G-160 Tube Testers can rapidly detect heat exchanger tube leaks , while using less force than typical testing tools on the market . It also promotes increased operator safety through its patented grippers , allowing for a secure internal gripping force . G-160 Tube Testers come as a set , comprised of an Injection Tool and a Plugging Tool . The Injection Tool introduces air into the tube , allowing for the tube to become pressurized , with the Plugging Tool creating the seal . Once pressurized , an operator monitors the tool ’ s gauge to see if the tube is losing pressure . If the tube is losing pressure , there is in fact a leak in the tube .
Leaking HX tubes ? Try the Pop-A-Plug ® Tube Plugging System ! The Pop-A-Plug ® Tube Plugging System from EST Group provides a permanent plugging solution for leaking heat exchanger tubes . The system involves inspection / testing , preparation , and installation of mechanical tube plugs . The Pop-A-Plug Tube Plugging System reduces downtime , eliminates welding and explosives , and will not damage tubes , tubejoints or tubesheets . Plugs are available with working pressures to 7,000 PsiG ( 483 BarG ), and sizes to fit 0.400 ” to 1.460 ” ( 10.16mm to 37.08mm ) tube I . D . Proper installation results in a helium leak tight seal to 1 � 10 -10 cc / sec . eliminating damage to tube joints and epoxy coated tube sheets . Pop-A-Plug ® Tube Plugs utilize proprietary force detection , allowing for installation with a known force , enabling users to know when plugs are properly installed . Each plug is comprised of three pieces : a pin , a ring , and a breakaway . “ During installation , a hydraulic ram pulls the pin through the ring , where the metal is annealed and therefore a bit softer ,” explained Kronen . “ That ring will expand as the pin is pulled through , and subsequently forms the sealing surface between the tube and the plug .” The breakaway is an engineered component that pops at a specific , known force , indicating the plug has been installed properly . “ From a safety standpoint , it is important to know that plugs are installed properly . If using a tapered pin , it is not truly known if a plug is installed correctly , as it is hammered in with an unknown amount of force . With Pop-A-Plug ® Tube
Plugs the difference lies in the known amount of force ,” said Kronen . There is another risk when using a tapered pin , as the pin can potentially expel during pressure testing , or from tubes that have not yet been properly vented for plugging . This can cause a very real safety concern for surrounding personnel and equipment . “ Pop-A-Plug Tube Plugs conform to ASME PCC- 2 recommended tube plugging repair methods , offering a permanent mechanical solution to safely seal leaking heat exchanger tubes without welding ,” said Burns . “ We manufacture our products in our ISO 9001:2015 registered facility to ensure the best quality .” Additionally , the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations ( INPO ) has written guidance that recommends the use of non-elastomer plugs , resulting in the success of the Pop-A-Plug ® in nuclear power plants .”
A new installation method EST Group was challenged by customers to create an easier method to install their Pop-A-Plug Tube Plugs . In 2022 , EST Group introduced a new cordless tool for installing Pop-A-Plug Tube Plugs with the Smart RAM SR640T Cordless Installation Tool . Mechanical tube plugging requires hydraulic rams for installation . “ With the Smart RAM , we took the idea of a typical
10 Heat Exchanger World September 2023 www . heat-exchanger-world . com