EP1337781A1

EP1337781A1 - Insulation arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP1337781A1
Application number: EP01978475A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arto Laasanen; Kari VALKEAPÄÄ
Original assignee: Adiabatix Ltd Oy
Current assignee: Adiabatix Ltd Oy
Priority date: 2000-10-12
Filing date: 2001-10-12
Publication date: 2003-08-27
Also published as: WO2002031399A1; FI20002248A0; NO20031599L; FI20002248A; AU2002210587A1; NO20031599D0; FI110814B; NO330056B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insulation module. Arranging at least two such insulation modules around different kinds of pipe systems (4) and devices possibly connected thereto provides insulation of the pipe system or the device. Such an insulation module comprises a part provided with an outer surface (1) and an inner surface (2) and longitudinal and transverse connecting surfaces (5, 6). In the insulation module according to the invention, these connecting surfaces are provided with locking means for joining the insulation modules together. The locking means are arranged in the insulation space (7) formed between the outer surface and the inner surface of the insulation module. In the insulation modules arranged opposite each other, the locking means thus comprise grip members (8) and mounting members (9) being in pairs substantially opposite points of the connecting surfaces. When insulation is carried out, the locking means are arranged to tighten the connecting surfaces of the insulation modules that are to be joined together against each other substantially perpendicularly relative to the connecting surface, whereby the locking means are used with a tool (13) arranged on the outer surface of the insulation module.

Description

INSULATION ARRANGEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an insulation module according to the preamble of claim 1 , and particularly to connecting such modules to each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pipe lines and pipe systems constructed for different needs are known from the prior art, being used for either requirements of the process or purposes required by the use of the plant itself, or for transporting the final product to clients or other parties in a logistics chain. In a heating plant, for instance, pipe systems are used which attend to the transfer of fuel to the apparatus generating heat, and the removal of waste, for example exhaust gases. Further, heating plants have special pipe systems for example for cooling and lubrication, and for transferring heat to clients for example via district heating pipe systems. Oil and gas refineries also have pipe systems for transferring raw materials and for transporting products brought about in industrial processes to warehouses, as well as different cooling and heating pipe systems that all require at least partial insulation.

[0003] In all objects of use, there are both shared requirements and field-specific requirements to insulate some parts of a pipe system from the surroundings. Such requirements include protection against a fire risk, decreasing heat losses of pipe systems, cold insulations and other special insulations required by the functionality of the process. Sometimes there is a need for what is called personal protection (PP) insulation to guarantee safety at work.

[0004] From time to time, insulation of pipe systems naturally causes a need to have access to pipe system parts under the insulation for control, maintenance and repair measures. On the other hand, there are objects where the pipe system insulations must be repeatedly removed for some periods of time in order to check the condition of welded seams and pipe supports, for instance, at regular intervals. In the same way, possible special coatings of pipe systems or pipes, and equipment mounted on them or being under the insulators, such as valves and pumps, require repeated checking and maintenance. For different reasons, it must be made possible to use manholes and checking holes located in the pipe systems but being under insulators, and to maintain and check tanks connected to the pipe systems. Within industry, in particular, different kinds of process equipment related to pipe systems must be replaced, which also requires room for the work, in other words removal of insulators from around the pipe system. Checking and replacement of filters in pipe systems or even mounting of completely new equipment in a pipe system also require removal of insulators. In addition, according to specific requirements of various authorities and classification institutions, checking of pipe systems and equipment connected thereto must be possible when required, or even at given intervals. [0005] Conventional insulators mounted on a pipe system thus include different insulators made of insulating mass and mounted on the surface of the pipe system in a substantially fixed manner, or insulation parts mounted on the surface of the pipe system by means of different binding straps or other means arranged on the outer surface of the insulator. Form parts used as an insulator are also known, the parts being locked to each other around the pipe system by means of different locking means arranged on the outer surface of the part and protruding therefrom.

