Method and apparatus for extracting and installing heat exchanger bundles

摘要

An apparatus and a method to remove and install heat exchanger bundles. The apparatus comprises a main frame supporting wheel assemblies. A second frame is vertically displaceable relative to the main frame. A lifting system is provided which elevates the entire unit so that the wheel assemblies are off the ground a minimal distance to ensure stability and then the second frame is elevated the remaining amount to the final elevation of the heat exchanger bundle to be removed or installed. The preferred embodiment includes a horizontally displaceable portion of the second frame for supporting the heat exchanger as it is extracted from the shell side assembly. The unit is self-contained including power means to horizontally displace the frame to affect the displacement of the heat exchanger, lower the second frame relative to the main frame, and then lower the entire unit to the ground. The unit is also powered so that the wheel assemblies which are individually steerable can maneuver the unit into a restricted area.