Thermal insulation pipe production process and thermal insulation pipe production device

Abstract

The invention discloses a thermal insulation pipe production process and a thermal insulation pipe production device, and belongs to the technical field of thermal insulation pipe production.The thermal insulation pipe production process comprises the steps that S1, a working pipe is placed in an annular discharging head of outer protective pipe forming equipment, and the axis of the working pipe is adjusted to coincide with the axis of the annular discharging head; wherein the cross section of the working pipe is parallel to the cross section of the annular discharging head, the size and the shape of the cross section of the annular discharging head are consistent with the size and the shape of an outer protective pipe to be formed, and an outlet of the annular discharging head faces the working pipe; s2, a discharging port of heat preservation layer forming equipment is arranged between the annular discharging head and the working pipe, and the heat preservation layer forming equipment is located on the side, away from the formed outer protection pipe, of the outer protection pipe forming equipment; s3, the outer protection pipe forming equipment and the heat preservation layer forming equipment are started at the same time, and the space between the outer protection pipe and the working pipe is filled with a heat preservation layer while the outer protection pipe is formed; and through the mode of simultaneously forming the outer protective pipe and the thermal insulation layer, the production efficiency of the thermal insulation pipe is improved, and the production cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal insulation pipe production technology, and in particular to a thermal insulation pipe production process and a thermal insulation pipe production apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Insulated pipes consist of a working pipe, an insulation layer, and an outer protective pipe, arranged sequentially from the inside out. The current manufacturing process involves first installing a support frame around the insulation pipe, then placing the pre-produced outer protective pipe onto the support frame, ensuring the outer ring of the support frame fits snugly against the inner surface of the outer protective pipe. The support frame then supports the outer protective pipe. Finally, foaming material is filled between the outer protective pipe and the working pipe to form the insulation layer. This method requires installing a support frame on the working pipe before each production run, making the process cumbersome, reducing production efficiency, and increasing production costs.

[0003] Therefore, how to design a production process and equipment for thermal insulation pipes to improve production efficiency and reduce production costs is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies and shortcomings of the existing technology by providing a process and apparatus for producing thermal insulation pipes, thereby improving the production efficiency and reducing the production cost of thermal insulation pipes.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] This invention provides a process for manufacturing thermal insulation pipes, including the following:

[0007] S1. Place the working tube inside the annular discharge head of the outer protective tube forming equipment, and adjust the axis of the working tube to coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head;

[0008] The radial direction of the working tube is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head. The size and shape of the cross-section of the annular discharge head are consistent with the size and shape of the outer protective tube to be formed, and the outlet of the annular discharge head faces the working tube.

[0009] S2. The outlet of the insulation layer forming equipment is placed between the annular outlet head and the working pipe, and the insulation layer forming equipment is located on the side of the outer protective pipe forming equipment away from the already formed outer protective pipe.

[0010] S3. Simultaneously start the outer protective tube forming equipment and the insulation layer forming equipment to fill the insulation layer between the outer protective tube and the working tube while forming the outer protective tube;

[0011] The starting end of the formed outer protective tube is fixed on the working tube, and the working tube, the outer protective tube forming equipment, and the insulation layer forming equipment are moved relative to each other along the axial direction of the working tube.

[0012] Preferably, the outer protective tube forming equipment and the insulation layer forming equipment are fixedly installed, and the working tube moves along its axial direction during forming.

[0013] Preferably, the starting end of the formed outer protective tube is bonded to the outer surface of the working tube to form a pocket-shaped structure with a closed end face.

[0014] Preferably, the material of the outer protective tube and the material of the insulation layer can form a chemical bond.

[0015] Preferably, the outer protective pipe is a PE outer protective pipe, and the insulation layer is a PE foam insulation layer.

[0016] The present invention also provides a thermal insulation pipe production apparatus, including an outer protective pipe forming device and a thermal insulation layer forming device. The outer protective pipe forming device has an annular discharge head whose cross-sectional size and shape are consistent with the size and shape of the outer protective pipe to be formed. The interior of the annular discharge head is provided with a working pipe that can be coaxial with the annular discharge head. The outlet of the annular discharge head faces the working pipe, and the cross-section of the working pipe is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head. The side of the working pipe away from the starting end of the formed outer protective pipe is connected to a driving component that can drive the working pipe to move linearly along its axial direction.

