GB2200962A - Thermal insulation of pipe fittings - Google Patents

Abstract

An insulating cover for a pipe-fitting e.g. valve 12 consists of a pair of separable insulation parts (one shown in Fig. 3) of thermally insulating material, each part having one or more mating surfaces 7, 8. One mating surface is provided with an upstanding elongate rib 7 and another mating surface (or another part of the said one mating surface) is provided with an elongate co-operating groove 8, whereby the parts can be brought together around a pipe-fitting to be insulated such that mating surfaces on the two parts are located in abutment with the rib(s) of one part seated in the groove(s) of the other. Belts 5 (Fig. 6) are located in grooves 10 and tightened to secure the parts together. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE Thermal Insulation of Pipe Fittings This invention is concerned with thermal insulation of pipes or pipe-fittings. It is more particularly concerned with insulation covers for pipe-fittings which may be exposed and in need of thermal insulation, e.g. pipe valves and flanges.

It is already known to insulate pipe-fittings by means of -insulation-material lined metal boxes or by means of insulation "matresses". Whilst the former are insufficiently strong for major installations and are not re-usable, the latter variety eventually deteriorate and require replacement over a period of time. Lightweight insulation covers sold under the Trademark 'Topo' are also known which we have found suffer from sealing and heat loss disadvantages.

It is from a consideration of these known methods of pipe-fitting insulation that has led to the development of the present invention.

According to this invention there is provided an insulating cover for a pipe-fitting comprising a pair of separable insulation parts of thermally insulating material, each part having one or more mating surfaces, one mating surface of a part thereof provided with an upstanding elongate rib and another mating surface or another part of the said one mating surface provided with an elongate co-operating groove, whereby the parts can be brought together around a pipe-fitting to be insulated such that mating surfaces on the two parts are located in abutment with the rib(s) seated in the groove(s), the parts when closed together forming at least one pipe-seating location and defining a hollow interior region for locating said pipe-fitting, and securing means for holding the parts together.

The rib and groove need not be linear but are preferably continuous and an integral feature of the insulation part, e.g. where the part is a moulding the rib and/or groove are formed in the moulding process.

Preferably the part will comprise or consist of cellular foamed insulation material. For example, the parts may be constructed from foamed polyurethane or polystyrene. Conveniently the parts may have a density in the region 30-90 kg/m3, and preferably of the order 50-60 kg/m3. The parts may be fabricated to have an external surface whose appearance either corresponds to that of the pipe or its surrounding area or can be so adapted to correspond. For example, the surface of each part may be painted to any required colour or the parts may be fabricated in material to which that colour has been added.

The or each rib and/or groove preferably extend(s) along the perimeter of a mating surface or over a major proportion thereof. In some embodiments a rib and groove are provided in the same mating surface in mirror image about a central axis.

Conveniently the securing means may comprise one or more lockable straps. Whatever fastening means are deployed it is preferred to employ a form of quick-release mechanism to allow rapid assembly and dismantling. In order to produce the parts rapidly and economically it may be convenient to form them in mouldings.

In order that the invention may be illustrated and readily carried into effect, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which; Figure 1 shows a single part for forming a flange box , Figure 2 is a plan view of two parts prior to forming the insulation cover, figure 3 shows an alternative insulation part for forming a valve 'box', Figure 4 is a side elevation of Figure 3, Figure 5 shows a pipe, flanges and valve before insulation, Figure 6 shows the pipe fitting of Figure 6 insulated by parts shown in Figures 3 and 4, and Figure 7 shows a more complex insulated pipe fitting.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, an insulation part 1 of cellular foamed polyurethane material is shown having mating surface 2, projecting rib 7 and co-operating groove 8, for location onto a corresponding but reversed insulation part. A locating groove 10 for a securing belt 5 (Figure 7) and channel 3 intended to seat a pipe in the part are also provided. The external surface of the part is designated 9 and this may be suitable for subsequent painting or other surface alteration. The fastening belt 5, used when a pair of insulation parts are used to form an insulating cover, is associated with a quick release buckle 6 (Figures 7,8) for rapid assembly around a pipe-fitting and subsequent release therefrom.It is an important advantage of this invention that the covers are re-usable and can be constructed in materials having significantly greater lifetime than known insulation arrangements.

