WO2011110844A1

WO2011110844A1 - Modular apparatus for extracting a heat exchanger bundle

Info

Publication number: WO2011110844A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/050456
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toby Ross
Original assignee: Ross Offshore Consultancy Limited
Priority date: 2010-03-08
Filing date: 2011-03-08
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: GB2478533A; EP2544853A1; GB201003798D0

Abstract

A modular extraction tool (1) for extracting a heat exchange bundle (21) from the shell (22) of a heat exchanger (19) is described. The extraction tool (1) comprises a brace frame (2) through which the heat exchanger bundle (21) is extracted. The brace frame (2) is formed from releasably connected, interchangeable brace members ( 3 ) so that it can be easily constructed and dismantled. The extraction tool (1) further comprises a load distribution frame (8) attached to a proximal side of the brace frame (2) and one or more heat exchanger shell engagement frames (14) attached to a distal side of the brace frame (2). A kit of parts for forming a modular extraction tool (1) and a method of extraction of heat exchanger bundles (21) using the modular extraction tool (1) is also described.

Description

Modular Apparatus for Extracting a Heat Exchanger Bundle

The present invention relates to the field of linear force application devices, i.e., devices to apply a force to one linearly elongated object so as to move it with respect to another, while at the same time retaining the second linearly elongated object in a static position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger bundle moving device and in particular one designed to pull a heat exchanger bundle from a horizontally elongated heat exchanger shell. Heat exchangers are used in chemical processing plants, such as petroleum refineries and distilling facilities for absorbing heat created by high temperature reactions. These heat exchangers utilise long metal tubes arranged in a cylindrical bundle. The bundles are generally heavy and vary in their diameter and length. For example, these bundles may be thirty centimetres to two meters in diameter, three to sixteen meters long and may have a weight of two to forty tons. An individual bundle is usually inserted into a horizontally disposed shell and coupled to an inlet and an outlet in the heat exchanger system which typically comprises multiple bundles. To facilitate heat exchange, fluid enters into a bundle from its inlet in the heat exchanger thereby flowing through the individual tubes of the bundle and exits via the outlet. Heat exchanger fluid flows through the shell, past the outside of the tubes before being collected for reuse or recycling. In practice the tube and shell fluids may travel through a series of horizontally stacked bundles before exiting the system. During use, the individual tubes of the bundle are subject to fouling and corrosion and also have a finite operating lifetime. Thus, each bundle in the heat exchanger requires regular maintenance of the individual tubes of the bundle and eventually replacement of the whole bundle is required. The physical size and weight of the bundles create significant obstacles for maintenance and replacement. For maintenance, the bundle must be removed from its shell by a bundle extractor. During this extraction process there is also a need to support and balance the bundle as it is pulled from the shell. These problems are compounded by the fact that the bundles vary in length and weight and that space is of a premium within a chemical processing plant where they are deployed. A heat exchanger bundle is typically removed from its shell by pulling on a bundle connector of the extractor that is arranged to exert a pulling force on a tube plate which is fixed to the ends of the tube bundle. Significant force is often required to break the bundle free from its shell due to normal product corrosion between the bundle and tube plate and the shell. A pulling mechanism such as a winch, hydraulic jack, or screw drive and motors are typically used with the bundle connector to break the bundle free. Once free, a crane and hoisting sling mechanism, as described for example in US patent number 3,658,191 , may be employed to support the bundle as it is being extracted from the shell. However, the use of hoisting slings is known to be cumbersome and can be dangerous for the personnel required to secure them in place. Alternatively, once the bundle is free from the shell it is known to locate the bundle on a sliding carriage mounted on a frame of the extractor such that the carriage can be moved along the frame as the bundle is pulled from the shell. Different types of equipment have been used to support the carriage and frame of the extractors in their operative position for pulling of heat exchanger tubes bundles. For example, US patent numbers. 