Sealing tubular member to a surrounding member - by expanding the tubular member to bulk compress an elastomeric sealing ring located between the members

摘要

A tubular member is sealed to a surrounding member by expanding the tubular member to trap and bulk compress >=1 elastomeric sealing ring located between the members. Expansion may be effected explosively (pref.) hydraulically, mechanically, electromagnetically, or electrohydraulically. Materials suitable for use in sealing rings are silicone elastomer (pref.) neoprene or PTFE. The ring may merely be located between the members or may be initially received in a groove in the tubular member (where the tube is thick) or in the surrounding member (where the tube is thin). The invention is of particular use in joining steel heat exchanger tubes to brass tube plates. Alternatively it may be used to join leak sealing plugs to heat exchanger tubes or to join flanges to the ends of metal tubes. A strong joint is formed which is resistant to thermal expansion and contraction.