EP0291373B1 - Tubular rod for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube - Google Patents

Tubular rod for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0291373B1
EP0291373B1 EP88400998A EP88400998A EP0291373B1 EP 0291373 B1 EP0291373 B1 EP 0291373B1 EP 88400998 A EP88400998 A EP 88400998A EP 88400998 A EP88400998 A EP 88400998A EP 0291373 B1 EP0291373 B1 EP 0291373B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rod
tube
piston
tubular
sealing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88400998A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0291373A1 (en
Inventor
Alain Vouzellaud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Areva NP SAS
Original Assignee
Framatome SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Framatome SA filed Critical Framatome SA
Publication of EP0291373A1 publication Critical patent/EP0291373A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0291373B1 publication Critical patent/EP0291373B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
    • F22B37/002—Component parts or details of steam boilers specially adapted for nuclear steam generators, e.g. maintenance, repairing or inspecting equipment not otherwise provided for
    • F22B37/003—Maintenance, repairing or inspecting equipment positioned in or via the headers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/04—Tubes; Rings; Hollow bodies

Definitions

  • Rods of tubular shape are known which make it possible to establish a circulation of treatment liquid in contact with an area of a tube to be treated and, optionally, to bring an electric current to effect electrolysis of the liquid in this area.
  • such a rod can be used to produce a metallic coating such as nickel plating inside a tube.
  • Such treatment is very often carried out in an area of the tube located at the exit face of the tube plate, that is to say at a short distance from one of the inlets of the tube, this distance being less at one meter.
  • the treatment rods of the internal surface of the steam generator tubes must include sealing devices making it possible to isolate from adjacent areas, the part of the tube in which the treatment is carried out, to avoid electrolyte leakage from and else in this area.
  • Such treatment rods comprising sealing devices have been used quite commonly, for the treatment of areas of the tube located inside or in the vicinity of the tube plate.
  • the cane providing the treatment is maintained and centered in the tube to be treated by its base which comprises several centering elements which can be introduced into the tubes adjacent to the tube to be treated.
  • the base part of the cane also includes means for ensuring the distribution of fluid in the cane and in particular the fluid used for the treatment.
  • Such a treatment rod and the sealing device associated with it are of a complex structure and have many parts, so that it is difficult to ensure correct operation and that leaks may appear. liquid electrolyte at the ends of the area to be treated.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to propose a tubular cane for the treatment of the internal surface of a tube with a liquid supplied by the cane comprising a sealing device arranged around the tubular body of the cane and making it possible to isolate a part of the inner surface of the tube extending along its length, relative to the adjacent zones of the tube, this tubular rod having a simple structure and making it possible to ensure a very good seal against the liquid on either side of the zone treat.
  • the sealing device comprises two sets spaced along the length of the rod, each consisting of an annular piston mounted movable in the axial direction around the body of the rod, at least one flexible annular seal disposed around the body of the rod and interposed, in the axial direction, between one end of the piston and a radial support rim secured to the body of the rod and a remote actuation means of the piston, for its displacement in the axial direction one way or the other.
  • FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b there is shown a first embodiment of a nickel-plating rod 1 making it possible to coat the inside of a tube.
  • This nickel plating rod 1 is produced in entirely rigid form and comprises the rod itself 1 a which is introduced into the tube and a distributor block 1 b allowing the distribution of fluid in the rod, rigidly connected to one of the ends of the cane itself 1 a.
  • Part 1a comprises a body 2 of tubular shape constituted by a set of envelopes and pieces of tubular shape such as 2a and 2b.
  • the rod sealing device comprises two sealing assemblies 5 and 6 arranged around the body 2 and spaced apart in the axial direction 4 of the rod 1a.
  • the body 2 has at its end a head 7 shaped.
  • the rod 1a also comprises, above the distribution block 1b, a ring 9 slidably mounted on the external surface of the body 2 of the rod and which can be locked in axial position by means of a screw 8.
  • the ring 9 comes to bear on the entry face of the tubular plate on which is flush with the entry end of the tube to be treated and makes it possible to adjust the length of the rod 1 a introduced into the tube. This adjustment makes it possible to place the active area of the nickel-plating rod located between the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 in accordance with the area of the tube to be treated.
  • the distribution block 1b is internally machined to constitute a channel 10 for supplying the cane with electrolyte liquid and a channel 11 for recovering the electrolyte having circulated in the cane.
  • the channels 10 and 11 open onto the end face 12 of the block 1b at the level of fittings such as 13 allowing their junction with a flexible pipe.
  • the channel 10 communicates inside the block 1b, with the outer annular conduit 14 of the tubular body 2.
  • the annular conduit 14 opens to the exterior of the body 2, through an annular opening 15 located just above the sealing assembly 6 and limited by two parts with frustoconical surface 16 and 17.
  • the part 16 is integral with the tubular envelope 2b of the body 2 and the part 17, with a cuff 18 constituting the outer wall of the annular passage 14 and connected at its lower part to a thick sleeve 19 itself fixed to the distributor block 1 at its lower part. All of the envelopes and tubular parts 2a, 2b, 18 and 19 constitute the tubular body 2.
  • the envelopes 2a and 2b are pierced at their upper part, below the sealing assembly 5, by openings 21 placing in communication inside the tube 2a with the space between the active part of the rod 1a located between the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 and the inner surface of the tube 20 which is coated.
  • the electrolyte liquid sent into the annular passage 14 through the supply channel 10 flows outside the body 2 of the rod through the annular opening 15.
  • the liquid comes into contact with the interior surface of the tube over any the length of the area to be treated, then is recovered inside the tube 2a by the openings 21.
  • the electrolyte liquid then returns through the central duct formed by the tubular casing 2a, at the entrance to the channel 11.
  • the tubular casing 2b of the body 2 of the rod constituting the electrode is brought to a certain potential with respect to the tube 20 thanks to an electrical connector 23 connected to the base of the distributor block 1b.
  • the electrolysis of the liquid flowing along the inner wall of the tube 20 is thus carried out in the treatment zone, which makes it possible to deposit a layer of nickel coating on the inner surface of the tube.
  • the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 of the nickel-plating rod 1 which will be described below make it possible to achieve perfect confinement of the electrolyte liquid and to avoid any leakage on either side of the zone of the tube to be coated.
  • the body 2 of the rod carries at its upper part an end piece 24 on which the head is fixed 7.
  • the piece 24 and the head 7 define between them an annular chamber 25 in which a piston 26 of annular shape is mounted movable in the direction of the axis 4 of the rod.
  • the piston 26 is mounted leaktight in the annular chamber 25 by means of segment seals 27.
  • the annular chamber 25 communicates with a channel 28 machined inside the end piece 24 and itself in communication with a directed tube 29 along the axis 4 of the cane and connected at its lower part, at the level of the distribution block 1b, to a nozzle 30 allowing it to be connected, by a flexible pipe, to a means of supplying compressed air.
  • the sleeves 18 and 19 delimit between them an annular chamber 35 having the axis 4 of the rod as its axis and containing a piston 36 mounted movably and tightly sealed in the chamber 35 by means of segment seals 37.
  • the chamber 35 is supplied with compressed air via a duct 39 connected to a chamber formed in the distribution block 1b into which the nozzle 30 opens.
  • the pistons 26 and 36 can therefore be actuated simultaneously when the nozzle 30 is supplied with compressed air.
  • the piston 36 then comes to bear, by means of a plastic ring 41, on a flexible annular rubber seal 42 threaded on the external surface of the sleeve 18.
  • the sleeve 18 has an upper shoulder 43 constituting a radial rim support for the end of the annular seal 42 opposite the ring 41 and the piston 36.
  • the upward displacement of the piston 36 under the effect of compressed air produces a compression and a radial expansion of the seal 42 which then comes into tight contact with the inner surface of the tube 20.
  • the supply of compressed air to the nozzle 30 makes it possible to perfectly isolate the zone of the tube 20 in which the nickel-plating is carried out as described above.
  • FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment of the sealing devices 5 and 6 is seen, the corresponding elements in FIGS. 2a and 2b on the one hand and 3 on the other hand bearing the same references.
  • the end surfaces 45 and 46 of the pistons 26 and 36 respectively and the bearing surfaces 47 and 48 of the part 34 and of the sleeve 18 respectively have been chamfered, the chamfer surfaces opposite two to two being inclined in different directions.
