Bundle Puller & Tube Bundle Extractor
for Heat Exchanger Maintenance

Short version: it's a hydraulic machine that clamps onto a heat exchanger shell flange and applies controlled force to pull the tube bundle out horizontally. Our units range from 25 to 150 tons of pulling capacity. The operator controls everything remotely — typically from 10-20 meters away — and a standard extraction takes under 10 minutes once the machine is positioned. Think of it as replacing a crane, a rigging crew, and a lot of manual labor with one self-contained piece of equipment.

Depends on where you're working. Diesel runs anywhere — no grid power needed, which is why it's the default for outdoor refinery turnarounds, remote sites, and field work. The diesel models include spark arrestors for hazardous area operation. Electric runs cleaner and quieter (zero local emissions) and is better for indoor work, confined spaces, or facilities with strict environmental rules. We've had chemical plants and food-grade processors specifically request electric because diesel exhaust wasn't an option in their operating areas. Both types cover the same capacity range.

The aerial bundle extractor is built specifically for this. A single crane lifts the machine into position at the exchanger — that's the only crane pick you need. Once positioned, it operates independently: pulls the bundle, holds it for cleaning and inspection access, and can push it back in for reinstallation. For areas where even a single crane pick isn't possible, our self-propelled models can travel through corridors and under piping on their own power. We pulled 28 bundles from under a pipe rack at a Gulf Coast refinery — no scaffolding, no rigging changes.

Start with the gross weight of your heaviest tube bundle and add 20-30% margin. A 40-ton bundle should go on at minimum a 45 to 60-ton machine. If the exchanger hasn't been opened in 3+ years, go one size up — corrosion between tubes and baffles creates friction that doesn't show in the weight spec. Our diesel line covers 25, 45, 60, 80, 100, 125, and 150 tons. Electric covers 30, 45, 60, 75, 85, 100, and 150 tons. If you're not sure, send us the bundle dimensions and shell ID — we'll size it for you.

The actual pull? Five to fifteen minutes depending on bundle condition and length. Setup and positioning add 30-60 minutes per exchanger. During a recent turnaround, our team averaged 6 complete cycles per machine per day — that includes clamping, extraction, cleaning access, inspection, reinstallation, and repositioning. Stuck bundles take longer (one took us 90 seconds of sustained 65-ton force before it released) but those are the exception, not the rule.

Yes — probably more than you'd expect. Both our diesel and electric lines support custom bundle length extensions (1m front, 2m or 3m rear add-ons), custom lifting frame diameters to match non-standard shell sizes, and adjustable pull force configurations. We've also built one-off variants for offshore platforms and trailer-mounted units for clients who needed to move between plant sites on public roads. For wholesale fleet orders (3+ units), we include on-site operator training in the package.

Every model we make handles pull and push operations with the same hydraulic system. Pull to extract the aerial tube bundle from the shell. Push to reinsert it after cleaning and inspection — or to reposition a stuck bundle during extraction. The dual-action capability means one machine covers the entire service cycle: extraction, handling, and reinstallation.

Diesel models: spark arrestors for hazardous areas, remote wireless controls (operator stays 10-20m away from the load), hydraulic load-sensing gauges with overload cutoff, vibration dampening, and automatic balance systems. Electric models add PLC-based automatic load monitoring, programmable overload protection, emergency stop functions, and zero-emission operation for confined spaces. All models carry CE certification and are built under ISO 9001 quality management. We also follow applicable ASME and API 660 standards for the exchanger service equipment category.