EXPLOSIVE TYPE PIPE EXPANDING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Apparatus for expanding a tube within a tube sheet has an insert and a detonation device. The insert is sized to fit coaxially within the tube. The detonation device encircles the insert and can produce upon detonation an explosive force. Also included is an annular buffer sized to fit between the tube and the detonation device. In operation, the tube is inserted into a tube hole of the tube sheet. The insert is coaxially positioned within the tube and within the tube hole. The insert is overlayed with an explosive layer and the buffer is interposed between the explosive layer and the tube. The tube is joined to the tube sheet by detonating the explosive layer.