[0017] The extrusion head of the insulation layer forming device is placed between the annular discharge head and the working tube, and the insulation layer forming device is located on the side of the outer protective tube forming device away from the already formed outer protective tube.

[0018] Preferably, it further includes a support mechanism for supporting the working tube, the support mechanism and / or the annular discharge head being able to move linearly along the height direction so that the axis of the annular discharge head coincides with the axis of the working tube;

[0019] The support mechanism includes a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head away from the starting end of the formed outer protective tube, and the second support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head close to the starting end of the formed outer protective tube. The distance between the first support mechanism and the annular discharge head, and the distance between the second support mechanism and the annular discharge head, are both less than the maximum distance that allows the working tube to droop.

[0020] Preferably, a cooling device is provided on the side of the annular discharge head near the formed outer protective tube, and the cooling device is located between the annular discharge head and the second support mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the cooling device includes a cooling water pipe connected to a water source, and the cooling water pipe has a nozzle on the side facing the outer protective pipe, and the cooling water pipe is provided at least at the highest and lowest points of the outer protective pipe.

[0022] Preferably, an eccentricity detection device and a cutting device are provided on the side of the annular discharge head near the formed outer protective tube. The eccentricity detection device is placed between the cooling equipment and the starting end of the outer protective tube, and the cutting device is placed between the eccentricity detection device and the starting end of the outer protective tube.

[0023] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0024] 1. This invention, by setting up an outer protective tube forming device and an insulation tube forming device, places the working tube inside the annular discharge head of the outer protective tube forming device and makes the working tube coaxial with the annular discharge head. The discharge port of the insulation tube forming device is placed between the working tube and the annular discharge head, and the outer protective tube forming device and the insulation tube forming device are turned on simultaneously. This allows foaming material to be filled between the formed outer protective tube and the working tube while the outer protective tube is being formed, achieving synchronous forming of the outer protective tube and the insulation layer. Compared with the method of forming the outer protective tube and the insulation layer in two separate steps, this improves the production efficiency of the insulation tube, eliminates the need for a support frame, and saves production costs.

[0025] Other technical solutions of the present invention achieve the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0026] 2. This invention achieves a chemical bond between the molding material of the outer protective tube and the molding material of the insulation layer by setting the molding of the outer protective tube and the filling of the foaming material simultaneously. This ensures that the outer protective tube is still at a certain temperature and not fully set when the foaming material is being foamed, thereby promoting a chemical reaction between the materials of the outer protective tube and the foaming layer. Compared to filling the foaming material between the outer protective tube and the working tube after the outer protective tube has been set, this invention improves the bonding strength between the outer protective tube and the insulation layer and enhances the shear resistance of the insulation pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the insulation pipe forming device in some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view of the insulation pipe forming device in some embodiments.

[0030] The components include: 1. Working pipe; 2. Outer protective pipe forming equipment; 3. Annular discharge head; 4. Insulation layer forming equipment; 5. Outer protective pipe; 6. Insulation layer; 7. V-shaped roller; 8. Cooling water pipe; 9. Spray nozzle; 10. Eccentricity detection device; and 11. Cutting device. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the present invention provides a process for manufacturing thermal insulation pipes, including the following:

[0034] S1. Place the working tube 1 inside the annular discharge head 3 of the outer protective tube forming equipment 2, and adjust the axis of the working tube 1 to coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head 3;

[0035] The cross-sectional size and shape of the annular discharge head 3 are consistent with the cross-sectional size and shape of the outer protective tube 5 to be formed. The outlet of the annular discharge head 3 faces the working tube 1, and the radial direction of the working tube 1 is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head 3. The outer protective tube forming equipment 2 is an extruder that can directly form a hollow structure. In some embodiments, the outer protective tube forming equipment 2 is a PE pipe extruder.

[0036] S2. The outlet of the insulation layer forming equipment 4 is placed between the annular outlet head 3 and the working pipe 1, and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 is located on the side of the outer protective pipe forming equipment 2 away from the already formed outer protective pipe 5.

[0037] In some embodiments, the insulation layer forming equipment 4 is an insulation layer extruder.

