GB2186338A - Insulation for pipes, pipe joints and valves - Google Patents

Abstract

Prefabricated thermal insulation comprises two primary components shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The two components snap clip together around the pipe, pipe joint (Figs. 1, 6 not shown) or valve (Fig. 7 not shown). The component parts comprise moulded or extruded protective cases 10, 12 which house insulation 11. Sealant is applied to interfaces e.g. groove 13 to join and seal the component parts and insulation. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Protected Insulation For Pipework This invention relates to protected prefabricated insulation components which are applied to pipework.

Currently insulation is applied to pipework as follows: Sections of insulation media are applied to pipework and strapped in place with wire on wire netting. Protected coverings of Metal Sheet fashioned and formed, Glass Reinforced Plastic applied to the prefixed insulation, or Hard Setting Cement trowelled onto the prefixed insulation, are fitted. The fitting of these alternative protective covers is time consuming and can be disrupted as a result of poor weather conditions. The protective coverings are subsequently painted to a colour code to identify the substance flowing in the pipe.

According to the present invention, insulation together with an integral protective covering is cut to the required lengths to suit the pipework to be insulated, and by virtue of moulded clips can be fixed around the pipework as a single operation. The protective covering, being extruded plastic or moulded plastic construction, can be pigmented any colour to represent the colour code for the fluid flowing inside the pipes.

The invention providesthefollowing benefits over and above the current practices: ~Reduced installation time.

~Insulation media is protected continuously as work progresses.

provides an impervious and vapour tight barrier.

~Total weather protection.

~Corrosion resistant cover.

~Able to withstand physical damage.

-By virtue of the manufacture the visible surfaces of the covers are smooth and impervious.

~Reduction in maintenance costs.

~Colour coding can be accommodated.

Specific embodiments of the inventions will now be described by way of example with reference to accompanying drawings: Figure 1. Shows in perspective a 'Tee' shaped item.

Figure 2. Shows in perspective a straight length of protected insulation.

Figure 3. Illustrates in perspective 'Bend' shaped item.

The protected prefabricated insulation items are in two parts: Figure 4. Is a cross section of Part 1 of the invention.

Figure 5. Is a cross section of Part 2 of the invention.

Figure 6. Shows in perspective a two part cover item designed to seal joints in the items shown in Fig. 1, 2 and 3 respectively. This item also serves to insulate pipe flange joints.

Figure 7. Shows in perspective a two part cover designed to insulate around valves built into the ninnwnrk Referring to drawings Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, all the Protected Insulation items are manufactured as two component parts, Part 1 section Fig. 4 and Part 2 section Fig. 5. Each component part comprises the insulation medium 11 and the protective covers 10 and 12, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 4 respectively.

The protective covers 10 and 12 are of extruded or moulded construction and incorporate integral clips, an example of which is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

Referring to Fig. 5, the mould clips 14 of Part 2 represents the male element, and with reference to Fig. 4the moulded clips 15 of Part 1 represent the female element. By reference to drawings Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in the performance of insulating pipes, Part 1 and Part 2 are cut to length to suit the pipe to be insulated. By reference to Fig. 5, sealant compound is applied within the grooves 13 and along the inside face of the clips 14 profile. The two component parts, Part 1 and Part 2, are offered around the pipe and the clips 14 and 15 snapped together. The clips retain the insulation on the pipework, and the sealant provides the longitudinal impervious barrier protection, and in addition bonds Part 1 and Part 2 together.

With reference to Fig. 6, the Protected Pipe Insulation 16 is shown chain dotted. In positions where axial butt joints are necessary, or where pipe flange connections occur, the invention requires the use of cover rings 17 to maintain a weather seal.

Sealant compound is applied to all joints 18.

With reference to Fig. 7, the Protected Pipe Insulation 16 is shown chain dotted. In positions where valves are installed in the pipework the invention requires the use of insulation boxes 19 to insulate the valve body, to protect the insulation and to maintain a weather seal. Sealant compound is applied to all joints 18.

Claims (6)

1. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering providing weather protection, even during installation.

2. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering, as claimed in 1, which is able to withstand physical damage.

3. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering, as claimed in 1 and 2, which provides an impervious and vapour tight barrier.

4. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering, as claimed in 1, 2 and 3, with smooth exterior surfaces providing an aesthetically pleasing finish.

5. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering, as claimed in 1, 2, 3 and 4, providing a maintenance free covering which can be colour coded to reflect the liquid flowing in the pipework.

6. A prefabricated thermal insulation with a protective outer covering substantially as described herein with reference to accompanying drawings 11 7,217,317,417,5/7,617 and 7/7.