The interior hollow region 4 is intended to accommodate the pipe-fitting to be insulated. Although Figures 1 and 2 illustrate parts from which a pipe may emerge at both ends it is equally possible to provide a cover comprising two parts having only one entry point for a pipe. The other ~part in such circumstances may usefully be "closedoff" by securing thereover a cover plate preferably of similar material to the part 1.

Figures 3 and 4 show an insulation part suitable for forming an insulation cover for e.g. a pipe valve with or without flanges. The part is similar to part 1 of Figures 1 and 2 in that it also comprises a foamed polyurethane moulding having integrally formed projecting ribs and cooperating grooves. The insulation part la has mating surface 2 and over part of their perimeters there extends either an elongate rib 7 or a co-operating groove 8. As before the groove is arranged to receive a complementary rib when a like insulation part is placed upon it, to encase a pipe or pipe fitting. In the mating surface 2a both a rib and groove are provided. It has not been found necessary to include ribs or grooves in the uppermost region of mating surface 2.

Referring next to Figures 5 and 6, a valve 11, having handle 12 and flanges Ila is shown as fitted to a pipe 13 to be insulated. The @over parts are assembled as shown in Figure 6 whereby pipe 13 extends from the cover at a convenient seating location 3, the handle being accessible and not enclosed by the insulation cover.

Referring to Figure 7 of the drawings, insulated pipes 13 are shown abutting a pair of corresponding insulation covers located about adjacent pipe-fittings (not shown).

The respective handles 12 for the fittings depend from the insulated pipes and are accessible to manual operation. A further advantage of the invention is apparent from Figure 7 in that the insulating covers according to the invention can abut insulated pipes 13 of which the insulation material may correspond substantially or exactly to that of the cover.

This may not only improve appearance but also performance.

The two respective covers may be manually sawn prior to insulation at the point 14 of mutual abutment.

Covers according to the present invention may be useful for pipe valve and flange insulation in particular and may be produced to a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.028 W/MoC at a mean temperature of SOOC. By constructing the covers in two mateable parts having locating points they can be fitted together with ease and accuracy. When constructed in lightweight but rigid foamed cellular material, e.g. polyurethane foam, the covers are light but strong, permitting even very large covers to be lifted manually by one fitter. One or two quick-release mechanisms may be deployed for rapid closure and release.

The present covers may be useful for applications in pipes encountering temperatures over the range 0 - 1800C and therefore useful upon not only chilled water pipework but also steam-containing pipework under pressure. Fire retardant additives may be employed in the covers to comply with safety requirements. Cellular covers or their corresponding parts may be easily cut by means of saw, razor, knife or shaped by rasp or sandpaper for fitting unusual valves or fittings where space is limited.

Certain of the materials from which the covers may be made, e.g. cellular foamed polyurethane, are not attacked by vermin or mould and do not attract moisture. This can lead to enhanced product life. The covers can be supplied to match PVC and aluminium pipework finishes.

They may additionally be painted or rendered weatherproof.

Insulating covers according to the invention or overcome disadvantages associated with existing methods of pipe insulation.

The significant advantage lies in the rib and groove arrangement which has been found not only to greatly assist location and retention but surprisingly also leads to significantly reduced heat losses at the region of the mating surfaces.

Claims (9)

1. An insulating cover for a pipe-fitting comprising a pair of separable insulation parts of thermally insulating material, each part having one or more mating surfaces, one mating surface of a part thereof provided with an upstanding elongate rib and another mating surface or another part of the said one mating surface provided with an elongate co-operating groove, whereby the parts can be brought together around a pipe-fitting to be insulated such that mating surfaces on the two parts are located in abutment with the rib(s) seated in the groove(s), the parts when closed together forming at least one pipe-seating location and defining a hollow interior region for locating said pipe-fitting, and securing means for holding the parts together.

2. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 in which the rib and groove are not linear.

3. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the rib(s) and groove(s) comprise an integral feature of the insulation part(s).

4. ,A cover as claimed in Claim 3 in the form of a moulding#, the rib(s) and/or groove(s) having been formed during moulding.

5. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim composed of cellular foamed insulation material such as polyurethane or polystyrene.

6. 'A cover as claimed in any preceding claim in which the rib(s) and/or groove(s) extend along the perimeter of a mating surface or over a major proportion thereof.

7. A cover as claimed in Claim 6 in which a rib and groove are provided in the same mating surface in mirror image about a central axis of the part.

8. An insulating cover substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

9. A pipe or pipe fitting which is insulated with a cover as claimed in any preceding claim.