HEAT EXCHANGER TUBE AND TUBE SHEET LOCATION SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION

摘要

16 47,987 Apparatus and method for positioning either one of a pair of automatically controlled remote mechanisms for properly positioning the two opposed ends of a common heat exchanger tube within a tube sheet of a steam generator and having a tool for securing the tube therein. The apparatus includes a pair of microswitches precisely positioned closely adjacent the tool on each of said pair of mechanisms. The first switch is actuated upon initial engagement of the tube end and the tool to indicate which of the opposed tube ends is first engaged, and the second switch is actuated upon proper positioning of the tube end within the tube sheet. The method of operation is such that the tube end nearest the tube sheet of the two opposed tube ends to be engaged is the first tube end to be positioned and secured within the tube sheet.