Method and apparatus for extracting and installing heat exchanger bundles

An apparatus for removing and installing a heat exchanger bundle, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame having a base frame and an upper frame, said upper frame having a plurality of portions;
• the upper frame being configured to disconnect from the base frame such that a heat exchanger bundle supported on the upper frame and the upper frame may be lifted from the base frame;
• means for independently raising and lowering each of said plurality of portions of the upper frame relative to the base frame;
• and
• at least a pair of tracks supported by the base frame for advancing the frame.

A method for supporting a heavy load to be removed from an in-use location, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus for removing the heavy load;
• providing means for advancing the apparatus wherein the advancing means is configured for maneuvering the apparatus;
• providing a base frame and an upper frame having a plurality of portions, the upper frame having connections associated with the base frame;
• independently raising each of said plurality of portions of the upper frame relative to the base frame, wherein the upper frame is elevated to the height of the heavy load while the base frame remains adjacent the transport surface;
• aligning the upper frame with the load;
• shifting the load from the in-use location onto the upper frame;
• stabilizing the apparatus as the load is shifted;
• and
• disconnecting the upper frame from the base frame.