INFLATABLE SPREADING TOOL

Abstract

Method of performing a maintenance operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members that includes providing an inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting the inflatable spreading tool between at least two of the elongated members, inflating the inflatable spreading tool so as to increase the separation between the elongated members. A system for use in facilitating a maintenance operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is also provided.

Description

FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable spreading tool for use in the maintenance and/or retrofitting of heat exchangers and other process equipment having bundles of tubing and other elongated members. The methods and systems are particularly applicable to heat exchangers that are provided with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) devices.

BACKGROUND

Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) exists that can improve the reliability and performance of heat exchangers and other process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members. Support devices for a bundle of elongated members are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,655, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary AVT device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,655.

Other AVT devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,164, which include a plurality of engaging members extending from a pair of opposing faces, as shown in FIG. 2. Still further support devices are shown in FIG. 3, from U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,130 and FIG. 4, from U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,964. U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,684 provides an AVT device in the form of a support device and locking assembly, an embodiment of which is depicted in FIG. 5. All of these AVT devices, including other AVT devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be used in conjunction with the presently disclosed methods and systems. Each of the patents identified herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The effective thickness of an AVT device, such as dimpled tube support (DTS) strips, may be, at times, a little greater than desired. Tubes may also become slightly distorted over time and block the passage of the strips through the tubelane. Thus, the thickness of the unsupported tube span may vary from one location to another. In any event, substantial flexibility can be provided if the thickness of the unsupported tube span can be made more uniform.

While AVT and other retrofitting devices could be provided with different thicknesses in a given heat exchanger, it would be more desirable to have a single thickness for the AVT device (e.g., DTS strips) to improve efficiency, reliability and ease of placement. Also, if the AVT is too large, it can be damaged during insertion into the bundle owing to the high forces that could be needed to install the device.

Current methods to install AVT devices include, but are not limited to, the use of a mallet to apply force to the AVT device, as well as the use of crowbars to spread the tubes apart when the AVT device is too tight to fit in the tubelane. Manual manipulation is especially needed if an AVT device needs to be removed from the bundle (e.g., incorrect location or because the tubelane is partially blocked by distorted tubes). This process could take up to 15 minutes per AVT device, and there is a desire to reduce maintenance time in order to decrease plant downtime. A more efficient approach is desired, preferably one that also reduces the likelihood of damage to the tubes.

While improved heat exchanger operation can be provided by retrofitting various internal devices, such as AVT devices, including but not limited to, those disclosed above, into process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members, there is a general need to decrease down time due to the implementation of these design improvements. For example, there is a desire to make the installation, maintenance and retrofitting of AVT devices easier and less time consuming.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present application, a method of performing an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is provided. The method includes providing an inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting the inflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongated members, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other, and inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increase the distance between the adjacent elongated members.

According to another aspect of the present application, a system for use in an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is provided. The system includes an inflatable spreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflated state. The tubular member is sized to fit between at least two adjacent elongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other. The inflatable spreading tool further includes a coupling for fluid communication with a pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflated state, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between the adjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflated state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,655.

FIG. 2 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,164.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,130.

FIG. 4 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,964.

FIG. 5 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,684.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an inflatable spreading tool in the form of a flat hose in a deflated condition.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the inflatable spreading tool of FIG. 6 in an inflated condition.

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing the placement of a support plate and AVT device for a heat exchanger with a U-bend region.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool in the form of a flat hose with a push-in design, and FIGS. 9x-9z are cross section views at x-x, y-y, and z-z, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool in the form of a metallic flat tube, and FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged cross section views in the deflated and inflated conditions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. The systems of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with, and understood from, the detailed description of the methods.

According to one aspect of the present application, a method of performing an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is provided. The method includes providing an inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting the inflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongated members, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other; and inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increase the distance between the adjacent elongated members.

In one embodiment, the method further includes inserting a device between the adjacent elongated members, and subsequently deflating the inflatable spreading tool. The device can be an anti-vibration technology (AVT) device. According to one embodiment, the process equipment is a heat exchanger and the elongated members are tubes.

