bond the fabric core with an outer covering of black neoprene rubber or Viton rubber. The fabric plies may extend longitudinally inside of the end knobs or be splayed outwardly inside of each end knob to avoid need for a separate cord or a cord and a key.

Abstract: An apparatus for deforming, splitting and chopping of contaminated, or potentially contaminated, heat exchanger tubes into short tubes segments that easily may transported to an off-site location for decontamination or disposal. The invention has particular utility in dismantling potentially contaminated tubes from a tube bundle that is part of a condenser for a BWR or PWR nuclear power plant. The invention involves first gripping and deforming the exterior periphery of a potentially contaminated tube with opposed transverse forces sufficient to travel the tube longitudinally out of the tubesheets in a deformed condition, and then splitting the deformed tube into first and second wall sections which are chopped into short length wall segments. The deformation preferably flattens the tube so that the short wall segments are substantially planar, with exposed inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A method for deforming, splitting and chopping of contaminated, or potentially contaminated, heat exchanger tubes into short tubes segments that easily may transported to an off-site location for decontamination or disposal. The method has particular utility in dismantling potentially contaminated tubes from a tube bundle that is part of a condenser for a BWR or PWR nuclear power plant. The method involves first gripping and deforming the exterior periphery of a potentially contaminated tube with opposed transverse forces sufficient to travel the tube longitudinally out of the tubesheets in a deformed condition, and then splitting the deformed tube into first and second wall sections which are chopped into short length wall segments. The deformation preferably flattens the tube so that the short wall segments are substantially planar, with exposed inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining an expansion joint seal with a belt comprising a body portion elongated in the longitudinal direction and having a first edge bead at one end and a second edge bead at the other end. A first edge bead is inserted within a larger diameter first cylindrical cavity elongated in the transverse direction and defined by inner and outer recesses between a first clamp bar and a first clamping surface. A second edge bead then is inserted within a larger diameter second cylindrical cavity, also elongated in the transverse direction and defined by a second clamp bar and a second clamping surface. Each clamp bar then is fastened to locate a bead edge loosely within a surrounding cavity. Finally, a sealant material is injected under pressure into each cavity, so as to surround the edge bead loosely positioned therein, and thereby create a tight seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a single row of transversely extending parallel tubes. The open end of a U-shaped stake, comprising first and second strip portions elongated in the longitudinal direction with a connecting portion at one end, longitudinally is inserted so as to engage at least the outer surface of a tube located at one end of the row. The stake then is fastened to said row by encircling, in at least one substantially transverse plane, the outer surfaces of each strip portion. The encircling occurs in at least one longitudinal location along said stake that is between adjacent tubes of said row, and locally deforms the stake to further secure the stake against the row of tubes.

Abstract: An improved tube anti-vibration stake comprised of a longitudinally elongated, upwardly open member of a soft V configuration. The soft V is defined by a bend in a metal strip, preferably stainless steel, that is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the metal strip, so as to define upwardly extending sides that terminate at a distal end. Saddles are spaced perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stake and formed into the distal ends at positions which preferably are equal to the Pitch of a first horizontal row of tubes, against which each saddle will make contact as the tube is driven along a Lane between first or upper horizontal tube row and a second or lower horizontal tube row.