An apparatus and a method for loosening a tube section from a tube plate

An apparatus for loosening an electrically conductive tube section 4 from a tube plate 5 surrounding, at least partially, the tube section at its outer surface comprises: an electrode 6 which is adapted to be introduced into the tube section such that a longitudinal axis A of the electrode is at least in substance arranged in parallel to or collinear with a central axis C of the tube section; a motor 1 for rotating the electrode around the longitudinal axis of the electrode; a coupling element 3 for coupling the electrode to the motor, the coupling element being adapted to transmit a rotational movement of the motor, in particular of a motor shaft 9, to the electrode such that the electrode rotates around its longitudinal axis; and an electric voltage source 8 for providing an electric voltage between the electrode and the tube section, in particular for generating electric discharges between the electrode and the tube section, the voltage source having a first terminal 10 connectable to the electrode and a second terminal 11 connectable to the tube section. Electric discharges generated between the electrode and the tube section cause heating and plastic deformation of the tube section, allowing subsequent mechanical extraction of the tube section from the tube plate using a reduced pull force.