Tube Expanding Procedure
Tube Expanding Procedure
Tube Expanding Procedure
Scope
This Procedure describes and specifies the technique, acceptance standards, and documentation
requirement for tube expansion in heat ex-changers.
Reference
The current edition or addenda of the following documents has been referenced in the preparation
of this procedure and shall be considered a part of this procedure as applicable
1. TEMA
2. ASME section VIII div. 1 – Rules for construction of pressure vessel.
Equipment to be used for the expansion.
1. An automatic torque control unit shall be used for carrying out the expansion.
2. The roller to be used shall have a generous radius at both the ends so as to ensure that
there are no sharp steps on the expanded tube ID & to ensure that there is a smooth
transition from expanded to unexpanded zone of the tubes.
3. Measuring instrument like Dial gauge & outside Micrometer / Vernier.
Expansion Mock-Up.
1. Take 300 x 300 mm side mock up block with thickens equal to tube sheets with same
material as that of tube sheet. Drill the tube holes in the mock up block, of diameter &
pitch as per Tubesheet drawing.
2. Measure and record the tube hole inside diameter (ID).
3. Cut tube 150 mm long other than tube sheet thickness and tube projection length as per
drawing from the same material & wall thickness to be used in job.
4. Measure & record tube ID & tube OD.
5. Put mandrel of proper length, based on required expansion length.
6. Carry out expansion of tube of at least of 09 nos. Tube by mechanical expansion ( Tube
rolling).
7. Measure & record increase in the tube ID & the torque value.
8. Calculate % of thinning of tube using the following formula.
% Thinning= {(1-(Tubesheet hole ID – Exanded ID))/(Tube OD-Tube ID)} * 100. In no case min.
thk. will not be less than the design thickness of the tube.
Notes :