[0006] However, a problem with these known solutions is that removing or dismantling of insulators made of materials and techniques in use often result in the insulators to break or become damaged, which essentially shortens the lifetime of the insulators and thus increases the costs caused by the insulation of the pipe system. Presently, a conventional insulator arranged on the surface of a pipe system has to be removed for the most part, which makes the use difficult and thus also expensive. Such an insulator becomes damaged when it is removed, whereby the costs are further increased, because a new insulator must be mounted when the maintenance or repair is finished. In prior art solutions, problems are also caused by handling, transport and storage of insulators, because the insulators are usually considerably large in size. Insulators joined to the pipe system with binding straps also frequently break when they are detached, but particularly binding straps break and even disappear easily, and they must be replaced almost always. Known locking means for form parts used as insulators also break easily, particularly when the insulation parts are dismantled. However, the greatest problem caused by such form parts is caused when locking means open during the use. The opening of a locking means in this way results in the whole form part to become detached. [0007] Since the intention is always to make maintenance measures, also known as revision processes, in the different industrial fields as short in time as possible in order to cause the least possible harm for the production itself, removing and mounting known insulators or re-insulating have turned out to be extremely difficult and expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the invention is thus to essentially improve insulation of pipe systems and particularly to facilitate temporary removal of insulators during maintenance, for instance. [0009] This object is achieved by the insulation part having the characteristic features defined in the claims in accordance with the present invention. To be more precise, the device according to the invention is primarily characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0010] In the present invention, the term 'pipe system' refers in general to different pipe lines and pipes for conveying both gases and liquids. Although in the present specification the utilization of the invention is primarily described in connection with such pipe systems, the invention does not exclude coating of, for example, different machine parts or whole machines with insulation modules according to the invention. [0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0012] Several advantages are achieved with insulation modules of the pipe system according to the invention. Since the insulation implemented with insulation modules according to the invention can be quickly mounted and dismounted, the maintenance measures in different industrial fields can be taken within as short a time as possible, whereby they cause the least possible harm for the production itself. At the same time, both the shorter time used for construction and the shorter time used for maintenance result in a significant benefit for the client using the insulation. [0013] An insulation module according to the present description forms an entity which can be handled easily and from which no essential parts needed at the mounting stage can be lost. Since the insulator can also be divided into insulation modules that are most suitable for each particular object of use, it is easy to handle the insulation parts, which essentially reduces damaging of the insulation parts. [0014] Owing to the simple locking arrangement, the insulation modules according to the invention can be connected to each other easily and firmly. Since the locking system can be opened and closed with a simple manual tool, using electric tools can be avoided. This simplifies the handling of the insulators significantly, particularly in places where there is a fire risk and where the tools would otherwise have to be spark-protected.

[0015] Owing to the simple structure of the insulation module according to the invention, the handling of modules does not require external workers but maintenance and other measures can be taken by the staff of the industrial plant itself. In this way, using expensive specialized companies can be avoided and the maintenance work can be planned to suit one's own working schedule.

[0016] Since there are no structural parts protruding from the outer surface of the insulation module, the insulation module according to the invention is not as sensitive to get damaged as the ones according to the prior art. Arranged at the edges of the insulation module as a fixed part of the module, the locking means remain undamaged significantly more easily than before during maintenance or the like measures that require dismounting of the insulation. Since the locking means form a fixed part of the insulation module, losing the means is also avoided during the maintenance measures and the like.

[0017] Since the insulation modules according to the invention can be aligned with each other with tongue-and-groove structures arranged at their edges, a continuous and uniform structure can be achieved, also as regards the outer surface. In this way, prior art disadvantages of structural parts protruding from the outer surface are avoided, for example workers' clothes getting caught in protruding parts, which could lead to the parts being opened. A uniform outer structure also allows several insulation modules to be placed upon each other if thicker insulation layers are to be obtained. Placing successive insulation modules partly upon each other also enables heat expansion to be taken into account in pipe systems where there is particularly large-scale heat expansion.

[0018] A locking means used in the insulation module of a pipe system according to the invention also allows variations in the diameter of the insulation layer by means of simple intermediate parts. [0019] In long, continuous pipe systems the insulation modules can be connected to each other in pairs at the production stage by means of a joint, such as a hinge, positioned at opposite side edges. In this way, the mounting of the insulation modules can be accelerated significantly. [0020] Arranging the locking means that connect the insulation modules to each other to be tightened - for instance with eccentric tightening means - prevents detachment of the insulation modules from each other for instance due to vibration that causes stress for the pipe system.