  • the pistons 26 and 36 come into contact with the elastic seals 32 and 42 respectively, without the interposition of a plastic ring.
  • the annular pistons 26 and 36 whose ends are chamfered compress the elastic seals 32 and 42 which are retained by the chamfered shoulders 47 and 48. This produces compression of the elastic seals promoting a radial expansion of the central part of these elastic seals coming into contact with the tube 20.
  • the passage openings 15 and 21 of the electrolyte fluid have also been produced in a slightly different manner from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.
  • the circulation of the electrolyte fluid from the duct 14 and its return through the central part of the tubular body 2, around the air duct 29, is identical to what has been described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.
  • the supply of electrolytic liquid to the cane is interrupted and the electrolytic liquid is recovered by the conduit 11 and the nozzle 13. If there remains debris or waste in the tube at l after the nickel plating operation, these are recovered via an upper cylindrical recess 50 and a conduit 51 machined in the distribution block 1b, the conduit 51 being in communication with a nozzle 52 d disposal of waste or debris.
  • a nickel-plating rod 1 is seen in the service position inside a tube 20 crimped in the tube plate 60 of a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.
  • the steam generator comprises, below the inlet face 60a of the tube plate 60 on which the end of the tube 20 is flush, a water box 61 in which a manhole or manhole 62 is provided.
  • a carrier device 63 comprising an arm 64 at the end of which is fixed a carrier 65 to which is connected an end ring 66 of a flexible guide duct 67.
  • the device 63 of conventional type makes it possible to move the carrier 65 in order to bring it successively in coincidence with the inlet end of each of the tubes to be treated.
  • the nickel-plating rod 1 comprises a rigid end part 70 which can be produced like the part of the rigid rod described above and shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b and 3.
  • This rigid part comprises two sealing assemblies 75 and 76 of which the structure and operation are identical to those of the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 described above.
  • the nickel-plating rod 71 shown in FIG. 4 also includes a distribution block 71 b identical to the block 1 b represented in FIG. 1.
  • This distribution block 71 b is fixed on a support 73 located outside the box. water 61, on which is fixed the end of the flexible guide duct 67 opposite the carrier 65 and the inlet of the tube.
  • the rigid part 70 of the nickel plating rod is connected to the distribution block 71b by a body 72 constituted by flexible coaxial conduits allowing the supply of fluid and electric current to the rigid part 70 of the nickel plating rod.
  • the device shown in FIG. 4 makes it possible to introduce a nickel-plating rod into a steam generator tube and to control the nickel-plating operation, from the outside of the water box.
  • the operations can be carried out by remote control of the carrier device 63, remote introduction into the desired position of the rod and control from the outside, at the distribution block 71b, of the operation of coating the tube.
  • nickel plating can be carried out in the right part of the tube 20 at any height above the tube plate 60.
  • FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 can be seen of a nickel-plated ca 80 introduced in the service position in a tube 20.
  • the nickel-plating rod comprises a body 82 of tubular shape constituted by a simple tube 83 secured at its upper part to an end piece 84 and connected at its lower part to a sheath 85 coaxial with the tube 83, located outside of the tube 83 and forming therewith an annular conduit 89 allowing the passage of the electrolyte liquid.
  • the tube 83 and the sheath 85 have for common axis the axis 4 which coincides with the axis of the tube, when the nickel-plating rod 80 is in the service position in the tube 20.
  • tube 83 and the sheath 85 can be replaced, over part of their length, from a place located below the sealing assembly 86, by flexible conduits connected to one from their ends to the rigid part of the body 82 of the rod 80 and at their other end to a fluid distribution block, not shown.
  • the embodiment using the flexible conduit makes it possible to introduce and control the nickel-plating rod, from the outside of the water box of a steam generator.
  • a profiled head 87 secured to a piston 88.
  • the seal between the head 87 and the part 84 is ensured by a seal 90.
  • a helical spring 91 is interposed between the part 84 forming part of the tubular body 82 of the rod and the piston 88.
  • the spring 91 applies the piston 88 to a first elastic annular seal 92a which itself transmits the pressure from the piston 88 to a second annular seal 92b, via a support spacer 93.
  • the second annular seal 92b is supported on a radial flange 94 of a sleeve 95 constituting the electrode of the nickel-plating rod 80.
  • the sleeve 95 mounted freely sliding around the tube 83 of the body 82 of the nickel-plating rod.
  • the lower part of the sleeve 95 comes to bear by a radial rim 96, on a first annular seal 97a which itself bears, by means of a spacer 98, on a second annular seal 97b bears on the end of the sheath 85 integral with the tube 83 of the body 82 of the rod.
  • the electrolyte liquid is introduced into the tube, outside the body 82 of the rod, through the annular conduit 89 communicating, at its upper end, with openings 100 passing through the electrode 95.
  • the electrolyte liquid circulates between the electrode 95 and the internal surface of the tube 20 before entering the openings 101 passing through the electrode 95 and the tube 83 of the body 82 of the nickel-plating rod.
  • the electrolyte liquid then returns through the interior of the tube 83, to the distribution block connected to the end, not shown, of the nickel-plating rod 80.
  • the nickel-plating rod 80 also comprises, along its axis 4, a compressed air supply duct 103 connected to the internal bore of the end piece 84 of the body 82, opening into a chamber 104 formed between the head 87 and the end of the part 84.
  • the chamber 104 is sealed using the gasket 90.
  • the nickel-plating rod 80 can then be moved inside the tube 20, for example to be extracted from this tube, the seals remaining in the non-expanded position as long as the compressed air pressure is maintained in the chamber 104.
  • the device shown in FIG. 5 is said to be positive security, since the action of the spring 91 makes it possible to automatically seal between the seals and the inner surface of the tube and it is necessary to exert pressure to decompress the joints and make them leave contact with the internal wall of the tube 20.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 an embodiment of the lower part of a nickel-plating rod of the type shown in FIG. 5, that is to say with positive security, can be seen.
  • the corresponding elements in Figures 5 on the one hand and 6 and 7 on the other hand have been designated by the same references.
  • the tube 83 of the tubular body 82 of the rod is connected, at its lower part, to a connector 106 comprising a tip 107 with lug ensuring its assembly with the sheath 85.
  • the sheath 85 is itself integral, at its lower part, a connector 108.
  • the two connectors 106 and 108 allow the rigid part of the rod to be connected, at the level of the tubular parts 83 and 85, to flexible conduits 109 and 110, respectively.
  • the coaxial conduits 109 and 110 constitute a flexible conduit similar to the conduit 72 shown in FIG. 4 and are connected at their end opposite to the connectors 106 and 108, to the distribution block of the nickel-plating rod, not shown.
  • a flexible conduit 103 for supplying compressed air for unlocking the sealing devices of the positive security rod is fixed, by means of fingers 111, to the connector 106.
  • the electrolyte liquid is introduced into the rigid part of the rod, through the annular conduit 89 formed between the flexible conduits 109 and 110.
  • the electrolyte is collected at the central part of the tube 83, then in the interior space 105 of the conduit 109 .
  • the treatment rod according to the invention has the advantage of comprising a simple sealing device and extremely reliable operation.
  • This sealing device can be very easily controlled remotely and does not require significant modifications to the structure of the rod.
  • the treatment rod can be controlled remotely and does not require direct intervention in the vicinity of the tube to be treated.
  • pistons for compressing seals having a shape other than that which has been described and actuated by other mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means than those which have been described.
  • the structure of the rod can be different and include rigid parts and successive flexible parts having lengths adapted to the shape and dimensions of the tubes to be treated.
  • the treatment rod according to the invention can be used not only for nickel plating or for other metallic coatings of the inner surface of a tube but also for treatments different from a coating such as pickling or electrolytic or chemical machining or other surface treatments requiring the interior surface of the tube to come into contact with a reactive liquid.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)

Description

On connaît des cannes de forme tubulaire permettant d'établir une circulation de liquide de traitement en contact avec une zone d'un tube à traiter et, éventuellement, d'amener un courant électrique pour réaliser une électrolyse du liquide dans cette zone.Rods of tubular shape are known which make it possible to establish a circulation of treatment liquid in contact with an area of a tube to be treated and, optionally, to bring an electric current to effect electrolysis of the liquid in this area.

En particulier, une telle canne peut être utilisée pour réaliser un revêtement métallique tel qu'un nickelage à l'intérieur d'un tube.In particular, such a rod can be used to produce a metallic coating such as nickel plating inside a tube.