3,836,015 and 4,053,062 disclose an aerial supported carriage and frame that is required to be lifted into position by a crane and which may be moved off site using the crane or a helicopter. Another approach is to mount the frame on a telescoping column of a truck bed, as disclosed in US patent numbers 4,575,305 and 5,403,145. Alternatively, US patent numbers 5,562,400 and 6,685,423 discloses extractors that utilise wheels or tracks, respectively, in conjunction with a drive means to provide a self-propelled bundle extractor. Extractors which require the use of cranes to position the frame at the shell of the heat exchanger bundle are not practical for use in areas with limited clearance between the heat exchanger unit and other structures. Similarly, extractors mounted on truck beds and, to a lesser extent, self-propelled bundle extractors also suffer from the same space concerns. In these limited clearance areas, there may not be adequate space to manoeuvre or position a crane, truck or self-propelled bundle extractor between the structures. Over and above the above issues of space, extractor systems described in the prior art require the employment of large motors to extract the bundle. Such motors are expensive to run and so add to the overall running costs of the heat exchangers. Furthermore, these extractor systems often require the use of two or more personnel which again adds to the operating costs. It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate the foregoing disadvantages of the extractor systems known in the art. Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular extraction tool for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the modular extraction tool comprising a brace frame through which the heat exchange bundle is extracted, wherein the brace frame is formed from a plurality of releasably connected brace members. Employing a modular extraction tool having a brace frame through which the heat exchange bundle is extracted and formed from a plurality of releasably connected brace members allows the tool to be quickly and easily constructed and dismantled at locations where space is of a premium. The brace members are preferably interchangeable such that they can be assembled in any order so as to form the bace frame. The formation of the releasably connected brace members into the brace frame also provides the modular extraction tool with sufficient mechanical strength so as to allow for the safe extraction of the heat exchange bundle without the need to employ a crane and hoisting sling mechanism or a frame mounted sliding carriage. The brace frame may further comprise two runners releasably attached to a side of the frame. In use the side to which the runners are attached defines the lower side of the modular extraction tool. Optionally the modular extraction tool comprises two or more brace frames. Employing two or more brace frames allows for the length of the modular extraction tool to be varied so that it may be deployed to extract heat exchange bundles of varying lengths. It is preferable for each of the plurality of brace members to have the same physical dimensions. By employing brace members having the same physical dimensions the skill required to construct the brace frame is reduced. In a similar manner the costs in producing the modular extraction tool are also reduced. The brace frame may comprise ten brace members arranged so as to form an open sided cube. In this arrangement the open side of the cube defines a distal side of the brace frame while the side opposite to the distal side defines a proximal side. The brace members preferably comprise a length of tubing having first shaped flanges attached at opposite ends. The first shaped flanges may be rectangular flanges. It is preferable for the brace members to further comprise two second shaped flanges attached to the length of tubing. The second shaped flanges may be L-shaped flanges attached such that they cover sections of the same two sides of the length of tubing. It is preferable