[0021] Generally, different industrial fields use similar standardized pipe systems, but materials may vary according to different needs or conditions. By studying these similarities it becomes possible to find insulation solutions for insulation modules suitable for different pipe systems by means of the present invention, which solutions can also be standardized and thus manufactured in larger scale. This enables manufacture of a standardized product to be used as a technical insulator, currently not on the market. Thus, insulation modules can be manufactured in compatible dimension series, whereby it can be guaranteed that the diameter of the insulation modules is suitable for the pipe dimensions. Thus, owing to its layer structure, the insulation layer of the insulation module can be manufactured for different areas of application to be accurately of the correct kind by providing it with different types of insulators as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the following, the invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to the attached drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention. Hereby,

[0023] Figure 1 shows schematically some embodiments of insulation modules according to the invention, arranged around a straight pipe system having a circular cross-section;

[0024] Figure 2 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of insulation modules according to the invention, arranged around a straight pipe system having a circular cross-section and around an extension therein;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a detailed drawing of a mounting member of a locking means connecting insulation modules to each other; a grip means being schematically shown; [0026] Figure 4 shows a second detailed drawing of the locking means according to Figure 3, connecting insulation modules to each other, whereby the figure shows a partial section of a grip member; cooperation between the grip member therein and the mounting counterpart of the mounting member being schematically shown;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of reduction of the cross- sectional area formed of insulation modules and implemented by connecting parts;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a detailed drawing of a turning means to be arranged in connection with the locking means; and

[0029] Figure 7 shows a detailed drawing of the turning means according to Figure 6, arranged on the outer surface of the insulation module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] The insulation system of the present pipe system and a preferred embodiment of the insulation module used therein is described in the following with reference to the above-mentioned figures. Thus, the insulation system comprises structural parts denoted with reference numerals in the figures, corresponding parts and reference numerals being also used in the present specification. [0031] Thus, the insulation system preferably comprises an insulation module surrounding the pipe system to be protected, which insulation module has a layer structure, i.e. what is called a sandwich structure. Such an insulation module comprises parallel surface plates which form an outer surface 1 and an inner surface 2 for the insulation module. Preferably, fitting counterparts 3 are arranged on the inner surface, forming, on one hand, mechanical counterparts so that the insulation modules are centralized around the pipe system 4 to be insulated. On the other hand, the fitting counterparts, when being substantially perpendicular relative to the pipe system on which the insulation module is to be mounted, as in Figure 1 , form flow counterparts that break the air flow generated in the insulator. Parallel surface structures are joined to each other with longitudinal and transverse connecting surfaces 5 and 6 which form the side and end edges of the insulation module. The parallel outer and inner surfaces and the longitudinal and transverse connecting surfaces limit an insulation space 7 between them, in which an insulation layer consisting of one or more separate structural layers is arranged.

[0032] The shape of the insulation module is such that it can be arranged to fit the pipe system 4. Hence, Figures 1 and 2 show an insulation module whose inner and outer surfaces 1 and 2 are substantially of the shape of a cylindrical casing, surrounding a conventional circular pipe system. Although the figures show insulation modules connected only to circular pipe systems, the insulation module can as well be arranged around a quadrangular or other polygonal pipe system or a device or part connected thereto. Thus, curvatures and shapes of the inner and outer surfaces of the insulation module are arrangeable to correspond any curvature or shape of the pipe system. The insulation module comprises not only symmetrical insulation modules according to Figures 1 and 2 but also modules having a cross-section of multiple shapes. These can include converging and expanding modules or modules provided with a branching, as shown in Figure 5.

[0033] Such insulation modules according to the invention are connectable to each other with locking means. Such locking means are arranged on the connecting surfaces 5 and 6 joining the outer surface 1 and the inner surface 2 of the insulation module together, i.e. on the side and end edges. The locking means is arranged in the insulation space 7 between the outer surface and the inner surface in such a way that at least in the open position, it is primarily arranged inside the insulation space. In order to facilitate the joining of insulation modules together, whole or half tongue-and-groove structures are also arrangeable at the edges of the insulation modules. Such a tongue-and-groove structure guarantees that the adjacent insulation modules are joined to each other accurately. Further, if required, seals and/or an overlapping protrusion known as such can be arranged at the edges to guarantee splash protection, dust tightness or even gas tightness.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the locking means joining the insulation modules together comprises grip members 8 and mounting members 9 on adjacent and/or opposite connecting surfaces of the insulation module. In such a grip member, there is a grip means 11 protruding from the connecting surface and arranged to be movable relative to the frame 10 of the grip member. Owing to its movement, the grip means can be preferably guided to be in connection with the mounting member of the opposite insulation module, whereby the grip means is directed into a substantially rigid mounting counterpart 12 in the mounting member. The grip means and the mounting counterpart are thus arranged to provide reciprocal mechanical locking.

