AU2012205257B2 - An insulated ventilation enclosure system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an insulated ventilation enclosure system comprising a plurality of insulating panels arranged to form an enclosure, the insulating panels arranged such that upon pressurization of the interior of the enclosure, an air gap is defined between the inner and outer layers of the insulating panels and a continuous flow of air passes through a plurality of apertures disposed within the inner and outer layers of the insulating panels.

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: Robert Morley ACTUAL INVENTOR: Robert Morley ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA. INVENTION TITLE: "AN INSULATED VENTILATION ENCLOSURE SYSTEM" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2011902927 filed on 22 July 2011 The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us: TITLE "AN INSULATED VENTILATION ENCLOSURE SYSTEM" [0001] The present invention relates to an insulated ventilation enclosure system. [00021 Ventilation enclosures are operated in a number of industries where there is the risk of an explosion or fire through hydrocarbons coming in to contact with sparks or flames associated with normal hot work activities. [0003] Ventilation enclosures suffer from a serious problem wherein the enclosed space heats rapidly particularly where the enclosure receives full sunlight. It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach in excess of 45 degrees Celsius. [0004] The high operating temperatures of the enclosure have detrimental effects on any worker operating inside the enclosure. When the interior of the enclosure reaches 45 degrees a worker can only work for a maximum of 20 minutes before the risk of heat stroke becomes severe. [0005] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous ventilation enclosures. [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulated ventilation enclosure system comprising a plurality of insulating panels arranged to the form an enclosure, the insulating panels comprising an inner layer and an internal layer and an outer layer, the plurality of layers being attached to the inner layer by a line of stitching, disposed on the inner layer are a plurality of apertures, such that upon pressurization of the interior of the enclosure, an air gap is defined between the inner and outer layers and a continuous flow of air passes through the apertures and the line of stitching. 2 [0007] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an insulated ventilation enclosure panel in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a double glazed window panel in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a corner hanger in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4 is a access panel in accordance with the present invention. [0008] Referring to the Figures, there is shown an insulated ventilation enclosure panel 10. The ventilation enclosure panels 10 preferably being arranged in a system to form an enclosure. The insulated ventilation enclosure panel 10 shown in figure 1 can be any rectangular shape. The insulated ventilation enclosure panel 10 comprises a plurality of layers. [0009] Preferably, the panel comprises an inner 12 and an outer layer 14 of polymeric material such as Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) with the material being chosen for its flame retardant nature and strength characteristics and at least one internal layer 13 of an insulating material disposed between the inner 12 and outer layer 14. [0010] Preferably the insulating material is chosen for it qualities of reflecting radiated heat and strength. More preferably, the insulating material consists of aluminium and polymer material composite sheeting such as RetroshieldTM. [0011] The inner layer 12 has adjacent sides and respective opposite sides. Located along a substantial length of two adjacent sides 16 and 18 of the inner layer 12 are secondary fastening means 20 such as a hook and loop fastener material. Along internal edges 22 of both the secondary fastening means 20 run a set of primary fastening means 24 respectively such as a zip fastener. Along a substantial length of the opposing two adjacent sides 26 and 28 are respective primary fastening means 24. [0012] All other layers of the panel are attached to the inner layer by a line of stitching 3 42. Preferably the stitching consists of a polytetraflouroethylene material. [0013] More preferably, the insulated ventilation enclosure panel's outer layer 14 comprises a light coloured polymeric material to prevent as much absorption of heat from light as possible. [0014] Arranged in the inner layer 12 of the panel is a plurality of apertures 32. Preferably any internal layers 13 within the panel also comprise a plurality of apertures 32. [00151 Figure 2 shows a double glazed window panel in accordance of the present invention. The double glazed panel may be of any rectangular shape. [00161 The double glazed panels 34 comprise an inner layer 12 preferably consisting of a poly vinyl chloride material with a cut away interior 36 and at least two glazing layers 38 and 40 consisting of a clear poly vinyl chloride material. The centrally disposed clear glazing layers 38 and 40 allow light to pass through the double glazed panel 34 without loosing intensity. The at least two clear glazing layers 38 and 40 are attached to the inner layer via a line of stitching 42. [0017] The inner layer 12 has adjacent outer sides 16 and 18 and respective opposite outer sides 26 and 28. Located along a substantial length of two adjacent outer sides 16 and 18 of the inner layer 12 are secondary fastening means 20 such as a hook and loop fastener material. Along internal edges 22 of both the secondary fastening means 20 run a set of primary fastening means 22 respectively such as a zip fastener. Along a substantial length of the respective opposite outer sides 26 and 28 are respective primary fastening means 20. [0018] The inner layer 12 of the double glazed panel 34 comprises a plurality of apertures 32. 