[0038] S3. Simultaneously start the outer protective tube forming equipment 2 and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 to fill the insulation layer 6 between the outer protective tube 5 and the working tube 1 while forming the outer protective tube 5; fix the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5 on the working tube 1, and move the working tube 1, the outer protective tube forming equipment 2, and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 relative to each other along the axial direction of the working tube 1. Figure 2 The arrow in the diagram indicates the direction of movement of the working tube 1, and the position of the outer protective tube 5 at the front end in the direction of movement is the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5.

[0039] The above-described production method allows for the simultaneous molding of the outer protective tube 5 and the insulation layer 6. Compared to the method of molding the outer protective tube 5 first, then fitting a support onto the working tube 1 and placing the outer protective tube 5 on the support, and finally filling the space between the working tube 1 and the outer protective tube 5 with foaming material, this method significantly improves the production efficiency of the insulation pipe, eliminates the need for a support, and reduces production costs. Furthermore, the thickness of the insulation layer 6 within the same cross-section is no longer limited by the shape of the support. By ensuring that the axis of the working tube 1 coincides with the axis of the annular discharge head 3, the uniformity of the insulation layer 6 thickness within the same cross-section can be ensured. Compared to controlling the roundness consistency of multiple supports, ensuring the concentricity of the working tube 1 and the outer protective tube 5 is easier to manage. In addition, eliminating the support also prevents the formation of thermal bridges and reduces heat loss.

[0040] The relative movement between the forming equipment and the working pipe 1 can be achieved by moving the outer sheath forming equipment 2 and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 while fixing the working pipe 1. Alternatively, the relative movement between the forming equipment and the working pipe 1 can be achieved by fixing the outer sheath forming equipment 2 and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 and moving the working pipe 1. Here, "forming equipment" is a general term for the outer sheath forming equipment 2 and the insulation layer forming equipment 4. In some embodiments, the outer sheath forming equipment 2 and the insulation layer forming equipment 4 are fixed in the production workshop, and the working pipe 1 can move along its axial direction under the drive of the drive component.

[0041] The connection between the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5 and the working tube 1 can be achieved by setting a support ring or support rod at the end of the working tube 1, and then attaching the formed outer protective tube 5 to the support ring or support rod while it still has some adhesiveness. However, this can result in a gap between the starting end of the outer protective tube 5 and the working tube 1, making it easy for the foam insulation material filled between the outer protective tube 5 and the working tube 1 to overflow, thus affecting the forming quality of the insulation pipe. Therefore, in some embodiments, a retractable ring-shaped structure is set on the outside of the outer protective tube 5, or the starting end of the outer protective tube 5 is adhered to the outer surface of the working tube 1 by manual pressing to form a closed end face similar to a pocket. This prevents the foam material filled between the outer protective tube 5 and the working tube 1 from flowing out or overflowing, thereby improving the forming quality of the insulation pipe.

[0042] To improve the connection strength between the insulation layer 6 and the outer protective pipe 5, and to enhance the shear strength of the insulation pipe, a chemical bond is formed between the material of the outer protective pipe 5 and the material of the insulation layer 6. In some embodiments, the outer protective pipe 5 is a PE outer protective pipe, and the insulation layer 6 is a PE foam insulation layer. This allows the material of the insulation layer 6 to achieve molecular-level bonding with the material of the outer protective pipe 5 during the molding process, thus achieving chemical adhesion and improving the strength of the bond. In some embodiments, 2% antioxidant, 4% fire retardant, and 1%–2% color masterbatch are added to the material of the PE foam insulation layer; 1%–2% additives and 2%–5% color masterbatch are added to the material of the PE outer protective pipe, wherein the additive content in the PE outer protective pipe material is the sum of the contents of antioxidants and UV stabilizers. The performance parameters of the PE foam are: thermal conductivity ≤0.028W / (m·k), compressive strength ≥0.4MPa, water absorption ≤0.5%, and density 50–55kg / m³. 3 The closed-cell rate is ≥95%. Compared with the PU foam insulation layer used in the prior art, the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, water absorption, density, closed-cell rate and other indicators of the insulation pipe of this application are optimized, and the cost is reduced.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a thermal insulation pipe production apparatus, including an outer protective pipe forming device 2 and a thermal insulation layer forming device 4. The outer protective pipe forming device 2 has an annular discharge head 3 for extruding molten material, and the thermal insulation layer forming device 4 has an extrusion head for extruding molten material. The cross-sectional size and shape of the annular discharge head 3 are consistent with the size and shape of the outer protective pipe 5 to be formed. The interior of the annular discharge head 3 is provided with a working tube 1 that is coaxial with the annular discharge head 3. The outlet of the annular discharge head 3 faces the working tube 1, and the cross-section of the working tube 1 is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head 3. The working tube 1 is located on the side away from the starting end of the formed outer protective pipe 5, or the outer protective pipe forming device 2 and the thermal insulation layer forming device 4 are connected to the moving part of the driving component. The moving part of the driving component moves linearly along the axial direction of the working tube 1. The extrusion head is placed between the annular discharge head 3 and the working tube 1, and the thermal insulation layer forming device 4 is located on the side of the outer protective pipe forming device 2 away from the formed outer protective pipe 5. In some embodiments, the outer protective tube forming device 2 and the insulation layer forming device 4 are fixedly arranged, the working tube 1 moves in a straight line, and the side of the working tube 1 away from the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5 is connected to the moving part of the driving component.