for the modular extraction tool to further comprise a load distribution frame releasably attached to a proximal side of the brace frame. The incorporation of a load distribution frame acts to transfer the loads experienced when extracting the heat exchange bundle through the brace frame. Preferably the load distribution frame comprises a flange plate upon which is mounted a first shackle. The load distribution frame may further comprise one or more lengths of tube employed to releasably connect the flange plate to the brace frame. It is preferable for the one or more lengths of tube to comprise a third flange that provides a means of attaching the length of tube to the flange plate. The third flange may be square shaped. It is preferable for the one or more lengths of tube to comprise a fourth flange that provides a means of attaching the length of tube to the brace frame. The fourth flange may have an irregular pentagon shape. The modular extraction tool may further comprise one or more shell engagement frames releasably attached to a distal side of the brace frame. The incorporation of the one or more shell engagement frames acts to transfer the loads experienced when extracting the heat exchange bundle from the brace frame to the shell. Preferably the one or more shell engagement frames comprise a brace member attached to which are one or more reaction flanges. The modular extraction tool may further comprise a tube plate engagement frame suitable for attachment to a tube plate of the heat exchange bundle. Preferably the tube plate engagement frame comprises a second shackle that provides a means for attaching the tube plate engagement frame to a winch. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts that can be assembled to form an extraction tool for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the kit of parts comprising a plurality of brace members having one or more releasable attachment means that enable the brace members to be assembled into a brace frame through which the heat exchange bundle is extracted. The brace members are preferably interchangeable such that they can be assembled in any order so as to form the bace frame. The kit of parts may further comprise two runners suitable for releasable attachment to a side of the brace frame. Optionally the plurality of brace members enables the assembly of two or more brace frames. It is preferable for each of the plurality of brace members to have the same physical dimensions. The kit of parts may comprise ten brace members so as to enable the assembly of an open sided cube. The one or more releasable attachment means preferably comprise first shaped flanges attached at opposite ends of the brace member. The first shaped flanges may be rectangular flanges. It is preferable for the one or more releasable attachment means to further comprise two second shaped flanges located along the length of the bracing member. The second shaped flanges may be L-shaped flanges attached such that they cover sections of the same two sides of the bracing member. It is preferable for the kit of parts to further comprise one or more angled members having one or more releasable attachment means and a flange plate, the one or more releasable attachment means enabling the one or more angled members and the flange plate to be assembled into a load distribution frame for releasable attachment to a proximal side of the brace frame. Preferably the flange plate comprises a first shackle. It is preferable for the one or more releasable attachment means to comprise a third flange that provides a means of attaching the angular member to the flange plate. The third flange may be square shaped. It is preferable for the one or more releasable attachment means to comprise a fourth flange that provides a means of attaching the angular members to the proximal side of the brace frame. The fourth flange may have an irregular pentagon shape. The kit of parts may further comprise one or more reaction flanges that enable the brace members and the one or more reaction flanges to be assembled into one or more releasable shell engagement frames. The kit of parts may further comprise a tube plate engagement frame suitable for attachment to a tube plate of the heat exchange bundle. Preferably the tube plate engagement frame comprises a second shackle that provides a means for attaching the tube plate engagement frame to a winch. Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of