Dans le cas de tubes de grande longueur et de faible diamètre, par exemple dans le cas d'un tube de générateur de vapeur d'un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression dont le diamètre intérieur est voisin de 0,02 m et qui comporte deux parties droites dont la longueur est supérieure à dix mètres, il peut être nécessaire de réaliser un revêtement métalli- . que tel qu'un nickelage, dans certaines zones du tube, pour améliorer sa tenue à la corroson en service.In the case of large length and small diameter tubes, for example in the case of a steam generator tube of a pressurized water nuclear reactor whose internal diameter is close to 0.02 m and which comprises two straight parts whose length is more than ten meters, it may be necessary to make a metallic coating. such as nickel plating, in certain areas of the tube, to improve its resistance to corrosion in service.

Un tel traitement est très souvent effectué dans une zone du tube se trouvant au niveau de la face de sortie de la plaque tubulaire, c'est-à-dire à une faible distance de l'une des entrées du tube, cette distance étant inférieure à un mètre.Such treatment is very often carried out in an area of the tube located at the exit face of the tube plate, that is to say at a short distance from one of the inlets of the tube, this distance being less at one meter.

Il peut être souhaitable cependant d'effectuer un traitement de la surface intérieure du tube, dans l'une de ses parties droites, à une distance quelconque des entrées de ce tube affleurant sur la face d'entrée de la plaque tubulaire.It may however be desirable to carry out a treatment of the interior surface of the tube, in one of its straight parts, at any distance from the inlets of this tube flush with the inlet face of the tube plate.

Les cannes de traitement de la surface intérieure des tubes de générateur de vapeur doivent comporter des dispositifs d'étanchéité permettant d'isoler des zones adjacentes, la partie du tube dans laquelle on réalise le traitement, pour éviter des fuites d'électrolyte de part et d'autre de cette zone.The treatment rods of the internal surface of the steam generator tubes must include sealing devices making it possible to isolate from adjacent areas, the part of the tube in which the treatment is carried out, to avoid electrolyte leakage from and else in this area.

De telles cannes de traitement comportant des dispositifs d'étanchéité ont été utilisées assez couramment, pour le traitement de zones du tube situées à l'intérieur ou au voisinage de la plaque tubulaire. La canne assurant le traitement est maintenue et centrée dans le tube à traiter par sa base qui comporte plusieurs éléments de centrage pouvant être introduits dans les tubes adjacents au tube à traiter. La pièce de base de la canne comporte également des moyens pour assurer la distribution de fluide dans la canne et en particulier le fluide utilisé pour le traitement. Une telle canne de traitement et le dispositif d'étanchéité qui lui est associé sont d'une structure complexe et comportent de nombreuses pièces, si bien qu'il est difficile d'en assurer un fonctionnement correct et qu'il peut apparaître des fuites de liquid électrolyte aux extrémités de la zone à traiter.Such treatment rods comprising sealing devices have been used quite commonly, for the treatment of areas of the tube located inside or in the vicinity of the tube plate. The cane providing the treatment is maintained and centered in the tube to be treated by its base which comprises several centering elements which can be introduced into the tubes adjacent to the tube to be treated. The base part of the cane also includes means for ensuring the distribution of fluid in the cane and in particular the fluid used for the treatment. Such a treatment rod and the sealing device associated with it are of a complex structure and have many parts, so that it is difficult to ensure correct operation and that leaks may appear. liquid electrolyte at the ends of the area to be treated.

On connaît d'autre part un dispositif permettant de traiter une zone quelconque d'une des parties rectilignes du tube, comportant un jeu d'entretoises qui doivent être montées dans le tube au fur et à mesure de l'introduction de la canne dans ce tube. Cette canne comporte des moyens d'étanchéité constitués par des joints gonflables dont la mise en oeuvre est complexe.There is also known a device for treating any area of one of the straight parts of the tube, comprising a set of spacers which must be mounted in the tube as the rod is introduced into it. tube. This rod comprises sealing means constituted by inflatable seals, the implementation of which is complex.

Le but de l'invention est donc de proposer une canne tubulaire pour le traitement de la surface intérieure d'un tube par un liquide amené par la canne comportant un dispositif d'étanchéité disposé autour du corps tubulaire de la canne et permettant d'isoler une partie de la surface intérieure du tube s'étendant suivant sa longueur, par rapport aux zones adjacentes du tube, cette canne tubulaire ayant une structure simple et permettant d'assurer une très bonne étanchéité au liquide de part et d'autre de la zone à traiter.The object of the invention is therefore to propose a tubular cane for the treatment of the internal surface of a tube with a liquid supplied by the cane comprising a sealing device arranged around the tubular body of the cane and making it possible to isolate a part of the inner surface of the tube extending along its length, relative to the adjacent zones of the tube, this tubular rod having a simple structure and making it possible to ensure a very good seal against the liquid on either side of the zone treat.

Dans ce but, le dispositif d'étanchéité comporte deux ensembles espacés suivant la longueur de la canne constitués chacun par un piston de forme annulaire monté mobile dans la direction axiale autour du corps de la canne, au moins un joint d'étanchéité annulaire souple disposé autour du corps de la canne et intercalé, dans la direction axiale, entre une extrémité du piston et un rebord radial d'appui solidaire du corps de la canne et un moyen d'actionnement à distance du piston, pour son déplacement dans la direction axiale dans un sens ou dans l'autre.For this purpose, the sealing device comprises two sets spaced along the length of the rod, each consisting of an annular piston mounted movable in the axial direction around the body of the rod, at least one flexible annular seal disposed around the body of the rod and interposed, in the axial direction, between one end of the piston and a radial support rim secured to the body of the rod and a remote actuation means of the piston, for its displacement in the axial direction one way or the other.

Afin de bien faire comprendre l'invention, on va maintenant décrire, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en se référant aux figures jointes en annexe, plusieurs modes de réalisation d'une canne suivant l'invention utilisée pour le nickelage intérieur d'un tube de générateur de vapeur.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en élévation avec coupe partielle de la canne de nickelage.
  • Les figures 2a et 2b sont des vues en coupe de la canne de nickelage représentée sur la figure 1, au niveau de chacun des ensembles d'étanchéité de cette canne.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'une canne de nickelage suivant une variante du mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1, 2a et 2b.
  • La figure 4 est une vue en élévation d'une canne de nickelage ayant une partie souple, en position de travail dans un tube de générateur de vapeur.
  • La figure 5 est une vue en élévation et en coupe partielle d'une partie d'une canne de nickelage montrant un dispositif d'étanchéité suivant une variante de réalisation.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une partie d'une canne de nickelage comportant une partie souple comme représenté sur la figure 5.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale suivant 7-7 de la figure 6.
In order to clearly understand the invention, we will now describe, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the attached figures, several embodiments of a rod according to the invention used for internal nickel plating of a steam generator tube.
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view with partial section of the nickel plating rod.
  • Figures 2a and 2b are sectional views of the nickel plating rod shown in Figure 1, at each of the sealing assemblies of this rod.
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of a nickel plating rod according to a variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2a and 2b.
  • Figure 4 is an elevational view of a nickel plating rod having a flexible part, in the working position in a steam generator tube.
  • Figure 5 is an elevational view in partial section of a portion of a nickel plating rod showing a sealing device according to an alternative embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a view in axial section of a part of a nickel-plating rod comprising a flexible part as shown in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along 7-7 of FIG. 6.

Sur les figures 1, 2a et 2b, on a représenté un premier mode de réalisation d'une canne de nickelage 1 permettant d'effectuer un revêtement à l'intérieur d'un tube. Cette canne de nickelage 1 est réalisée sous forme entièrement rigide et comporte la canne proprement dite 1 a qui est introduite dans le tube et un bloc distributeur 1 b permettant la distribution de fluide dans la canne, relié rigidement à l'une des extrémités de la canne proprement dite 1 a.In FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b, there is shown a first embodiment of a nickel-plating rod 1 making it possible to coat the inside of a tube. This nickel plating rod 1 is produced in entirely rigid form and comprises the rod itself 1 a which is introduced into the tube and a distributor block 1 b allowing the distribution of fluid in the rod, rigidly connected to one of the ends of the cane itself 1 a.