[0035] In a particular embodiment of the locking means according to Figures 3 and 4, such a grip member 8 comprises a frame 10 in which a hook- like grip means 11 is arranged rotationally. The grip means is thus arranged to be turned around the rotation axis perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the grip means. A separate tool 13, such as a crank, can be arranged to guide this grip means. The crank is thus preferably arranged in a locking opening 14 on the outer surface 1 of the insulation module, from where it is in connection with a crank hole 15 located in the grip means and joining to the rotation axis. The rotational movement of the crank thus guides the grip means to approach the mounting member or to draw away from it. Also, an eccentric swivel plate 16 arranged in the frame can be arranged to guide the grip means in accordance with Figure 4, the plate comprising a crank hole that receives the crank.

[0036] In the rest position, the grip means 11 is turned into a cavity 17 in the frame 10 of the grip member 8. When the grip means is guided with the tool 13 arranged therein, the grip means turns into a position substantially perpendicular relative to the connecting surface 5 or 6. When the insulation modules are mounted in the opposite position, the grip member 8 and the mounting means 9 against each other, the grip means is during the rotational movement pushed into the mounting member on the connecting surface of the opposite insulation module. The mounting member thus comprises a cavity opening towards the connecting surface of the insulation module, in which there is a mounting counterpart 12 perpendicular relative to the direction of movement of the grip means. When the grip means reaches this mounting counterpart, the hook-like end in the grip means is attached to the mounting counterpart, connecting the insulation modules to each other.

[0037] In order to provide a firm connection, the grip means 11 comprises the above-mentioned eccentric swivel plate 16 arranged in the body 10 of the grip member 8, which plate, when the connection has been provided, moves the grip means in the direction of its longitudinal axis via the guiding movement of the tool 13 towards the bottom opposite the opening of the cavity 17 of the grip member. In this way, the hook-like end of the grip means partly surrounds the mounting counterpart 12, preventing the connection from opening by mistake. [0038] Cooperation between the grip means 11 and the mounting counterpart 12 provides firm connection between the insulation modules without separate structures protruding from the outer surface 2 of the module that would disturb the use of the insulation module. [0039] A required number of locking means are arranged on the connecting surfaces of the insulation modules; however, there are at least one locking means at both end edges 6 of the insulation module and at least one locking means at both side edges 5 of the insulation module.

[0040] When splash protection or other structural tightness is required of the insulation module, the locking opening in the grip member can be provided with a turning means 18 provided with a splash guard in accordance with Figures 6 and 7. Such a turning means is in continuous connection with the crank hole 15 located in the grip means 11 and joining to the rotation axis. The turning means thus closes the locking opening 14, whereby the grip member is guided with a separate tool 13, i.e. a wrench, arranged in the guide space on the outer surface of this turning means.

[0041] A second embodiment of the invention preferably comprises an insulation module formed of two parts pivoted to each other. When such an insulation module is used, however, locking means of the above-described type are needed only at one side edge 5 of the insulation module, in addition to the locking means at both end edges 6.

[0042] The insulation module according to the present insulation system operates as follows. Conventionally, two insulation modules having symmetrical structures are arranged opposite each other around the pipe system 4, the side edges 5 against each other, the grip means 11 being in the rest position. When the insulation module is in its position, the connecting surfaces against each other, the grip means is turned with a tool 13, i.e. a crank, arranged in the locking opening 14 on the outer surface 1 of the insulation module. The grip means turns, gripping the mounting counterpart 12 of the mounting means in the opposite insulation module, locking thus the insulation modules to each other. The following pairs of insulation modules are positioned in the same way around the pipe system, after which the modules joined to each other are slid along the pipe system to be in connection with the insulation module pair already mounted. In this way, the locking means at the end edges 6 of the insulation modules are guided to be against each other, and the pairs of insulation modules are also connectable to each other in the longitudinal direction of the pipe system. Such longitudinal locking prevents insulation modules from slipping down, which is even too common particularly in insulation of vertical pipe systems. This is continued until the desired portion of the pipe system is insulated. [0043] Insulation modules of desired shape are easy to manufacture to surround both pipe systems 4 with varying diameters and pipe systems with branches, or devices or filters in connection with pipe systems. The inner diameter of insulation modules is also changeable by arranging one or more connecting parts 19 between the successive pairs of insulation modules in accordance with Figure 5. Such a connecting part is joined to insulation modules using locking means similar to those used to join insulation modules to each other. The connecting part can be a piece tailored for the object of insulation, but it can also be what is called a replacement part of a dimension series. By means of such a replacement part, insulation modules manufactured as parts of a complete series are connectable to each other.