-constructing an extraction tool at the location of the heat exchanger; and

-employing the extraction tool to extract the heat exchange bundle. Preferably the step of constructing an extraction tool comprises constructing a modular extraction tool in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Most preferably the step of constructing an extraction tool comprises constructing an extraction tool from the kit of parts in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention. Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features of the first or second aspects of the invention to implement preferred or optional additional method steps. Brief Description of Drawings

Aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 presents a schematic perspective view of a modular extraction tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 presents a schematic perspective view of the modular extraction tool of Figure 1 deployed with a heat exchanger; Figure 3 presents a schematic perspective view of a modular extraction tool in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 presents a schematic perspective view of a modular extraction tool in accordance with a yet further alternative embodiment of the present invention deployed with a heat exchanger. Detailed Description

Figure 1 presents a schematic perspective view of a modular extraction tool 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The modular extraction tool 1 can be seen to comprise a brace frame 2, the brace frame 2 being constructed from ten identical, releasably attached and interchangeable brace members 3 arranged such that the brace frame 2 exhibits a substantially cube shape. Each brace member 3 comprises a length of box tubing 4, having a substantially square cross section, two rectangular flanges 5 located at either end of the box tubing 4 and two L-shaped flanges 6 located towards opposite ends of the box tubing 4 and arranged to cover sections of the same two sides of the box tubing 4. It is the arrangement of the rectangular flanges 5 and the L-shaped flanges 6 that allow the ten brace members 3 to be releasably and interchangeably attached e.g. bolted together so as to form the brace frame 2. The L-shaped flanges 6 also provide a means for releasably and interchangeably attaching two runners 7 along one side of the brace frame 2. It should be appreciated that the side of the brace frame 2 which is incomplete defines its distal end while the side to which the runners 7 are attached defines the lower side the brace frame 2 when the modular extraction tool 1 is in use, as described in further detail below. Located at the proximal end of the brace frame 2 is a releasably mounted load distribution frame 8. In the presently described embodiment the load distribution frame 8 comprises four sections of angled box tubing 9 and a flange plate 10 attached to which is a first shackle 1 1 . Each of the sections of angled box tubing 9 comprise a square flange 12 at one end and an irregular pentagon shaped flange 13 at the other. The square flanges 12 allow the sections of angled box tubing 9 to be releasably attached to the flange plate 10 such that the first shackle 1 1 is positioned towards the brace frame 2 when the irregular pentagon shaped flanges 13 are releasably attached to the four rectangular flanges 5 that project from the proximal end of the brace frame 2. Located at the distal end of the brace frame 2 are two releasably attached shell engagement frames 14. Each shell engagement frame 14 can be seen to comprise a brace member 3 attached to each end of which, via the rectangular flanges 5, are corner brackets 15. Bolted to the L-shaped flanges 6 of the brace frame 2 are two reaction flanges 16. The corner brackets 15 provide the means for releasably attaching the shell engagement frame 14 to the rectangular flanges 5 such that the shell engagement frames 14 are located across the open edges of the distal end of the brace frame 2. In so doing the reaction flanges 16 are orientated so as to face away from the brace frame 2. The final component of the modular extraction tool 1 is a tube plate engagement frame 17. The tube plate engagement frame 1 can be seen to comprise a tube plate connector 18 attached to which is a second shackle 1 1 . When the tube plate connector 18 is deployed with a tube plate of a bundle to be extracted from a shell the second shackle 1 1 is orientated towards the brace frame 2. As described in further detail below, the function of the brace frame 2 is to transmit reaction forces produced during the extraction process from the load distribution frame 8 onto the shell engagement frames 14. The described brace frame 2 of the preferred embodiment comprises an open sided cube structure. It will be appreciated that alternative frame structures having a various shaped cross sections (e.g. triangle, rectangular, pentagon, hexagon etc.) may alternatively be employed to achieve this function. However all of these embodiments are less preferable since corresponding changes would be required to be made to the flanges of the corresponding brace members e.g. pivotally mounted and/or greater skill would be required by the operator for their construction. In further alternative embodiments it will be appreciated by the skilled reader that the number of shell engagement frames 14 may be varied and/or the number of reaction flanges 16 mounted on the shall engagement frames 14 may also be varied. In a similar manner the number of the number of sections of angled box tubing 9 may also be varied however this would reduce the effectiveness of the load transferred from the load distribution frame 8 to the brace frame 2. Similarly the number of runners 7 incorporated within the brace frame 2 may be more or less than two. The lengths of box tubing 4 and angled box tubing 9 may also be replaced with corresponding solid components, although it is appreciated that this would act to increase the weight of these components. Each of the component parts of the modular extraction tool 1 are designed such that they weigh less than 25kg. This is important for health and safety reasons since 25kg is the maximum permitted weight that a single operator is permitted to lift. Thus, by so limiting the weight of each of components of the modular extraction tool 1 the tool can be constructed