La partie 1 a comporte un corps 2 de forme tubulaire constitué par un ensemble d'enveloppes et de pièces de forme tubulaire tel que 2a et 2b. Le dispositif d'étanchéité de la canne comporte deux ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 disposés autour du corps 2 et espacés suivant la direction axiale 4 de la canne 1a. Le corps 2 comporte à son extrémité une tête 7 de forme profilée. La canne 1a comporte également, au-dessus du bloc de distribution 1b, une bague 9 montée coulissante sur la surface extérieure du corps 2 de la canne et qui peut être bloquée en position axiale grâce à une vis 8. La bague 9 vient en appui sur la face d'entrée de la plaque tubulaire sur laquelle affleure l'extré mité d'entrée du tube à traiter et permet de régler la longueur de la canne 1 a introduite dans le tube. Ce réglage permet de placer la zone active de la canne de nickelage située entre les ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 en concordance avec la zone du tube à traiter.Part 1a comprises a body 2 of tubular shape constituted by a set of envelopes and pieces of tubular shape such as 2a and 2b. The rod sealing device comprises two sealing assemblies 5 and 6 arranged around the body 2 and spaced apart in the axial direction 4 of the rod 1a. The body 2 has at its end a head 7 shaped. The rod 1a also comprises, above the distribution block 1b, a ring 9 slidably mounted on the external surface of the body 2 of the rod and which can be locked in axial position by means of a screw 8. The ring 9 comes to bear on the entry face of the tubular plate on which is flush with the entry end of the tube to be treated and makes it possible to adjust the length of the rod 1 a introduced into the tube. This adjustment makes it possible to place the active area of the nickel-plating rod located between the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 in accordance with the area of the tube to be treated.

Le bloc de distribution 1b est usiné intétieurement pour constituer un canal 10 d'alimentation de la canne en liquide électrolyte et un canal 11 de récupération de l'électrolyte ayant circulé dans la canne. Les canaux 10 et 11 débouchent sur la face d'extrémité 12 du bloc 1 b au niveau de raccords tel que 13 permettant leur jonction à un tuyau souple.The distribution block 1b is internally machined to constitute a channel 10 for supplying the cane with electrolyte liquid and a channel 11 for recovering the electrolyte having circulated in the cane. The channels 10 and 11 open onto the end face 12 of the block 1b at the level of fittings such as 13 allowing their junction with a flexible pipe.

Le canal 10 communique à l'intérieur du bloc 1 b, avec le conduit annulaire extérieur 14 du corps tubulaire 2. Le conduit annulaire 14 débouche à l'extérieur du corps 2, par une ouverture annulaire 15 située juste au-dessus de l'ensemble d'étanchéité 6 et limitée par deux pièces à surface tronconique 16 et 17. La pièce 16 est solidaire de l'enveloppe tubulaire 2b du corps 2 et la pièce 17, d'une manchette 18 constituant la paroi extérieure du passage annulaire 14 et reliée à sa partie inférieure à un manchon de forte épaisseur 19 lui-même fixé au bloc distributeur 1 à sa partie inférieure. L'ensemble des enveloppes et pièces tubulaires 2a, 2b, 18 et 19 constitue le corps tubulaire 2. Les enveloppes 2a et 2b sont percées à leur partie supérieure, en-dessous de l'ensemble d'étanchéité 5, par des ouvertures 21 mettant en communication l'intérieur du tube 2a avec l'espace compris entre la partie active de la canne 1a située entre les ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 et la surface intérieure du tube 20 dont on effectue le revêtement.The channel 10 communicates inside the block 1b, with the outer annular conduit 14 of the tubular body 2. The annular conduit 14 opens to the exterior of the body 2, through an annular opening 15 located just above the sealing assembly 6 and limited by two parts with frustoconical surface 16 and 17. The part 16 is integral with the tubular envelope 2b of the body 2 and the part 17, with a cuff 18 constituting the outer wall of the annular passage 14 and connected at its lower part to a thick sleeve 19 itself fixed to the distributor block 1 at its lower part. All of the envelopes and tubular parts 2a, 2b, 18 and 19 constitute the tubular body 2. The envelopes 2a and 2b are pierced at their upper part, below the sealing assembly 5, by openings 21 placing in communication inside the tube 2a with the space between the active part of the rod 1a located between the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 and the inner surface of the tube 20 which is coated.

Le liquide électrolyte envoyé dans le passage annulaire 14 par le canal d'alimentation 10 s'écou le à l'extérieur du corps 2 de la canne par l'ouverture annulaire 15. Le liquide entre en contact avec la surface intérieure du tube sur toute la longueur de la zone à traiter, puis est récupéré à l'intérieur du tube 2a par les ouvertures 21. Le liquide électrolyte revient alors par le conduit central ménagé par l'enveloppe tubulaire 2a, à l'entrée du canal 11. L'enveloppe tubulaire 2b du corps 2 de la canne constituant l'électrode est portée à un certain potentiel par rapport au tube 20 grâce à un connecteur électrique 23 relié à la base du bloc distributeur 1b. On réalise ainsi l'électrolyse du liquide s'écoulant le long de la paroi intérieure du tube 20 dans la zone de traitement, ce qui permet de déposer une couche de nickel de revêtement sur la surface intérieure du tube.The electrolyte liquid sent into the annular passage 14 through the supply channel 10 flows outside the body 2 of the rod through the annular opening 15. The liquid comes into contact with the interior surface of the tube over any the length of the area to be treated, then is recovered inside the tube 2a by the openings 21. The electrolyte liquid then returns through the central duct formed by the tubular casing 2a, at the entrance to the channel 11. The tubular casing 2b of the body 2 of the rod constituting the electrode is brought to a certain potential with respect to the tube 20 thanks to an electrical connector 23 connected to the base of the distributor block 1b. The electrolysis of the liquid flowing along the inner wall of the tube 20 is thus carried out in the treatment zone, which makes it possible to deposit a layer of nickel coating on the inner surface of the tube.

Les ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 de la canne de nickelage 1 qui vont être décrits ci-dessous permettent de réaliser un confinement parfait du liquide électrolyte et d'éviter toute fuite de part et d'autre de la zone du tube à revêtir.The sealing assemblies 5 and 6 of the nickel-plating rod 1 which will be described below make it possible to achieve perfect confinement of the electrolyte liquid and to avoid any leakage on either side of the zone of the tube to be coated.

Comme il est visible sur la figure 2a, le corps 2 de la canne porte à sa partie supérieure une pièce d'extrémité 24 sur laquelle est fixée la tête 7. La pièce 24 et la tête 7 délimitent entre elles une chambre annulaire 25 dans laquelle un piston 26 de forme annulaire est monté mobile dans la direction de l'axe 4 de la canne.As can be seen in FIG. 2a, the body 2 of the rod carries at its upper part an end piece 24 on which the head is fixed 7. The piece 24 and the head 7 define between them an annular chamber 25 in which a piston 26 of annular shape is mounted movable in the direction of the axis 4 of the rod.

Le piston 26 est monté étanche dans la chambre annulaire 25 grâce à des joints segments 27. La chambre annulaire 25 communique avec un canal 28 usiné à l'intérieur de la pièce d'extrémité 24 et lui-même en communication avec un tube 29 dirigé suivant l'axe 4 de la canne et relié à sa partie inférieure, au niveau du bloc de distribution 1 b, à un ajutage 30 per mettant de le relier, par une conduite souple, à un moyen d'alimentation en air comprimé.The piston 26 is mounted leaktight in the annular chamber 25 by means of segment seals 27. The annular chamber 25 communicates with a channel 28 machined inside the end piece 24 and itself in communication with a directed tube 29 along the axis 4 of the cane and connected at its lower part, at the level of the distribution block 1b, to a nozzle 30 allowing it to be connected, by a flexible pipe, to a means of supplying compressed air.

Lorsque de l'air comprimé est admis dans la chambre 25, le piston 26 est repoussé vers le bas dans la direction axiale et vient en appui, par l'intermédiaire d'un anneau en matière plastique 31, sur un joint annulaire souple en caoutchouc 32, en appui par son extrémité opposée à l'anneau 31 et au piston 26, sur un épaulement 33 usiné sur une pièce 34 solidaire du corps 2 de la canne. La partie inférieure de la pièce 34 constitue ainsi un rebord saillant dans la direction radiale sur lequel le joint annulaire souple 32 vient en appui. Lorsque le piston 26 est actionné par l'air comprimé, le joint 32 subit une compression et une expansion radiale de façon à venir en contact étanche avec la surface intérieure du tube 20.When compressed air is admitted into the chamber 25, the piston 26 is pushed down in the axial direction and comes to bear, by means of a plastic ring 31, on a flexible annular rubber seal. 32, supported by its end opposite the ring 31 and the piston 26, on a shoulder 33 machined on a part 34 secured to the body 2 of the rod. The lower part of the part 34 thus constitutes a protruding rim in the radial direction on which the flexible annular seal 32 comes to bear. When the piston 26 is actuated by compressed air, the seal 32 undergoes compression and radial expansion so as to come into tight contact with the interior surface of the tube 20.

