When expanding tubes in boilers, heat exchangers, condensers or any tubed vessel, we strongly recommend that a lubricant be used. This will assist with a smoother rolling action and will promote a longer tooling life by reducing heat build-up. It doesn’t matter what tube size or what type of tube material is being expanded – non-ferrous, carbon steels, stainless etc; using the right lubricant will help.

 

Never use mineral-based oil for this purpose. An oily residue between the tube and the tube sheet hole has been known to destroy the expanded joint when the vessel returns to service.We have a water-based compound that has been especially formulated for expanding work – Code 95. It can be used straight from the container or if necessary, it can be diluted to suit the application.