Boilers, condensers, heat exchangers, and other applications need the use of tube expanders to provide tight seals between tubes and tube sheets. Leak prevention and dependable connection are ensured by creating a mechanical seal by inflating the tube into the tube sheet.
There are many things to take into account while selecting a tube expander, such as the kind of tube and tube sheet material, the diameter of the tube, and the intended expansion rate. Choosing a tube expander that works with the available driving force is also crucial.
You may use the advice in this article to choose the ideal tube expander for your requirements.
1: Tube Expander Types
Flare expanders and parallel expanders are the two primary varieties of tube expanders.
To make a flush junction between the tube and tube sheet, use parallel expanders. Usually, applications involving high temperatures and pressures employ this kind of expander.
To make a flared junction between the tube and tube sheet, use flare expanders. When vibration is an issue, this kind of expander is usually used.
Apart from these two primary varieties, other customized tube expanders are accessible for particular uses. Expanders are available, for instance, for expanding tubes in thin-walled tube sheets, expanding tubes with thinner walls, and expanding tubes in holes with irregular shapes.
2: Picking the Appropriate Tube Expander Size
The diameter of the tube and the thickness of the tube sheet dictate the size of the tube expander. Using an expander that is either too tiny or too big might cause issues, so it’s critical to choose the right size for the project.
An insufficient expander size will prevent the tube and tube sheet from being sealed tightly. Leaks and early joint failure may result from this.
An expander that is excessively big runs the risk of over-expanding the tube, damaging it and shortening its life.
3: Extra Things to Think About
When buying a tube expander, there are many additional things to take into account, in addition to its size and kind. These consist of:
Material:
Most tube expanders are composed of stainless steel or steel. Selecting an expander composed of a corrosion-resistant material is crucial for situations where corrosion is a problem.
Driving force:
It is possible to operate tube expanders manually, pneumatically, or hydraulically. The application, together with the tube expander’s size and type, will determine the driving power required.
Accessories:
Accessories like bearing collars, mandrels, and pilot drills are sometimes included with tube expanders. When you begin expanding tubes, it is crucial to ensure that you have all of the required equipment.
4: Financial Considerations
In addition to spending money on a high-quality tube expander or bevelling machines, it’s critical to stick to your spending plan. Examine pricing for various models and brands while considering the features and quality provided. Remember that the least expensive choice isn’t always the greatest deal in the long term.
Conclusion
The kind of tube and tube sheet material, the tube diameter, the intended expansion rate, and the driving power available are all crucial factors to take into account when selecting a tube expander. Additionally, it’s essential to choose an expander made of the right material and the right size for the task.
