Band clamp guard

Abstract

A system for protecting tubes in a heat recovery system is provided. Such tubes are often protected by shielding that is attached thereto the tubes by a plurality of band clamps. Each band clamp is associated with a guard that protects the same from the hot gases traveling through the field of tubes. In addition, an automated tool is provided for tensioning the bands about the shields. The automated tool allows the band clamps to be properly interconnected to the shields in a preferred manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A combination band clamp and guard, comprising:
 a band clamp comprised of a band having a buckle associated with one end and a free end;   a guard having a first end and a second end, said first end of said guard located adjacent to said buckle and said second end spaced from said first end wherein said guard contacts at least a portion of said band.   
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said band end that is adjacent to said buckle and said free end of said band include a curled portion. 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said guard further comprises a first jog positioned adjacent to said first end and a second jog positioned adjacent to said second end. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said guard is arcuate and adapted to engage an outer surface of a shield positioned about a tube in a boiler, said jogs engaging outer edges of the shield. 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said guard includes a first opening spaced from said first end and a second opening spaced from said second end, said first opening and said second opening receiving said band such that the majority of said guard is located on one side of said band clamp. 
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said guard and said band are comprised of the same materials. 
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said guard and said band are interconnected. 
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 7 , wherein said band and guard are welded together such that the position of said guard relative to said band is maintained. 
     
     
         9 . A method of shielding a tube comprising:
 providing a shield about at least a portion of the tube;   providing a band clamp having a first free end and a second end having a buckle;   providing a clamp guard interconnected to said band clamp;   placing said band clamp and guard about said shield;   placing said free end of said band into said buckle; and   pulling said free end of said band relative to said buckle to tensioned band about said shield.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising severing said free end of said band; 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said tensioning is provided by a tool, said tool receiving the free end of said band within a mandrel that is selectively spun to tension the band and guard about the shield and an associated tube. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said guard and said band are welded together such that the position of said guard relative to said band is maintained during tensioning. 
     
     
         13 . The combination of  claim 9 , wherein said guard includes a first opening spaced from said first end and a second opening spaced from said second end, said first opening and said second opening receiving said band such that the majority of said guard is located on one side of said band clamp. 
     
     
         14 . The combination of  claim 9 , wherein said guard further comprises a first jog positioned adjacent to said first end and a second jog positioned adjacent to said second end. 
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 14 , wherein said guard is arcuate and adapted to engage an outer surface of a shield, said jogs engaging outer edges of the shield.