1. Early manual stage (early-mid 20th century):
Early heat exchanger tube bundle extractor mainly relied on manpower and simple mechanical tools, such as crowbars, chains, winches, etc.
Low efficiency, high labor intensity, poor safety, and easy to damage the tube.
Mainly used in small, simple heat exchangers.
2. Hydraulic drive stage (mid-20th century – late 20th century):
With the maturity of hydraulic technology, hydraulic cylinders have begun to be used in pipe bundle extraction machines to provide powerful pulling and pushing forces.
Greatly improve work efficiency, reduce labor intensity, and improve safety.
Can be applied to larger and more complex heat exchangers.
However, the hydraulic system has shortcomings such as oil leakage, high maintenance costs, and large size.
3. Mechanical & Electrical Stage (late 20th century):
There are some tube bundle extractor machines using mechanical transmission and electric drive, such as gear transmission, screw transmission, etc.
The transmission efficiency and control accuracy are improved, and the structure is more compact.
Some designs combine the advantages of hydraulic and mechanical/electrical, such as hydraulic rapid movement and mechanical/electrical precise positioning.
4. Intelligent stage (early 21st century – present):
With the rapid development of automation and intelligent technology, tube pumping machines have begun to integrate PLC control, sensor technology, human-machine interface, etc.
It realizes automatic control, remote monitoring, fault diagnosis and other functions.
It improves the convenience and safety of operation and reduces maintenance costs.
Some advanced tube bundle extractor machines also adopt functions such as wireless remote control, automatic lubrication, and data recording.
5. Future development trends:
More intelligent: Integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies to achieve autonomous learning and optimization.
More efficient: Use more efficient driving methods and transmission mechanisms to further improve work efficiency.
Lighter: Using lightweight materials and structural design, it is convenient for transportation and installation.
More environmentally friendly: Use environmentally friendly hydraulic oil or electric drive to reduce environmental pollution.
More professional: Develop more professional tube bundle extractor machines for different types of heat exchangers and tube bundles.
Integrated with digital twin technology: Optimize equipment design and maintenance strategies through virtual simulation and data analysis.
Development dynamics at different stages:
Advances in heat exchanger technology: Larger and more complex heat exchangers require more efficient and safer tube bundle extractor equipment.
Progress in automation technology: The development of automation and intelligent technology provides technical support for the upgrade of tube bundle extractor machines.
Increased safety and environmental protection requirements: The emphasis on production safety and environmental protection has promoted the development of tube bundle pumping machines in a safer and more environmentally friendly direction.
The need to reduce costs and improve efficiency: Enterprises pursue higher production efficiency and lower maintenance costs, which also promotes the continuous improvement of tube bundle pumping machines.
It should be noted that the above development stages are not strictly linear divisions, and different types of tube bundle extractor machines may coexist and develop. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, tube bundle extractor machines will develop in a more intelligent, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly direction.