The inflatable spreading tool can include a flat tubular member, such as a flat hose or a flat metallic tube. The inflatable spreading tool can be inflated with a gas, such as air, or alternatively, the inflatable spreading tool can be inflated with a liquid such as an oil or water. The inflatable spreading tool can include a rigid strip to facilitate insertion between two adjacent elongated members. The rigid strip can be connected to the tubular member. Alternatively, a distal end of the inflatable spreading tool can be welded to form a closed end.

According to another aspect of the present application, a system for use in an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is provided. The system includes an inflatable spreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflated state. The tubular member is sized to fit between at least two adjacent elongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other. The inflatable spreading tool further includes a coupling for fluid communication with a pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflated state, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between the adjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflated state.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a simple, inexpensive and very effective tool to spread apart tubes or other elongated members to provide easy placement of, for example, AVT devices in the desired locations within process equipment having bundles of tubing and other elongated members. The presently disclosed device can be placed in the same tubelane as, and adjacent to, the intended AVT device location. Once in position, the inflatable spreading tool is pressurized to create an adequate space for placement of the AVT device in the desired location. Then the inflatable spreading tool is deflated and removed from the tube bundle with, for example, the AVT device in position. The presently disclosed inflatable spreading tool can improve the robustness and acceptability of devices to, internally applied to, for example, heat exchangers.

The described invention provides substantial benefits, including (a) faster installation (especially, when the AVT device thickness is greater than ideal and/or when some tubes are distorted), (b) safer and faster removal of AVT devices, and (c) reduced risk of damage to AVT devices.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, FIG. 6 depicts a plurality of elongated members or tubes (55) of a heat exchanger. The rows of tubes are spread an initial distance from each other. In operation, it is desirable to position a device, such as an AVT device, between adjacent rows of tubes. Due to tolerances and variations in dimensions, it may be desirable or necessary to increase the initial distance between the tubes to facilitate placement of the AVT device or the like.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool made of a flat hose in the deflated condition. The flat hose is sized to slide in the tubelane between the tube rows. In this non-limiting embodiment, the hose measures 3 to 4 mm in thickness for the 90° and 45° tube layouts. Alternatively, the total thickness of the inflatable hose can be 2 mm or less for 30° and 60° tube layouts. In one embodiment, the flat-hose inflatable spreading tool is to be capable of withstanding a pressure of at least 15 bar(g), or more alternatively, of at least 25 bar(g).

As shown in FIG. 6, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a deflated hose (10) made of, for example, a rubber-based material or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is provided having a proximal end (20) and a distal end (30). The distal end of the hose is sealed and attached via suitable constructs, such as glue and rivets (40), to a sturdy metal strip (50). This construction reinforces the hose as well as facilitates pulling the hose through the tube bundle (55) for proper positioning for inflation. A hole (15) is provided to allow, for example, a leader to be tied to the sturdy metal strip. The tube member of the inflatable spreading tool includes a coupling for connection to a pressurized source. For example, the proximal end of the hose includes an adapter to be attached to an air-supply system (60) through a pressure regulator (70) and a quick connector (80) or the like. The adapter embodied herein is secured to the tube member by a hose clamp (90) or the like. The air-supply system in this exemplary embodiment is also provided with a pressure indicator (110) and a relief valve (120) to provide pressure control and safety. The source of high-pressure air (130) could be, for example, from a shop air system or through the use of a foot pump that is generally used to inflate bicycle or automobile tires. Alternatively, pressurized fluid such as oil, water or other liquids can be used.

FIG. 7 depicts the hose of FIG. 6 in inflated condition (140), in which the same reference numerals refer back to the description used in FIG. 6. As the hose is inflated the distance between the tubes which are in contact with the inflatable hose is increased. For example, the distance between the two tubes in the tube bundle can be increased by up to 3 mm, thereby creating adequate space between the tubes so that an AVT device can be inserted easily into the tubelane, optionally with the further application of a much smaller force (e.g., from a mallet). Non limiting examples AVT devices are shown in FIGS. 1-5. Once the AVT device is properly placed, the flat-hose inflatable spreading tool shall be deflated and removed from the tube bundle.