[0044] Such connecting parts can also be used when it is desired to connect an insulation module of the present kind to an old insulator already existing in the pipe system 4, or to an insulator to be fixedly mounted around the pipe system. In such a case, the connecting piece 19 is connected for example by riveting to an insulator having a conventional structure, after which the insulation module is connectable to this connecting part via the locking means at the end edges 6. In this way, a continuous insulator that is substantially immovable over the whole of its area is provided.

[0045] The inner diameter surrounded by insulation modules is also changeable by arranging the pairs of insulation modules upon each other in accordance with Figure 2. Contrary to conventional solutions, this is possible because, when the locking means according to the invention is used, no protrusions are formed on the outer surface 1 of the insulation module. Thus, the insulation modules positioned upon each other can also slide relative to each other, whereby such a structure can preferably be used to compensate for great heat expansions by providing the insulation module line with an insulation module that is one size larger so that it functions as a slide insulator. Most preferably, such a slide insulator is mounted for example in connection with a flange joint according to the figure. [0046] The insulator surrounding the pipe system 4 can be divided into two or more insulation modules on the basis of the requirements of the object to be insulated. In this way, an insulator is provided which is also always easily mountable and dismountable in small spaces, whereby the time used for the insulation work can be minimized. Dividing the insulator into several smaller modules also essentially facilitates the transport and storage of modules. Owing to the locking means used, insulation modules can be connected to each other quickly and accurately.

[0047] It is to be understood that the present specification and the related figures are only intended to illustrate the present invention. Thus, the invention is not limited to the embodiment presented above and defined in the claims, but it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that a plurality of variations and modification of the invention is feasible within the inventive idea defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Insulation module, particularly for forming an insulator around a pipe system (4) and/or a part and/or a device connected thereto that has/have to be repeatedly maintained, the insulation module comprising a part provided with an outer surface (1 ) and an inner surface (2), and longitudinal and transverse connecting surfaces (5, 6) connecting the outer and inner surfaces to each other, which outer surface, inner surface and connecting surfaces limit an insulation space (7) between them, two or more insulation modules being arranged in connection with each other by their connecting surfaces by means of locking means which comprise mechanical grip members (8) and mounting members (9) being in pairs substantially opposite each other and arranged in the insulation space, the grip members and the mounting members being arranged to tighten the connecting surfaces that are to be joined together against each other substantially perpendicularly relative to the connecting surface, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the locking means with all their functional parts are as a whole arranged undetachably in the insulation space (7) limited by the outer surface (1 ), the inner surface (2) and the connecting surfaces (5, 6); whereby the grip member (8) comprises a grip means (11 ) arranged to be turnable relative to the frame (10); the grip means being guidable with a rotational movement to be in connection with a substantially rigid mounting counterpart (12) in the mounting member (9) positioned preferably in the opposite insulation module, providing mechanical locking of the grip means and mounting counterpart to each other; a tool (13) in connection with the grip member (8) and arranged in a locking opening (14) on the outer surface (1) of the insulation module being arranged to use the locking means.

2. An insulation module according to claim 1 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that an eccentric swivel plate (16) arranged in the grip member (8) is arranged to guide the grip means (11 ) via the tool (13) mounted on it.

3. An insulation module according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that in the locking opening (14) on the outer surface (1 ), a part is arranged which is fixedly connected to the locking means and seals the outer surface, there being a space in the part for receiving the tool.

4. An insulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool (13) is a crank.

5. An insulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tongue-and-groove structure is arranged on the connecting surfaces (5, 6) for joining the insulation modules to each other.

6. An insulation module according to claim 5, characterized in that the tongue-and-groove structure is a half tongue-and-groove structure.

7. An insulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the inner surface (2) and the outer surface (1) of the insulation module are of the shape of a cylindrical casing.

8. An insulation module according to claim 7, characterized in that the curvatures of the inner surface (2) and outer surface (1) of the insulation module correspond to the curvatures of the pipe systems to be insulated.

9. An insulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the pipe system is surrounded by two insulation modules opposite each other, these modules arranged in pairs are pivoted to each other on one of their longitudinal connecting surfaces (5).

10. An insulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulation space (7) between the outer surface (1) and the inner surface (2) comprises a multi-layer structure.