Tube loading apparatus

A tube loading apparatus use in load testing steam generator tubes, comprising:

• a pair of spaced apart steel plates extending parallel to one another, each plate of said pair of plates defining four first openings and a second central opening for receiving an elongated hollow tube during axial load testing or fluid leak testing, wherein the first openings are formed in corresponding positions on each plate of the pair of plates;
• four threaded rods extending between the plates in a parallel direction relative to one another, wherein the rods extend substantially perpendicularly to plates and are each received in a corresponding pair of first openings formed in the pair of plates;
• a transducer for measuring an axial load that includes an axial tensile load or an axial compressive load placed on the plates forming the pair of plates, the transducer being carried by one plate of said pair of plates;
• four nuts, wherein one nut is carried by each of the threaded rods for inducing the axial tensile load to the loading apparatus;
• and
• at least one spring loaded washer carried by the other plate of said pair of plates for providing an axial compressive force against said other plate.

A method for mechanical force loading a steam generation tube for use in load testing, comprising:

• providing two spaced apart plates extending parallel relative to one another, said plates having at least a central opening for receiving an elongated, hollow tube;
• extending at least two elongated connecting members in a parallel direction between the two plates, wherein the elongated connecting members each extend substantially perpendicularly to the two plates, said elongated connecting member further being carried by the two plates;
• placing said elongated, hollow tube between the two plates, wherein the tube and the elongated connecting members extend in the same direction, the tube being capped on each end using a tube end cap and fitting;
• filling the tube with a liquid;
• pressurizing the tube to determine the presence of leaks in the tube;
• imparting a counterbalancing load on the tube to prevent the tube from lengthening under pressure;
• inducing an axial load on the tube, while maintaining the tube under pressure;
• and
• measuring the induced axial load that includes an axial tensile load or an axial compressive load.