Sur la figure 2b, on voit que les manchons 18 et 19 délimitent entre eux une chambre annulaire 35 ayant pour axe l'axe 4 de la canne et renfermant un piston 36 monté mobile et étanche dans la chambre 35 grâce à des joints segments 37. La chambre 35 est alimentée en air comprimé par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit 39 relié à une chambre ménagée dans le bloc de répartition 1 b dans laquelle débouche l'ajutage 30.In FIG. 2b, it can be seen that the sleeves 18 and 19 delimit between them an annular chamber 35 having the axis 4 of the rod as its axis and containing a piston 36 mounted movably and tightly sealed in the chamber 35 by means of segment seals 37. The chamber 35 is supplied with compressed air via a duct 39 connected to a chamber formed in the distribution block 1b into which the nozzle 30 opens.

Les pistons 26 et 36 peuvent donc être actionnés simultanément lorsqu'on alimente l'ajutage 30 en air comprimé. Le piston 36 vient alors en appui, par l'intermédiaire d'un anneau en matière plastique 41, sur un joint annulaire souple en caoutchouc 42 enfilé sur la surface externe du manchon 18. Le manchon 18 comporte un épaulement supérieur 43 constituant un rebord radial d'appui pour l'extrémité du joint annulaire 42 opposée à l'anneau 41 et au piston 36. Le déplacement vers le haut du piston 36 sous l'effet de l'air comprimé produit une compression et une dilatation radiale du joint 42 qui vient alors en contact étanche avec la surface intérieure du tube 20.The pistons 26 and 36 can therefore be actuated simultaneously when the nozzle 30 is supplied with compressed air. The piston 36 then comes to bear, by means of a plastic ring 41, on a flexible annular rubber seal 42 threaded on the external surface of the sleeve 18. The sleeve 18 has an upper shoulder 43 constituting a radial rim support for the end of the annular seal 42 opposite the ring 41 and the piston 36. The upward displacement of the piston 36 under the effect of compressed air produces a compression and a radial expansion of the seal 42 which then comes into tight contact with the inner surface of the tube 20.

Après mise en place de la canne de nickelage 1 dans le tube, l'alimentation en air comprimé de l'ajutage 30 permet d'isoler parfaitement la zone du tube 20 dans laquelle on réalise le nickelage comme décrit ci-dessus.After placing the nickel-plating rod 1 in the tube, the supply of compressed air to the nozzle 30 makes it possible to perfectly isolate the zone of the tube 20 in which the nickel-plating is carried out as described above.

Sur la figure 3, on voit une variante de réalisation des dispositifs d'étanchéité 5 et 6, les éléments correspondants sur les figures 2a et 2b d'une part et 3 d'autre part portant les mêmes repères.In FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the sealing devices 5 and 6 is seen, the corresponding elements in FIGS. 2a and 2b on the one hand and 3 on the other hand bearing the same references.

Dans cette variante de réalisation, les surfaces d'extrémité 45 et 46 des pistons 26 et 36 respectivement et les surfaces d'appui 47 et 48 de la pièce 34 et de la chemise 18 respectivement ont été chanfreinées, les surfaces de chanfrein opposées deux à deux étant inclinées dans des directions différentes. Les pistons 26 et 36 viennent en contact avec les joints élastiques 32 et 42 respectivement, sans interposition d'un anneau en matière plastique. Lors de la mise en compression, les pistons annulaires 26 et 36 dont les extrémités sont chanfreinées viennent comprimer les joints élastiques 32 et 42 qui sont retenus par les épaulements chanfreinés 47 et 48. On obtient ainsi une compression des joints élastiques favorisant une expansion radiale de la partie centrale de ces joints élastiques venant en contact avec le tube 20.In this variant embodiment, the end surfaces 45 and 46 of the pistons 26 and 36 respectively and the bearing surfaces 47 and 48 of the part 34 and of the sleeve 18 respectively have been chamfered, the chamfer surfaces opposite two to two being inclined in different directions. The pistons 26 and 36 come into contact with the elastic seals 32 and 42 respectively, without the interposition of a plastic ring. During compression, the annular pistons 26 and 36 whose ends are chamfered compress the elastic seals 32 and 42 which are retained by the chamfered shoulders 47 and 48. This produces compression of the elastic seals promoting a radial expansion of the central part of these elastic seals coming into contact with the tube 20.

Dans la variante de réalisation de la figure 3, les ouvertures de passage 15 et 21 du fluide électrolyte ont également été réalisées de façon un peu différente du mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 2a et 2b. Cependant, la circulation du fluide électrolyte à partir du conduit 14 et son retour par la partie centrale du corps tubulaire 2, autour du conduit d'air 29, est identique à ce qui a été décrit en référence aux figures 2a et 2b.In the variant embodiment of FIG. 3, the passage openings 15 and 21 of the electrolyte fluid have also been produced in a slightly different manner from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. However, the circulation of the electrolyte fluid from the duct 14 and its return through the central part of the tubular body 2, around the air duct 29, is identical to what has been described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

A la fin d'une opération de nickelage, l'alimentation en liquide électrolytique de la canne est interrompue et le liquide électrolytique est récupéré par le conduit 11 et l'ajutage 13. S'il subsiste des débris ou déchets dans le tube à l'issue de l'opération de nickelage, ceux-ci sont récupérés par l'intermédiaire d'un évidement cylindrique supérieur 50 et d'un conduit 51 usinés dans le bloc de distribution 1b, le conduit 51 étant en communication avec un ajutage 52 d'évacuation des déchets ou débris.At the end of a nickel-plating operation, the supply of electrolytic liquid to the cane is interrupted and the electrolytic liquid is recovered by the conduit 11 and the nozzle 13. If there remains debris or waste in the tube at l after the nickel plating operation, these are recovered via an upper cylindrical recess 50 and a conduit 51 machined in the distribution block 1b, the conduit 51 being in communication with a nozzle 52 d disposal of waste or debris.

Sur la figure 4, on voit une canne de nickelage 1 en position de service à l'intérieur d'un tube 20 serti dans la plaque tubulaire 60 d'un générateur de vapeur d'un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression. Le générateur de vapeur comporte, en dessous de la face d'entrée 60a de la plaque tubulaire 60 sur laquelle affleure l'extrémité du tube 20, une boîte à eau 61 dans laquelle est prévue une ouverture de visite ou trou d'homme 62.In FIG. 4, a nickel-plating rod 1 is seen in the service position inside a tube 20 crimped in the tube plate 60 of a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor. The steam generator comprises, below the inlet face 60a of the tube plate 60 on which the end of the tube 20 is flush, a water box 61 in which a manhole or manhole 62 is provided.

A l'intérieur de la boîte à eau 61 est monté un dispositif porteur 63 comportant un bras 64 à l'extrémité duquel est fixé un porteur 65 auquel est reliée une bague d'extrémité 66 d'un conduit souple de guidage 67. Le dispositif 63 de type classique permet de déplacer le porteur 65 pour l'amener successivement en coïncidence avec l'extrémité d'entrée de chacun des tubes à traiter.Inside the water box 61 is mounted a carrier device 63 comprising an arm 64 at the end of which is fixed a carrier 65 to which is connected an end ring 66 of a flexible guide duct 67. The device 63 of conventional type makes it possible to move the carrier 65 in order to bring it successively in coincidence with the inlet end of each of the tubes to be treated.

La canne de nickelage 1 comporte une partie d'extrémité rigide 70 qui peut être réalisée comme la partie de la canne rigide décrite précédemment et représentée sur les figure 2a et 2b et 3. Cette partie rigide comporte deux ensembles d'étanchéité 75 et 76 dont la structure et le fonctionnement sont identiques à ceux des ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 décrits précédemment.The nickel-plating rod 1 comprises a rigid end part 70 which can be produced like the part of the rigid rod described above and shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b and 3. This rigid part comprises two sealing assemblies 75 and 76 of which the structure and operation are identical to those of the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 described above.

La canne de nickelage 71 représentée sur la figure 4 comporte également un bloc de distribution 71 b identique au bloc 1 b représenté sur la figure 1. Ce bloc de distribution 71 b est fixé sur un support 73 situé à l'extérieur de la boîte à eau 61, sur lequel est fixée l'extrémité du conduit de guidage souple 67 opposée au porteur 65 et à l'entrée du tube.The nickel-plating rod 71 shown in FIG. 4 also includes a distribution block 71 b identical to the block 1 b represented in FIG. 1. This distribution block 71 b is fixed on a support 73 located outside the box. water 61, on which is fixed the end of the flexible guide duct 67 opposite the carrier 65 and the inlet of the tube.