[0044] The insulation pipe production device also includes a support mechanism for supporting the working pipe 1. The axis of the working pipe 1 can be made to coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head 3 by adjusting the height of the support mechanism, or the axis of the working pipe 1 can be made to coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head 3 by adjusting the height of the annular discharge head 3, or the height of the support mechanism and the height of the annular discharge head 3 can be adjusted simultaneously to make the axis of the working pipe 1 coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head 3.

[0045] The support mechanism includes a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head 3 away from the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5, and the second support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head 3 close to the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5. The distance between the first support mechanism and the annular discharge head 3, and the distance between the second support mechanism and the annular discharge head 3, are both less than the maximum distance that allows the working tube 1 to droop.

[0046] During production, a section needs to be reserved at each end of the working tube 1. This reserved section can be fixedly connected to a movable hoisting device, allowing the working tube 1 to move. In this case, both the first and second support mechanisms are hoisting devices. However, when the working tube 1 is long, this method can easily cause the middle of the working tube 1 to sag. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first support mechanism has a channel through which the working tube 1 can pass. The diameter of the channel is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the working tube 1, allowing the working tube 1 to move within the channel without radial displacement. At least two second support mechanisms are provided, each with an open top. These second support mechanisms are spaced apart, and the distance between the spaced second support mechanism and the annular discharge head 3 is less than the maximum distance that would allow the working tube 1 to sag. This prevents the working tube 1 inside the annular discharge head 3 from sagring and causing the axis of the working tube 1 to misalign with the axis of the annular discharge head 3. In some embodiments, the second support mechanism is a V-shaped roller 7.

[0047] To avoid defects such as patterns appearing on the surface of the newly formed outer protective tube 5, affecting its appearance quality, a cooling device is installed on the side of the annular discharge head 3 facing the formed outer protective tube 5. The cooling device is positioned between the second support mechanism and the annular discharge head 3, allowing the formed outer protective tube 5 to be cooled and shaped before contacting the second support mechanism, thus improving the surface quality of the formed outer protective tube 5. The cooling device can be a vacuum chamber and water tank, a vacuum sizing chamber, or a cooling water pipe equipped with nozzles, etc. In some embodiments, the cooling device includes a cooling water pipe 8 connected to a water source, with several nozzles 9 facing the outer protective tube 5. To improve the cooling effect on the outer protective tube 5, cooling water pipes 8 are installed at least at the highest and lowest points of the outer protective tube 5. Alternatively, cooling water pipes 8 with nozzles 9 can be installed radially around the working pipe 1 to further improve the cooling effect on the outer protective tube 5 and the insulation layer 6.

