Abstract:
Ways and means are disclosed for removing old tubes from a tube bundle, consisting mainly of an array of transversally spaced tubes with tube sheets at their ends and baffles supporting the tubes of intermediate sites. The tubes are cut and driven from the respective tube sheets, then pulled out of the baffles. The apparatus includes a hydraulically reciprocable gripper that feeds an automatic throw stacker for pulling out tubes even if they are deformed, and for propelling them away from the apparatus.