La partie rigide 70 de la canne de nickelage est reliée au bloc de distribution 71b par un corps 72 constitué par des conduits souples coaxiaux permettant l'alimentation en fluide et en courant électrique de la partie rigide 70 de la canne de nickelage.The rigid part 70 of the nickel plating rod is connected to the distribution block 71b by a body 72 constituted by flexible coaxial conduits allowing the supply of fluid and electric current to the rigid part 70 of the nickel plating rod.

Le mode de réalisation d'un corps déformable d'une canne de nickelage tel que le corps 72 sera décrit en se référant aux figures 6 et 7.The embodiment of a deformable body of a nickel-plating rod such as the body 72 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Le dispositif représenté sur la figure 4 permet d'introduire une canne de nickelage dans un tube de générateur de vapeur et de commander l'opération de nickelage, depuis l'extérieur de la boîte à eau. Les opérations peuvent être réalisées par télécommande du dispositif porteur 63, introduction à distance en position voulue de la canne et commande depuis l'extérieur, au niveau du bloc de distribution 71 b, de l'opération de revêtement du tube.The device shown in FIG. 4 makes it possible to introduce a nickel-plating rod into a steam generator tube and to control the nickel-plating operation, from the outside of the water box. The operations can be carried out by remote control of the carrier device 63, remote introduction into the desired position of the rod and control from the outside, at the distribution block 71b, of the operation of coating the tube.

En utilisant un corps souple 72 de longueur suffisante, on peut effectuer un nickelage dans la partie droite du tube 20 à une hauteur quelconque au-dessus de la plaque tubulaire 60.By using a flexible body 72 of sufficient length, nickel plating can be carried out in the right part of the tube 20 at any height above the tube plate 60.

Sur la figure 5, on voit une variante de réalisation des ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 d'une ca ne de nickelage 80 introduite en position de service dans un tube 20.In FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 can be seen of a nickel-plated ca 80 introduced in the service position in a tube 20.

La canne de nickelage comporte un corps 82 de forme tubulaire constitué par un simple tube 83 solidaire à sa partie supérieure d'une pièce d'extrémité 84 et relié à sa partie inférieure à un fourreau 85 coaxial au tube 83, situé à l'extérieur du tube 83 et ménageant avec celui-ci un conduit annulaire 89 permettant le passage du liquide électrolyte. Le tube 83 et le fourreau 85 ont pour axe commun l'axe 4 qui est confondu avec l'axe du tube, lorsque la canne de nickelage 80 est en position de service dans le tube 20.The nickel-plating rod comprises a body 82 of tubular shape constituted by a simple tube 83 secured at its upper part to an end piece 84 and connected at its lower part to a sheath 85 coaxial with the tube 83, located outside of the tube 83 and forming therewith an annular conduit 89 allowing the passage of the electrolyte liquid. The tube 83 and the sheath 85 have for common axis the axis 4 which coincides with the axis of the tube, when the nickel-plating rod 80 is in the service position in the tube 20.

Il est à noter que le tube 83 et le fourreau 85 peuvent être remplacés, sur une partie de leur longueur, à partir d'un endroit situé en dessous de l'ensemble d'étanchéité 86, par des conduits souples reliés à l'une de leurs extrémités à la partie rigide du corps 82 de la canne 80 et à leur autre extrémité à un bloc de distribution de fluide, non représenté.It should be noted that the tube 83 and the sheath 85 can be replaced, over part of their length, from a place located below the sealing assembly 86, by flexible conduits connected to one from their ends to the rigid part of the body 82 of the rod 80 and at their other end to a fluid distribution block, not shown.

Le mode de réalisation utilisant le conduit souple permet d'introduire et de commander la canne de nickelage, depuis l'extérieur de la boîte à eau d'un générateur de vapeur.The embodiment using the flexible conduit makes it possible to introduce and control the nickel-plating rod, from the outside of the water box of a steam generator.

Sur la pièce supérieure 84 du corps 82 de la canne est montée une tête profilée 87 solidaire d'un piston 88. L'étanchéité entre la tête 87 et la pièce 84 est assurée par un joint 90.On the upper part 84 of the body 82 of the rod is mounted a profiled head 87 secured to a piston 88. The seal between the head 87 and the part 84 is ensured by a seal 90.

Un ressort hélicoïdal 91 est intercalé entre la pièce 84 faisant partie du corps tubulaire 82 de la canne et le piston 88. Le ressort 91 applique le piston 88 sur un premier joint annulaire élastique 92a qui lui-même transmet la pression du piston 88 à un second joint annulaire 92b, par l'intermédiaire d'une entretoise d'appui 93. Le second joint annulaire 92b est en appui sur un rebord radial 94 d'un manchon 95 constituant l'électrode de la canne de nickelage 80.A helical spring 91 is interposed between the part 84 forming part of the tubular body 82 of the rod and the piston 88. The spring 91 applies the piston 88 to a first elastic annular seal 92a which itself transmits the pressure from the piston 88 to a second annular seal 92b, via a support spacer 93. The second annular seal 92b is supported on a radial flange 94 of a sleeve 95 constituting the electrode of the nickel-plating rod 80.

Le manchon 95 monté librement coulissant autour du tube 83 du corps 82 de la canne de nickelage. La partie inférieure du manchon 95 vient en appui par un rebord radial 96, sur un premier joint annulaire 97a lui-même en appui, par l'intermédiaire d'une entretoise 98, sur un second joint annulaire 97b en appui sur l'extrémité du fourreau 85 solidaire du tube 83 du corps 82 de la canne.The sleeve 95 mounted freely sliding around the tube 83 of the body 82 of the nickel-plating rod. The lower part of the sleeve 95 comes to bear by a radial rim 96, on a first annular seal 97a which itself bears, by means of a spacer 98, on a second annular seal 97b bears on the end of the sheath 85 integral with the tube 83 of the body 82 of the rod.

La pression exercée par le piston 88 sur les joints annulaires 92a et 92b, sous l'effet du ressort 91, est transmise au manchon 95 qui exerce ainsi une pression sur les joints 97a et 97b.The pressure exerted by the piston 88 on the annular seals 92a and 92b, under the effect of the spring 91, is transmitted to the sleeve 95 which thus exerts pressure on the seals 97a and 97b.

L'ensemble des joints annulaires 92a, 92b, 97a et 97b sont ainsi comprimés simultanément grâce à l'action du ressort 91, si bien que la déformation radiale de ces joints annulaires qui viennent en contact avec la surface intérieure du tube 20, assure l'étanchéité de la zone de traitement située entre les ensembles d'étanchéité 5 et 6 et au niveau de l'életro- de 95.All the annular seals 92a, 92b, 97a and 97b are thus compressed simultaneously thanks to the action of the spring 91, so that the radial deformation of these annular seals which come into contact with the internal surface of the tube 20, ensures the sealing of the treatment zone located between the sealing assemblies 5 and 6 and at the level of the eletro- 95.

Le liquide électrolyte est introduit dans le tube, à l'extérieur du corps 82 de la canne, par le conduit annulaire 89 communiquant, à son extrémité supérieure, avec des ouvertures 100 traversant l'électrode 95. Le liquide électrolyte circule entre l'électrode 95 et la surface interne du tube 20 avant de pénétrer dans les ouvertures 101 traversant l'électrode 95 et le tube 83 du corps 82 de la canne de nickelage. Le liquide électrolyte revient alors par l'intérieur du tube 83, au bloc de distribution relié- à l'extrémité non représentée de la canne de nickelage 80.The electrolyte liquid is introduced into the tube, outside the body 82 of the rod, through the annular conduit 89 communicating, at its upper end, with openings 100 passing through the electrode 95. The electrolyte liquid circulates between the electrode 95 and the internal surface of the tube 20 before entering the openings 101 passing through the electrode 95 and the tube 83 of the body 82 of the nickel-plating rod. The electrolyte liquid then returns through the interior of the tube 83, to the distribution block connected to the end, not shown, of the nickel-plating rod 80.

La canne de nickelage 80 comporte également, suivant son axe 4, un conduit d'alimentation en air comprimé 103 relié à l'alésage intérieur de la pièce d'extrémité 84 du corps 82, débouchant dans une chambre 104 ménagée entre la tête 87 et l'extrémité de la pièce 84. La chambre 104 est rendue étanche grâce au joint 90. Lorsque de l'air comprimé est envoyé dans le tube 103 et dans la chambre 104, la tête 87 et le piston 88 sont déplacés vers le haut, compriment le ressort 91 et relâchent la pression exercée sur les joints annulaires 92a et 92b. La pression d'appui n'étant plus transmise à l'électrode 95 par le joint annulaire 92b, celle-ci relâche sa pression sur les joints inférieurs 97a et 97b.The nickel-plating rod 80 also comprises, along its axis 4, a compressed air supply duct 103 connected to the internal bore of the end piece 84 of the body 82, opening into a chamber 104 formed between the head 87 and the end of the part 84. The chamber 104 is sealed using the gasket 90. When compressed air is sent into the tube 103 and into the chamber 104, the head 87 and the piston 88 are moved upwards, compress the spring 91 and release the pressure exerted on the annular seals 92a and 92b. Since the contact pressure is no longer transmitted to the electrode 95 by the annular seal 92b, the latter releases its pressure on the lower seals 97a and 97b.

