METHOD AND TOOL FOR REMOVING A METALLIC PLUG FROM A TUBE

摘要

A method of removing a metal plug (1) from a conduit (3) includes the steps of simultaneously applying a static pull force and repetitive impulses to the plug (1). The method is particularly suited to removing a plug from a heat exchanger tube in a nuclear powered steam generator. A tool (31) for practising the method on such plugs (1), includes a first hydraulic actuator for first moving an expansion member out of engagement with an interior plug wall, a second hydraulic actuator capable of attachment to the plug for applying a static pull force to the plug, and an arrangement connecting an air impact tool (82) to the second hydraulic actuator for applying, simultaneously with the static force, high-frequency impulses to the plug entirely through solid members.