4 [00191 Figure 3 shows a corner hanger 44 in accordance with the present invention. Along one edge 46 of at least one panel 48 of the corner hanger is a primary fastener 20 of the present invention. Disposed on an opposing edge 50 of at least one opposing panel 52 is a primary fastener 20 of the present invention. Both panels 46 and 52 are stitched together and an opening 54 is provided substantially along the length of the corner hanger 44. The opening 54 is arranged to receive a rod (not shown) to stiffen the corner hanger 44. The corner hanger 44 preferably comprises a poly vinyl chloride material. [0020] Figure 4 shows an access panel in accordance with the present invention. The access panel being provided a plurality of sealable openings to allow the access to the interior of the enclosure, such as an access door 60 or circular access panels 64. Preferably the access panel is provided with at least one window panel 62 to allow light to enter the enclosure. Preferably to window panel 62 is arranged similar to the double glazed window panel 34 of the present invention. [0021] Preferably, the access door 60 is arranged to engage with an air lock system. In this manner access may be gained to the insulated ventilation enclosure while hot work is being undertaken without the risk of fire or explosion. [0022] Preferably, the circular access panels 64 are provided with a primary fastening means, therein allowing the fastening means to be undone to allow cables or piping to pass through the access panel prior to the fastening means being refastened around the cables or piping to leave the minimum amount of gap between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior environment. [0023] In use, a ventilation enclosure is constructed by bringing various panels 10, 34 and 44 of the present invention together in order such that a large enough space to complete a required task is enclosed. Attached to the enclosure is a source of ventilation (not shown) capable of pressuring the enclosure. 5 [0024] The enclosure 54 is arranged that once supplied with a sufficient inflow of air to maintain pressurisation, a stream of air continuously issues from each seam of every panel. The constant issuing of air from each seam prevents any hydrocarbons from the environment surrounding the enclosure from entering the enclosure. [0025] Once the enclosure has become pressurised air will pass from the interior of the enclosure through the apertures in the insulation panel 10 and double glazed panels 34. This air will become trapped in the spaced apart inner 12 and outer layers 14 causing them to separate creating an air gap 54 between the panels. The stitching 44 joining the outer layer 14 to the inner 12 and internal layers 13 is arranged to allow air to leak through, thereby allowing the passage of air out of the air gap 54. [0026] As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art this forms an air gap 54 between the inner 12 and outer layers 14 of the panels thereby preventing conduction of heat from the outer layer 14 to the inner layer 12 and into the enclosure 54. [0027] Secondly, the air gap 54 and the constant flow of air through it, prevent air that has been heated by convection entering the enclosure. As the outer layer 14 warms under the sun it will act to heat the air within the air gap 54, however, the constant flow of air from the interior of the enclosure through the apertures 32 in the inner layer 12 and finally out through the stitching 42 causes this warmed air to be expelled from the air gap 54. [0028] Finally, the internal layers 13 arranged between the inner 12 and outer layer 14 of the panel is preferably of a material that is capable of preventing the transfer of radiated heat. As such any heat radiated by the outer layer 14 is prevented from passing to the inner layer 12 and the enclosure. [0029] Further an in accordance with the present invention the enclosure may include a number of double glazed panels 34 of the present invention. The doubled glazed panels 34 allow light into the enclosure so that artificial sources of light may not be needed 6 inside the enclosure. [0030] In a similar manner to the insulted panel 10 described above, the double glazed panel 34 has disposed on the inner glazing layer 38 a plurality of apertures 32. [0031] When formed into an enclosure and when the interior of the enclosure is pressurised there will be a continuous stream of air flowing through the apertures 32. As air passes between the apertures 32 of the inner glazing layer 38 and the stitching 42 of the outer glazing layer 40, an air gap 54 is formed within the panel 34. [0032] The air gap 54 acts to separate the inner glazing 38 and outer glazing layer 40 such the heat transfer through conduction is prevented. Further, the air gap 54 acts to prevent heat transfer through convection. As the air in the gap 54 comes into contact with the outer glazing layer 40 it will be heated and that heat transferred through convection. The constant flow of air through the air gap 54 will cause this heated air to be expelled through the stitching 42 in the outer glazing layer 40 of the double glazed panel 34. [00331 The corner hanger 44 of the present invention is arranged where two panels of the present invention meet at a corner. The corner hanger 44 allows the enclosure to be assembled with rod placed through the opening 54 providing stiffening to maintain the shape of the enclosure prior to the enclosure being pressurised. [0034] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 7

