Tool for removing a metallic plug from a tube

A tool for removing a metallic plug from a heat exchanger tube in a nuclear powered steam generator, wherein the plug comprises a plug shell having a tapered interior surface section and an open end proximate an open end of the tube at a face of a tubesheet in the generator, and an expander member adapted for wedgingly coacting with the tapered interior surface section when moved into engagement therewith to expand a wall of the plug shell such that an outer surface of the plug shell engages an inner surface of the tube, comprising:

• a first hydraulic actuator for applying a static pull force to the plug shell in a first direction about longitudinally aligned with a longitudinally axis of the plug and towards the face of the tubesheet, including:
• an elongated member about longitudinally aligned with the tube and having grasping means at one end for removably engaging the plug shell near the open end;
• a first piston connected to an other end of the elongated member;
• a first cylinder comprising an end wall spaced from the end of the tube, including a through hole sealingly guiding the elongated member therethrough in the axial direction, and an interior surface defining a first hydraulic chamber with a surface of the first piston;
• stand-off means for maintaining the end wall at a fixed distance from the end of the tube;
• and
• means for operably connecting the first hydraulic chamber with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid;
• a repetitive force member for transmitting impulses to the plug, simultaneously with the static pull force in about the first direction, including a first end attached to the first piston at a position spaced from the first hydraulic chamber, and a second end adapted for removable attachment of an air impact tool;
• and
• a second hydraulic actuator for disengaging the expander member from the tapered interior surface section, including:
• a push-rod member extending though a longitudinal through hole in the elongated member and beyond the ends thereof;
• a second piston connected to an end of the push-rod member distal from the plug;
• a second cylinder formed by the first piston and the repetitive force member, surrounding the second piston, and having a surface defining a second hydraulic chamber with an end surface of the second piston distal from the plug;
• and
• means for operably connecting the second hydraulic chamber with a second source of pressurized hydraulic fluid.