Improved system and method for removing a plug from a heat exchanger tube.

摘要

In a steam generator tube (3) which is closed with a hollow cylindrical plug (1) by plug-expansion therein, wherein the hollow plug (1) has a slidable plug expander which is left locked in the hollow plug, a remote controlled apparatus removes the plug with minimal damage to the tube. The apparatus comprises an expander removal tool (55) for removing the expander element from the tapered interior walls of the plug shell, a tungsten-inert gas torch (40) that is insertable within the plug shell for creating at least one and preferably three weld beads along the longitudinal axis thereof in order to radially contract the shell, and a plug puller tool including a floating coupling (142a, 142b) for pulling the plug shell from the open end of the heat exchanger tube.