and dismantled by a single operator, as will now be described in further detail with reference to Figure 2. In the first instance, the brace frame 2 is constructed from its component parts, as described above, at the location of the heat exchanger 19 with which it is to be deployed. The tube plate engagement frame 17 is then attached to the tube plate 20 of the heat exchanger bundle 21 to be extracted. This is achieved via the tube plate connector 18. With the brace frame 2 located in close proximity to the heat exchanger bundle 21 the two shell engagement frames 14 are constructed and attached to the distal end of the brace frame 2 such the reaction flanges 16 abut the shell 22 of the heat exchanger 19. The load distribution frame 8 is then constructed upon the proximal end of the brace frame 2. Finally, a winch (not shown) is then connected to the second shackle 1 1 b with the winch line initially been threaded through the first shackle 1 1 a. It will be appreciated that the employment of different flange types e.g. the rectangular flanges 5, the L-shaped flanges 6, the square flanges 12 and the irregular pentagon shaped flanges 13, assists in the construction of the modular extraction tool 1 since it is relatively simple for an operator to identify where each end of the various components should be attached. This obviously reduces the risk of the modular extraction tool 1 being constructed incorrectly. Operation of the winch acts to provide a substantially horizontal linear force to the bundle 21 . The bundle 21 is therefore pulled from the shell and guided along the runners 7 located within the brace frame 2. The reaction forces created during this process are transmitted via the load distribution frame 8 through the brace frame 2 and onto the shell engagement frames 14. Since the shell engagement frames 14 abut the shell 22 the reaction forces are transferred to the shell 22 and not the bundle 21 being extracted thus reducing the chance of the bundle 21 being damaged during the extraction process. Given the variation on the outer diameter of the bundle 21 , stabilising blocks (not shown) may be located between the extracted bundle 21 and the runners 7 so as to maintain the bundle 21 in a substantially horizontal orientation and therefore further assist in reducing the potential for damage to the bundle 21. The winch mechanism may be a hand cable puller winch such that the construction, operation and dismantling of the modulation extraction tool can be carried out by a single operator without the need for a dedicated drive source. Alternatively an automated winch mechanism could be employed. Once the required work has been carried out on the bundle 21 and it has been housed again with the shell 22 the modular extraction tool 1 can be simply dismantled and efficiently stored away until it is required to be deployed again. It will be readily apparent that the modular nature of the described tool allows for the length of the modular extraction tool 1 to be varied. This is demonstrated with reference to Figures 3 and 4 which present a schematic perspective view of a modular extraction tool 1 b and 1 c comprising of two brace frames 2 and five brace frames 2, respectively. Each additional brace frame 2 is simply incorporated by attaching its distal end to the proximal end of the previous brace frame 2. Once the required number of brace frames 2 are present then the load distribution frame 8 is attached to the proximal end of the last brace frame 2, as previously described. In this way, the modular extraction tool 1 may readily be adapted for use with heat exchangers 19, and hence bundles 21 , of a variety of lengths and weight. The described modular extracting tool offers a number of advantages over those described in the prior art. In the first instance its modular nature allows the component parts to be efficiently stored when the device is not in use. The modular nature also allows the tool to be constructed in small inaccessible areas. These features are particularly advantageous in chemical processing plants where space is of a premium. The modular nature of the apparatus also allows for construction, operation and dismantling by a single operator. Each of the components are designed to weigh less than 25 kilograms therefore allowing Health & Safety requirements with respect to lifting of equipment to be met. The incorporation of various flange designs also assists in simplifying the construction of the tool and thus avoids mistakes being made by an operator during the construction process. Once used or if required to be deployed in an alternative location the modular nature allows the extraction tool to be simply dismantled and stored away or quickly reassembled, as appropriate. A further advantage of the described apparatus is that by employing a hand operated winch to manoeuvre the bundle the operating costs of the described apparatus is significantly cheaper than those described in the prior art. A modular extraction tool for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger is described. The extraction tool comprises a brace frame through which the heat exchanger bundle is extracted. The brace frame is formed from releasably connected, interchangeable brace members so that it can be easily constructed and dismantled. The extraction tool further comprises a load distribution frame attached to a proximal side of the brace frame and one or more heat exchanger shell engagement frames attached to a distal side of the brace frame. A kit of parts for forming a modular extraction tool and a method of extraction of heat exchanger bundles using the modular extraction tool is also described. The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1 ) A modular extraction tool for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the modular extraction tool comprising a brace frame through which the heat exchange bundle is extracted, wherein the brace frame is formed from a plurality of releasably connected brace members. 2) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the releasably connected brace members are interchangeable. 3) A modular extraction tool as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the brace frame further comprises two runners releasably attached to a side of the frame. 4) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the

