Control system for a rotation station for remotely installing a mechanical tube plug
AssigneeCombustion Engineering, Inc.
InventorsEric A. Kiesche, Samuel B. Crabtree
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A controller for an apparatus for installing a mechanical tube plug includes a controller having a controller console remote from the tube installation site and a solenoid assembly located proximate to that site. The console includes switches and indicators for providing a rotation control signal to the apparatus. The solenoid assembly includes a circuit for receiving a torque indication signal from the apparatus and an alarm circuit for setting the torque at a predetermined upper limit in response to a signal input at said controller console. The circuit operates to terminate rotation control and disable the apparatus when said limit is reached. Other features of the controller are also disclosed.
Claims16
In an apparatus for installing a mechanical tube plug used to seal a heat exchange tube of the type in a nuclear facility and comprising means for rolling said mechanical tube plug and providing a signal indication of torque while rolling, comprising:
- a controller console having a plurality of switches and indicators for providing a rotation control signal for controlling rotation of said rolling means, said controller located at a point which is relatively safe and remote from a potentially unsafe site of said rolling means;
- and
- a solenoid assembly located proximate to said site of rolling in said potentially unsafe area and in circuit with said controller, said solenoid receiving said rotation control signal and including circuit means for receiving said torque indication signal, said solenoid assembly including means for setting a predetermined torque, in response to a signal input at said control console, said circuit means operating to terminate said rotation control signal and disable said rolling means when said predetermined torque limit is reached.
An apparatus as set forth in claim wherein said control console further includes means for providing a second rotation control signal for controlling rotation of said rolling means in an opposite direction.
An apparatus for installing a mechanical tube plug used to seal a heat exchange tube of the type in a nuclear facility and comprising means for cleaning and sizing an opening in a heat exchanger;
- inserting a tube plug, and rolling said tube plug, while providing a signal indication of torque rolling, at least during said cleaning, sizing, and inserting steps, comprising:
- a controller console having a plurality of switches and indicators for providing a rotation control signal for controlling rotation of said rolling means, said controller located at a point which is relatively safe and remote from a potentially unsafe site of said cleaning, sizing, inserting, and rolling means;
- and
- a solenoid assembly located proximate to said site of said rolling means in said potentially unsafe area and in circuit with said controller console, said solenoid receiving said rotation control signal and including circuit means for receiving said torque indication signal, said solenoid assembly including means for setting a torque, in response to a signal input at said control console, said circuit means operating to terminate said rotation control signal and disable said rolling means when said predetermined torque limit is reached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.