La canne de nickelage 80 peut alors être déplacée à l'intérieur du tube 20, par exemple pour être extraite de ce tube, les joints restant en position non dilatée tant que la pression d'air comprimé est maintenue dans la chambre 104.The nickel-plating rod 80 can then be moved inside the tube 20, for example to be extracted from this tube, the seals remaining in the non-expanded position as long as the compressed air pressure is maintained in the chamber 104.

Le dispositif représenté sur la figure 5 est dit à sécurité positive, puisque l'action du ressort 91 permet de réaliser automatiquement l'étanchéité entre les joints et la surface intérieure du tube et qu'il est nécessaire d'exercer une pression pour décomprimer les joints et leur faire quitter le contact avec la paroi interne du tube 20.The device shown in FIG. 5 is said to be positive security, since the action of the spring 91 makes it possible to automatically seal between the seals and the inner surface of the tube and it is necessary to exert pressure to decompress the joints and make them leave contact with the internal wall of the tube 20.

Sur les figures 6 et 7, on voit un mode de réalisation de la partie inférieure d'une canne de nickelage du type représenté sur la figure 5, c'est-à-dire à sécurité positive. Les éléments correspondants sur les figures 5 d'une part et 6 et 7 d'autre part ont été désignés par les mêmes repères.In FIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment of the lower part of a nickel-plating rod of the type shown in FIG. 5, that is to say with positive security, can be seen. The corresponding elements in Figures 5 on the one hand and 6 and 7 on the other hand have been designated by the same references.

Le tube 83 du corps tubulaire 82 de la canne est relié, à sa partie inférieure, à un raccord 106 comportant un embout 107 à ergot assurant son assemblage avec le fourreau 85. Le fourreau 85 est lui-même solidaire, à sa partie inférieure, d'un raccord 108. Les deux raccords 106 et 108 permettent de relier la partie rigide de la canne, au niveau des pièces tubulaires 83 et 85, à des conduits souples 109 et 110, respectivement. Les conduits 109 et 110 coaxiaux constituent un conduit souple analogue au conduit 72 représenté sur la figure 4 et sont reliés à leur extrémité opposée aux raccords 106 et 108, au bloc de distribution de la canne de nickelage non représenté.The tube 83 of the tubular body 82 of the rod is connected, at its lower part, to a connector 106 comprising a tip 107 with lug ensuring its assembly with the sheath 85. The sheath 85 is itself integral, at its lower part, a connector 108. The two connectors 106 and 108 allow the rigid part of the rod to be connected, at the level of the tubular parts 83 and 85, to flexible conduits 109 and 110, respectively. The coaxial conduits 109 and 110 constitute a flexible conduit similar to the conduit 72 shown in FIG. 4 and are connected at their end opposite to the connectors 106 and 108, to the distribution block of the nickel-plating rod, not shown.

Un conduit souple 103 d'alimentation en air comprimé pour le déblocage des dispositifs d'étanchéité de la canne à sécurité positive est fixé, par l'intermédiaire de doigts 111, sur le raccord 106.A flexible conduit 103 for supplying compressed air for unlocking the sealing devices of the positive security rod is fixed, by means of fingers 111, to the connector 106.

Le liquide électrolyte est introduit dans la partie rigide de la canne, par le conduit annulaire 89 ménagé entre les conduits souples 109 et 110. L'électrolyte est récupéré à la partie centrale du tube 83, puis dans l'espace intérieur 105 du conduit 109.The electrolyte liquid is introduced into the rigid part of the rod, through the annular conduit 89 formed between the flexible conduits 109 and 110. The electrolyte is collected at the central part of the tube 83, then in the interior space 105 of the conduit 109 .

La canne de traitement suivant l'invention présente l'avantage de comporter un dispositif d'étanchéité simple et de fonctionnement extrêmement fiable.The treatment rod according to the invention has the advantage of comprising a simple sealing device and extremely reliable operation.

Ce dispositif d'étanchéité peut être très facilement commandé à distance et ne nécessite pas de modifications importantes de la structue de la canne.This sealing device can be very easily controlled remotely and does not require significant modifications to the structure of the rod.

La canne de traitement peut être commandée à distance et ne nécessite pas d'intervention directe au voisinage du tube à traiter.The treatment rod can be controlled remotely and does not require direct intervention in the vicinity of the tube to be treated.

L'invention ne se limite pas aux modes de réalisation qui ont été décrits.The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been described.

C'est ainsi qu'on peut imaginer des pistons pour la compression des joints d'étanchéité ayant une autre forme que celle qui a été décrite et actionnés par d'autres moyens mécaniques, hydrauliques ou pneumatiques que ceux qui ont été décrits.It is thus possible to imagine pistons for compressing seals having a shape other than that which has been described and actuated by other mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means than those which have been described.

La structure de la canne peut être différente et comporter des parties rigides et des parties souples successives ayant des longueurs adaptées à la forme et aux dimensions des tubes à traiter.The structure of the rod can be different and include rigid parts and successive flexible parts having lengths adapted to the shape and dimensions of the tubes to be treated.

Enfin, la canne de traitement suivant l'inventon peut être utilisée non seulement pour le nickelage ou pour d'autres revêtements métalliques de la surface intérieure d'un tube mais également pour des traitements différents d'un revêtement tel qu'un décapage ou un usinage électrolytique ou chimique ou d'autres traitements de surface nécessitant une mise en contact de la surface intérieure du tube avec un liquide réactif.Finally, the treatment rod according to the invention can be used not only for nickel plating or for other metallic coatings of the inner surface of a tube but also for treatments different from a coating such as pickling or electrolytic or chemical machining or other surface treatments requiring the interior surface of the tube to come into contact with a reactive liquid.

Claims (8)

1. Tubular rod for treating the inner surface of a tube (20) with a liquid carried in the rod (1, 70, 80) comprising a sealing device disposed around the tubular body (2, 82) of the rod and allowing part of the inner surface of the tube (20) extending lengthways to be isolated from the adjacent zones of the tube, characterised in that the sealing device has two assemblies (5, 6) spaced in the lengthwise direction of the rod (1, 70, 80) each consisting of an annular piston (26, 36, 88, 95) mounted so as to be movable in the axial direction around the body (2, 82) of the rod, at least one flexible annular sealing joint (32, 42, 92a, 92b, 97a, 97b) disposed around the body (2, 82) of the rod and interposed, in the axial direction, between one end of the piston (26, 36, 88, 95) and a radial support flange (33, 43, 94) integral with the body of the rod and means (29, 25, 35, 91, 103, 104) for actuating the piston to move it in the axial direction in order to bring about the radial compression and expansion of the sealing joint (32, 42, 92a, 92b,97a,97b).
2. Tubular rod according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating means for the piston (26, 36) consists of a pneumatic jack comprising a chamber (25, 35) in which the piston (26, 36) is slidably mounted, supplied with pressurised fluid from one end of the tubular rod, by a compressed air duct (29) located along the length of the body (2) of the rod.
3. Tubular rod according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for actuating the piston (88) of at least one of the sealing assemblies (5, 6) consists of a helical spring (91) interposed between part of the body (82) of the rod (80) and one end of the piston (88).
4. Tubular rod according to claim 3, characterised in that the piston (88) is integral with a hollow member (87) closed at one end and slidably mounted in the axial direction on one end of the body (82) of the rod engaging operationally in the tube (20), the member (87) defining, with the body (82) of the rod, a chamber (104) connected to a supply duct (103) for pressurised fluid to ensure displacement of the hollow member (87) and the piston (88) in the opposite direction to the action of the spring (91).
5. Tubular rod according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the piston (92) of one of the sealing assemblies (6) or second assembly, consists of a sleeve (95) mounted so as to slide in the axial direction on the body (82) of the rod and interposed between the sealing joint of the other sealing assembly (5) or first assembly, which abuts on a radial flange of the sleeve (95), and the sealing joint (97a, 97b) of the second assembly abutting on a radial flange of the body (82) of the rod, the piston (87, 95) of the two sealing assemblies (5, 6) having the spring (91) as their common actuating means.
6. Tubular rod according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that comprises a tubular part (1 a) which forms the rod itself and a distributor block (1 b) connected to one end of the part (1 a) and comprising ducts (10, 11, 29) for the distribution of fluids in the rod.
7. Tubular rod according to claim 6, characterised in that the distributor block (1 b) is connected to the part (1 a) of the rod via a flexible tubular body (72).
8. Tubular rod according to either of claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the distributor block (1 b) has at least one duct (10, 11) for the distribution of a liquid for treating the tube (20) and at least one duct (29) for supplying the rod with pressurised fluid for actuating the sealing assemblies (5, 6).
EP88400998A 1987-05-14 1988-04-22 Tubular rod for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube Expired - Lifetime EP0291373B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8706792A FR2615207B1 (en) 1987-05-14 1987-05-14 TUBULAR ROD FOR TREATING THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF A TUBE
FR8706792 1987-05-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0291373A1 EP0291373A1 (en) 1988-11-17
EP0291373B1 true EP0291373B1 (en) 1990-12-05

