Importance

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Abstract

A tube loading apparatus and method for tensile strength and leak testing an elongated, hollow tube such as a steam generator heat transfer tube of a steam generator plant. The apparatus may be used to determine the axial or compressive load placed on a hollow tube. The tube loading apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, plates oriented parallel to one another; at least two elongated connecting members extending between the plates in a parallel direction relative to one another, wherein each elongated connecting member is carried by each plate comprising the pair of plates and is received in a corresponding pair of openings formed in the pair of plates for each elongated member; at least two load inducing devices for imparting an axial or compressive load to the pair of plates, wherein the load inducing devices are carried by the elongated members; a load measuring device carried by one of the pair of plates for measuring the load induced in the pair of plates; and a load counterbalancing device carried by the other plate of the pair of plates, wherein the load counterbalancing device imparts an axial compressive load along said other plate. Each element of the tube loading apparatus may be constructed of stainless steel.

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First Claim