modular extraction tool comprises two or more brace frames. 5) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the

plurality of brace members have the same physical dimensions. 6) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the brace frame comprises ten brace members arranged so as to form an open sided cube. 7) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the brace members comprise a length of tubing having first shaped flanges attached at opposite ends. 8) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first shaped flanges are rectangular shaped flanges. 9) A modular extraction tool as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8 wherein the brace

members further comprise two second shaped flanges attached to the length of tubing. 10) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 9 wherein the second shaped flanges are L-shaped flanges attached such that they cover sections of the same two sides of the length of tubing. 1 1 ) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the modular extraction tool further comprises a load distribution frame releasably attached to a proximal side of the brace frame. 12) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the load distribution frame comprises a flange plate upon which is mounted a first shackle. 13) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 12 wherein the load distribution frame further comprises one or more lengths of tube employed to releasably connect the flange plate to the brace frame. 14) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 13 wherein the one or more lengths of tube comprise a third flange that provides a means of attaching the length of tube to the flange plate. 15) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 14 wherein the third flange is square shaped. 16) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the one or more lengths of tube comprise a fourth flange that provides a means of attaching the length of tube to the brace frame. 17) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 16 wherein the fourth flange is an

irregular pentagon shape. 18) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the

modular extraction tool further comprises one or more shell engagement frames releasably attached to a distal side of the brace frame. 19) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 18 wherein the one or more shell

engagement frames comprises a brace member attached to which are one or more reaction flanges. 20) A modular extraction tool as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the modular extraction tool further comprises a tube plate engagement frame suitable for attachment to a tube plate of the heat exchange bundle. 21 ) A modular extraction tool as claimed in claim 20 wherein the tube plate engagement frame comprises a second shackle that provides a means for attaching the tube plate engagement frame to a winch. 22) A kit of parts that can be assembled to form an extraction tool for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the kit of parts comprising plurality of brace members having one or more releasable attachment means that enable the brace members to be assembled into a brace frame through which the heat exchange bundle can be extracted. 23) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 22 wherein the kit of parts further comprises on or more runners suitable for releasable attachment to a side of the brace frame. 24) A kit of parts as claimed in either of claims 22 or 23 wherein the plurality of brace members enables the assembly of two or more brace frames. 25) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24 wherein the plurality of brace

members have the same physical dimensions. 26) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25 wherein the kit of parts further comprises ten brace members so as to enable the assembly of a brace frame in the form of an open sided cube. 27) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26 wherein the one or more releasable attachment means comprise first shaped flanges attached at opposite ends of the brace member. 28) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 27 wherein the first shaped flanges are rectangular shaped flanges. 29) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 28 wherein the one or more releasable attachment comprises two second shaped flanges located along the length of the bracing member. 30) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 29 wherein the second shaped flanges are L-shaped flanges attached such that they cover sections of the same two sides of the bracing member. 31 ) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 30 wherein the kit of parts further

comprises one or more angled members having one or more releasable attachment means and a flange plate the one or more releasable attachment means enabling the one or more angled members and the flange plate to be assembled into a load distribution frame for releasable attachment to a proximal side of the brace frame. 32) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 31 wherein the flange plate comprises a first shackle. 33) A kit of parts as claimed in either of claims 31 or 32 wherein the one or more

releasable attachment means comprises a third flange that provides a means of attaching the angular member to the flange plate. 34) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 33 wherein the third flange is square shaped. 35) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 31 to 34 wherein the one or more releasable attachment means comprises a fourth flange that provides a means of attaching the angular members to the proximal side of the brace frame. 36) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 35 wherein the fourth flange is an irregular pentagon shape. 37) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 36 wherein the kit of parts further

comprises one or more reaction flanges that enable the brace members and the one or more reaction flanges to be assembled into one or more releasable shell engagement frames. 38) A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 37 wherein the kit of parts further comprises a tube plate engagement frame suitable for attachment to a tube plate of the heat exchange bundle. 39) A kit of parts as claimed in claim 38 wherein the tube plate engagement frame

comprises a second shackle that provides a means for attaching the tube plate engagement frame to a winch. 40) A method for extracting a heat exchange bundle from the shell of a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of

-constructing an extraction tool at the location of the heat exchanger; and

-employing the modular extraction tool to extract the heat exchange bundle. 41 ) A method for extracting a heat exchange bundle as claimed in claim 40 wherein the step of constructing an extraction tool comprises constructing a modular extraction tool as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21 . 42) A method for extracting a heat exchange bundle as claimed in either claim 40 or 41 wherein the step of constructing an extraction tool comprises constructing an extraction tool from a kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 22 to 39.