When splicing tubing by the inner sleeve method, what method can be used to insert a tight fitting inner sleeve into the replacement tube?

Inserting a tight-fitting inner sleeve into a replacement tube can be effectively achieved by chilling the sleeve with dry ice or in cold water. This method causes the material of the sleeve to contract, reducing its size and allowing easier insertion into the replacement tube. Once the sleeve is positioned where needed, it will return to its original size, creating a snug fit.

This is a common practice in tube splicing because it leverages the physical properties of materials, making it easier to fit parts together while ensuring a secure and reliable bond once the sleeve returns to temperature. The use of cold substances to facilitate assembly is widely applied in various engineering scenarios.

The other methods may not be as effective; for example, heating the sleeve could potentially expand it, leading to difficulties in insertion or an unstable fit. A hydraulic press might provide excessive force that could damage the sleeve or tube. Lubrication could create a loose fit that does not provide the level of stability needed in a splice joint. Thus, chilling is the preferred and most effective method in this scenario.