Why Choose Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes
Extend the Life of Your Steam Surface Condensers and Heat Exchangers
Are you tired of dealing with hazardous vibrations in your condensers and heat exchangers that lead to vibration-induced tube failures? Whether it’s a fracture or a catastrophic failure, you can’t afford an unexpected shutdown plus the cost of repairs.
Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes have been developed specifically to eliminate vibration-induced tube failures by locking the tubes into a rigid, vibration-free assembly. The design has been tested, proven, and used in thousands of installations worldwide.
Pioneered and patented by Bob Hahn, Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes are now offered exclusively through AES. Millions have been installed since the product launch, and AES has a proven record of success with installation and implementation. There has not been one reported tube failure as a result of vibration where Cradle-Lock® stakes have been installed.
See why you should trust Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes to reduce damage and failures in your condenser tubes and heat exchangers. Less downtime, fewer unexpected repairs, and better all around efficiency.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Installing Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes from AES
Custom-Engineered
Cradle-Lock® stakes are not one-size-fits-all. They are custom-engineered to match your tube-bundle configuration: tube pitch, spacing, tube material, and support-plate layout are all taken into account. This custom-engineered process ensures the safety and protection your plant needs, so operations can continue without interruptions or unexpected delays.
Unique “Cradle” Design
What sets Cradle-Lock® apart? The “dimples” or indentations provide an interference fit that locks the tube and stake into a unified vibration-free unit. The stake “cradles” the tube on both sides, preventing horizontal vibration and reducing vertical tube movement. This, compared to conventional stakes that often offer only a single point of contact, makes a huge difference in protection. Plus, increased contact surface area means better vibration dampening and lower risk of tube fatigue/failure.
Simple Installation and Maintenance
Cradle-Lock® stakes reduce the need for additional wiring, bolting, bands, or other fasteners, making installation faster and cleaner. This fast installation process, expedited by the experienced crew at AES, helps you reduce downtime and offers protection when you need it most. And because the stakes lock firmly into place, they resist shifting or backing out over time, cutting maintenance costs and risk of re-work.
When Should You Consider Cradle-Lock® Stakes?
Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes are available whenever you need them. However, there are some opportune times when calling for a quote is a good idea to offer better protection to your plant’s operation. Consider calling AES in any of the following situations.
- When a retubing project introduces thinner-wall tubes such as Titanium, Sea-Cure®, AL-6XN, or other exotic alloy tubes.
- To eliminate tube damage when increased steam flows are introduced.
- As part of a power uprate project, to protect tube bundles against higher steam velocities.
- To accommodate excessive support plate spacing, especially if the condenser was fabricated prior to 1977, preceding HEI support plate specifications.
The Smart Investment: Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes
Risk Reduction: No reported tube failures due to vibration in systems using Cradle-Lock® stakes.
Longevity: Extends the service life of your tube bundle by limiting fatigue and vibration wear.
Cost-savings: Fewer unplanned outages, reduced maintenance interventions, and fewer emergency repairs.
Precision Fit: Because each stake is engineered to your bundle, the solution is optimized for your plant’s unique configuration.
Expert Support: The team at American Efficiency Services can assist with vibration analysis, inspection, and specification of stakes tailored to your needs.
Get Your Quote on Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes
If you’re dealing with condensation or heat-exchanger tubes that may be exposed to elevated flow velocities, thinner-walled alloys, or older support plate configurations, the Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes offer an improvement in system reliability and performance.
By choosing stakes that “lock” the tubes into a unified, vibration-resistant assembly, you reduce the potential for tube failure, costly interruptions, and unplanned downtime.
Ready to take the next step? Contact American Efficiency Services today to discuss your bundle configuration, conduct a vibration risk assessment, and explore how Cradle-Lock® stakes can safeguard your system for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes used for?
Cradle-Lock® Anti-Vibration Tube Stakes are designed to eliminate vibration-induced tube failures in condensers and heat exchangers by locking tubes into a rigid, vibration-free assembly.
How are Cradle-Lock® stakes different from traditional tube supports?
Unlike conventional stakes that contact the tube at a single point, Cradle-Lock® stakes “cradle” the tube on both sides with a unique dimpled design, preventing horizontal and vertical vibration for superior protection.
How can I get a quote or installation support for Cradle-Lock® Tube Stakes?
Contact American Efficiency Services (AES) to discuss your bundle configuration, schedule a vibration risk assessment, and receive a customized quote tailored to your system’s needs.
American Efficiency Services
American Efficiency Services was founded in 2001 to provide quality, satisfaction-guaranteed helium leak detection services to the power generation marketplace. AES has grown in sales, staff, and scope each year since its founding and now has offices in Maryland, Missouri, Florida, and Texas to serve customers across the nation – and the world – 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
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