[0048] An eccentricity detection device 10 and a cutting device 11 are also provided on the side of the annular discharge head 3 near the formed outer protective tube 5. The eccentricity detection device 10 is placed between the cooling equipment and the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5, and the cutting device 11 is placed between the eccentricity detection device 10 and the starting end of the formed outer protective tube 5. The eccentricity detection device 10 can use existing detection devices, and this application does not modify its structure. During detection, the eccentricity detection device 10 remains stationary, and as the working tube 1 moves, each part of the working tube 1 passes through the detection head for detection in sequence. By detecting the eccentricity of the working tube 1, adjustments can be made in a timely manner when the working tube 1 and the annular discharge head 3 are not concentric. The cutting device 11 includes a cutting blade that can rotate around the axis of the insulation tube, cutting the insulation tube to the required length to complete the production of the insulation tube. The insulation tube produced by the production process of this application can be used in secondary mesh environments with temperatures not exceeding 85℃ and pressures not exceeding 1MPa.

[0049] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A process for manufacturing thermal insulation pipes, characterized in that: Includes the following: S1. Place the working tube inside the annular discharge head of the outer protective tube forming equipment, and adjust the axis of the working tube to coincide with the axis of the annular discharge head; The radial direction of the working tube is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head. The size and shape of the cross-section of the annular discharge head are consistent with the size and shape of the outer protective tube to be formed, and the outlet of the annular discharge head faces the working tube. S2. The outlet of the insulation layer forming equipment is placed between the annular outlet head and the working pipe, and the insulation layer forming equipment is located on the side of the outer protective pipe forming equipment away from the already formed outer protective pipe. S3. Simultaneously start the outer protective tube forming equipment and the insulation layer forming equipment, and fill the insulation layer between the outer protective tube and the working tube while forming the outer protective tube; The starting end of the formed outer protective tube is fixed on the working tube, and the working tube is moved relative to the outer protective tube forming equipment and the insulation layer forming equipment along the axial direction of the working tube.

2. The insulation pipe manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer protective tube forming equipment and the insulation layer forming equipment are fixedly installed, and the working tube moves along its axial direction during forming.

3. The manufacturing process of the heat-insulating pipe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The starting end of the formed outer protective tube is bonded to the outer surface of the working tube to form a closed-end pocket structure.

4. The manufacturing process of the heat-insulating pipe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The material of the outer protective tube and the material of the insulation layer can form a chemical bond.

5. The manufacturing process for the thermal insulation pipe according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer protective pipe is a PE outer protective pipe, and the insulation layer is a PE foam insulation layer.

6. An insulated pipe production apparatus, applied to the insulated pipe production process as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The device includes an outer sheath forming device and an insulation layer forming device. The outer sheath forming device has an annular discharge head whose cross-sectional size and shape are consistent with the size and shape of the outer sheath to be formed. The interior of the annular discharge head is provided with a working tube that is coaxial with the annular discharge head. The outlet of the annular discharge head faces the working tube, and the cross-section of the working tube is parallel to the cross-section of the annular discharge head. The working tube is located on the side away from the starting end of the formed outer sheath, or the outer sheath forming device and the insulation layer forming device are connected to the moving part of the driving component. The moving part of the driving component moves along the axial direction of the working tube. The extrusion head of the insulation layer forming device is placed between the annular discharge head and the working tube, and the insulation layer forming device is located on the side of the annular discharge head away from the already formed outer protective tube.

7. The insulation pipe production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a support mechanism for supporting the working tube, the support mechanism and / or the annular discharge head being movable in the height direction so that the axis of the annular discharge head coincides with the axis of the working tube; The support mechanism includes a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head away from the starting end of the formed outer protective tube, and the second support mechanism is located on the side of the annular discharge head close to the starting end of the formed outer protective tube. The distance between the first support mechanism and the annular discharge head, and the distance between the second support mechanism and the annular discharge head, are both less than the maximum distance that allows the working tube to droop.

8. The insulation pipe production apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: A cooling device is provided on the side of the annular discharge head near the formed outer protective tube, and the cooling device is located between the annular discharge head and the second support mechanism near the annular discharge head.

9. The insulation pipe production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cooling device includes a cooling water pipe connected to a water source, and a nozzle is provided on the side of the cooling water pipe facing the outer protective pipe. The cooling water pipe is provided at least at the highest and lowest points of the outer protective pipe.

10. The insulation pipe production apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: An eccentricity detection device and a cutting device are also provided on the side of the annular discharge head near the formed outer protective tube. The eccentricity detection device is placed between the cooling equipment and the starting end of the outer protective tube, and the cutting device is placed between the eccentricity detection device and the starting end of the outer protective tube.

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