Method and apparatus for rolling tubes

摘要

A method and apparatus for rolling tubes into tube plates, especially heat exchangers, with a tube roller. Prior to the rolling process, the desired holding expansion value is set, and during the rolling process the holding expansion is measured. When the preset expansion value is reached, the expansion is discontinued. The magnitude of the holding expansion is determined by ultrasonically measuring the changing thickness of the wall of the tube during the expansion. The apparatus includes a tube roller that is operated by a drive mechanism. Also provided is a roll controller that can be set to the desired holding expansion value. An ultrasonic measuring head is provided in the tube roller, and is connected with the roll controller.