Family

ID=9351102

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88400998A Expired - Lifetime EP0291373B1 (en) 1987-05-14 1988-04-22 Tubular rod for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4849084A (en)
EP (1) EP0291373B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3861205D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2019462B3 (en)
FR (1) FR2615207B1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA883106B (en)

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2652191B1 (en) * 1989-09-15 1991-12-13 Framatome Sa DEVICE FOR BRINGING A TREATMENT LIQUID INTO A ZONE ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF A TUBE AND METHOD FOR PLACING THIS DEVICE IN THE TUBE.
DE69312636T2 (en) * 1992-11-09 1998-02-05 Canon Kk Anodizing apparatus with a carrier device for the substrate to be treated
FR2704678B1 (en) * 1993-04-29 1995-08-11 Framatome Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REPAIRING AND PROTECTING AGAINST CRACKING OF THE INTERNAL WALL OF A TUBE CROSSING THE BOTTOM OF A NUCLEAR PRESSURE WATER REACTOR.
FR2707303B1 (en) * 1993-07-08 1995-09-22 Framatome Sa Method and device for the electrochemical machining of metallic materials and in particular of the internal surface of bottom bushings of a nuclear reactor.
US5507923A (en) * 1993-11-09 1996-04-16 Stouse; Henry J. Method and apparatus for electrolytic polishing of tubular products
US5516415A (en) * 1993-11-16 1996-05-14 Ontario Hydro Process and apparatus for in situ electroforming a structural layer of metal bonded to an internal wall of a metal tube
US5695621A (en) * 1996-07-31 1997-12-09 Framatome Technologies, Inc. Resonating electroplating anode and process
US6200439B1 (en) * 1998-11-05 2001-03-13 General Electric Company Tool for electrochemical machining
US6547950B1 (en) * 2000-02-02 2003-04-15 Therma Corporation, Inc. Cathode rinsing station and method
US6523615B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2003-02-25 John Gandy Corporation Electropolishing method for oil field tubular goods and drill pipe
US20060163075A1 (en) * 2002-06-21 2006-07-27 Wenlin Zhang Method and apparatus for downhole pipe or casing repair
GB2439807B (en) * 2006-06-20 2012-01-04 Vetco Gray Inc Apparatus for continuous electroplating of elongated workpieces
US8101050B2 (en) * 2006-06-20 2012-01-24 Vetco Gray Inc. System, method, and apparatus for continuous electroplating of elongated workpieces
DE102011100100A1 (en) * 2011-04-29 2012-10-31 Air Liquide Deutschland Gmbh Method for treating a line component
FR3016952B1 (en) 2014-01-28 2016-09-09 Gdf Suez TOOL FOR INTERVENTION ON THE WALL OF A PIPELINE - ASSOCIATED METHOD.
CN104762651B (en) * 2015-03-03 2017-08-25 吉林安德电化科技有限公司 The plating inner surface production line and its electro-plating method of crystallizer
DE102015222862A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-24 Mahle International Gmbh Method for coating at least one piston groove provided on a piston with a protective coating and coating device, in particular for carrying out the method
RU2704778C1 (en) * 2016-03-03 2019-10-30 Ниппон Стил Корпорейшн Electrodeposition device
KR102032296B1 (en) * 2017-11-01 2019-10-15 두산중공업 주식회사 Electroplating Repair Machine For Tack Expansion And Seal Welding Region, Electroplating Repair System, And Operating Method

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859157A (en) * 1956-10-04 1958-11-04 Jr John S Curtiss Method and apparatus for electroplating the interior surface of conductive material apertures
NL235329A (en) * 1958-01-22
DE1496727B2 (en) * 1963-06-18 1972-03-02 Benteler Werke AG, Werk Neuhaus, 4794 Schloß Neuhaus METHOD OF ELECTROLYTIC TREATMENT OF THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SURFACE OF PIPES
US3618639A (en) * 1969-11-24 1971-11-09 Cues Inc Packer for sealing pipe leaks
US3673073A (en) * 1970-10-07 1972-06-27 Automation Ind Inc Apparatus for electroplating the interior of an elongated pipe
CH581200A5 (en) * 1974-04-27 1976-10-29 Bes Sa
US4369101A (en) * 1980-05-02 1983-01-18 Nukem Gmbh Apparatus for electropolishing tubes
DE3046608C2 (en) * 1980-12-11 1983-11-17 diga - die gasheizung GmbH, 4300 Essen Pig for lining pipelines
GB2122300B (en) * 1982-06-11 1985-07-24 William John Appleton Repairing drains and underground pipelines
BE899632A (en) * 1984-05-11 1984-11-12 Ebes Ver Energie Schelde METHOD OF REPAIRING PIPES FROM A STEAM GENERATOR
FR2565323B1 (en) * 1984-05-30 1986-10-17 Framatome Sa PROCESS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION OF A STEAM GENERATOR TUBE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2615207A1 (en) 1988-11-18
ZA883106B (en) 1989-01-25
FR2615207B1 (en) 1991-11-22
ES2019462B3 (en) 1991-06-16
US4849084A (en) 1989-07-18
EP0291373A1 (en) 1988-11-17
DE3861205D1 (en) 1991-01-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0291373B1 (en) Tubular rod for the treatment of the inner surface of a tube
EP0346170B1 (en) Device for measuring parameters in the core of a nuclear reactor in operation
EP0286500A1 (en) Apparatus for controlled directional drilling, and process for controlling the apparatus
EP3265716B1 (en) Valve, receptacle and method for filling, extracting and evacuating
EP0298841B1 (en) Device for welding inside a small-diameter tube
EP0181810A1 (en) Method and apparatus for compressing by hammering a steam generator tube placed in a tube wall
FR2607975A1 (en) ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION THROUGH A FORMED DRIVE OF MULTIPLE ELEMENTS
FR2580053A1 (en)
EP0457653B1 (en) Safety sleeve and device for wells, particularly for a subterranean reservoir of fluid under pressure
FR2573491A1 (en) SELF-LOCKING ACTUATOR WITH FLUID CIRCULATION, FOR OPERATING TOOLS IN AUTOMATED INSTALLATIONS
FR2820457A1 (en) SAFETY VALVE WITH DIRECT INSTALLATION IN A TUBE FOR PRODUCING AN OIL WELL AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME
EP0227535B1 (en) Method and device for withdrawing part of a tube from a heat exchanger
FR2586781A1 (en) Sealing device for a component placed in a tubular jacket
FR2561347A1 (en) PRESSURE LIMITER
EP0257455B1 (en) Sealing head for use in a hydraulic tube testing apparatus
CA1058892A (en) Connecting two immersed ducts through butting and welding a cushing
CA2033368C (en) Assembly for electrical connection through a multi-element duct
FR2545120A1 (en) Method for the underwater connection of two hollow concrete elements such as two successive tunnel elements
FR2607958A1 (en) Connection system enabling at least one connection to be made inside a pipe element
CA1279259C (en) Load carrying and hydraulic fluid transmission connecting device
EP0274933A1 (en) Assembly for an electrical connection through a conduit formed by several elements, method for its installation in the interior of this conduit
FR2463837A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING LITTLE MATERIALS FOR FITTING A SUCKING DRAGON
FR2617232A1 (en) SHUTTER FOR CONDUIT OR PASSAGE OF CABLE
FR2660407A1 (en) Device for connecting pipelines in a contaminated medium
FR2536828A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A DERIVATION

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19881001

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19900402

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3861205

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19910117

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20000510

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20010402

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20010409

Year of fee payment: 14

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010423

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20021101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20030203