In some situations, it can be desirable to insert the inflatable spreading tool without access from the other side of the bundle. This is especially the case for AVT devices used within the U-bend region as it is desirable for the inflatable spreading tool to be positioned parallel to the major axis of the tube bundle within the U-bend region. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner end of the AVT device (240) inserted in the U-bend has no access from the exterior of the bundle owing to the presence of a U-bend support plate (250).

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, a structural frame, such as two metal stiffeners (150) are provided along sides of the flat hose. In this manner, the inflatable spreading tool can be inserted into the tube bundle without substantial effort or access from the distal side. In this embodiment, a bracket (160) sandwiches the flat hose and metal stiffeners at the distal end. If desired, a small force can be applied (e.g., by means of a mallet) at the outer end of the metal stiffeners. The inner end of the flat hose is sealed using suitable construction, such as rivets (190) (or additionally through the use of a strong glue, etc.) and, together with the stiffener bars, sandwiched between metal strips. The outer end of the stiffener bars is connected to a semi-cylindrical plate (see Section 9z) to accommodate the inflatable flat hose. Furthermore, a full-penetration weld (170) is provided along the line (180) noted in FIG. 9.

It is also possible and, perhaps, preferable for safety reasons to use a liquid or fluid to pressurize the flat-hose system. This fluid can be, for example an oil, water or other liquid. In this case, it would be necessary to drive the fluid back from the hose to a small reservoir when the hose needs to be deflated.

FIG. 10 depicts an inflatable spreading tool made of a flat metallic tube (200), sized to be thin enough to be inserted into tubelanes when in a deflated condition. A pressurized hydraulic supply (210) is provided to inflate the tube, and a liquid return line (220) is provided to return the liquid to a reservoir during deflation. When the pressure is released, the tube returns to its original near-flat, deflated condition. This embodiment allows spreading of tubes arranged in a triangular layout where the unobstructed tubelane width is only about 2 mm. The same reference numerals used with respect to FIG. 6 refer to the same features in FIG. 10.

During fabrication of the flat metallic tube, a metallic rod (not shown) can be inserted when forming each edge (230) of the flat tube, as shown in FIG. 10. This minimizes stress concentration that would otherwise occur at the folded edges.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and the accompanying figures. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

It is further to be understood that all values are approximate, and are provided for description.

Patents, patent applications, publications, product descriptions, and protocols are cited throughout this application, the disclosures of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Claims

1. A method of performing an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members comprising: (a) providing an inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition;(b) inserting the inflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongated members, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other;(c) inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increase the distance between the adjacent elongated members.

2. The method of claim 1, further including inserting a device between the adjacent elongated members, and subsequently deflating the inflatable spreading tool.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the device is an anti-vibration technology (AVT) device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the process equipment is a heat exchanger and the elongated members are tubes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool includes a flat tubular member.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the flat tubular member is a flat hose.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the flat tubular member is a flat metallic tube.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool is inflated with a gas.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool is inflated with a liquid.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool includes a rigid strip to facilitate insertion between two adjacent elongated members.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the inflatable spreading tool is welded to form a closed end.

12. A system for use in an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members comprising: an inflatable spreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflated state; the tubular member sized to fit between at least two adjacent elongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distance from each other, the inflatable spreading tool further including a coupling for fluid communication with a pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflated state, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between the adjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflated state.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a device sized to fit between at least two of the adjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflated state.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the device is an anti-vibration technology (AVT) device.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the elongated members are tubes for a heat exchanger.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the fluid is selected from a gas.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the fluid is selected from a liquid.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the tubular member is selected from a flat hose and a flat metallic tube.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the tubular member is connected to a rigid strip to facilitate insertion between to adjacent elongated members.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein a distal end of the inflatable spreading tool is welded to form a closed end.