Claims (21)

1. An insulated ventilation enclosure system comprising a plurality of insulating panels arranged to the form an enclosure, the insulating panels comprising an inner layer and an internal layer and an outer layer, the plurality of layers being attached to the inner layer by a line of stitching, disposed on the inner layer are a plurality of apertures, such that upon pressurization of the interior of the enclosure, an air gap is defined between the inner and outer layers and a continuous flow of air passes through the apertures and the line of stitching.

2. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to claim 1, wherein the insulation panels are provided with primary and secondary fastening means enabling them to be securely joined together wherein engaging a primary fastening means of one panel to a primary fastening means of a second panel enables a secondary fastening means on the first panel to engage a complementary secondary fastening means on a second panel.

3. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the internal layer comprises an insulating material chosen for it qualities of reflecting and radiating heat.

4. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the ventilation enclosure system further comprises at least one window panel.

5. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the window panel comprises an inner layer and an outer layer of a clear material substantially allowing light to pass there through, the inner and the outer layer being joined by a line of stitching.

6. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the window panel further comprises an internal layer of a clear material substantially 8 allowing light to pass there through.

7. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 5, wherein disposed on the inner layer are a plurality of apertures, such that upon pressurization of the interior of the enclosure, an air gap is defined between the inner and outer layers and a continuous flow of air passes through the apertures and the line of stitching

8. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the insulated ventilation enclosure further comprises at least one corner hanger.

9. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the corner hanger has disposed along one edge a primary fastener.

10. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the corner hanger has disposed along an opposing edge a primary fastener.

11. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 9 or 10, wherein the corner hanger is provided substantially along its entire length with an opening.

12. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the opening in the corner hanger is arranged to receive a rod to stiffen the corner hanger.

13. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the ventilated enclosure system further comprises an access panel.

14. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the access panel further comprises at least one window portion. 9

15. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the access panel further comprises at least one cable access panel.

16. An insulated ventilation enclosure system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the access panel further comprises at least one door panel arranged, in use, to engage a air lock.

17. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the primary fastening means of the panels, comprise a zip fastener.

18. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary fastening means of the panels, comprise a hook and loop fastener.

19. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the primary and secondary fastening means are arranged to withstand forces exerted against the panels when the ventilation enclosure is pressurised above one atmosphere.

20. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure is arranged to be a hot work enclosure.

21. An insulated ventilation enclosure system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure is arranged to be an isolation enclosure. 10