Blocking structure for fluid pipes

Abstract

This makes it possible to solve the technical problem of corrosion of metal pipes due to condensation while insulating the pipes thermally and acoustically. The present invention relates to a thermally and acoustically insulating cylindrical structure (2) configured to cover a pipe (1) for transporting fluids that may be at various temperatures, the structure including an inner wall (3) and an outer wall (4), the insulating structure (2) having at least one protrusion (5) extending from its inner wall (3) to form an air space (6) between the inner wall (3) and the pipe (1), the inner wall (3) of the insulating structure (2) at least partially defining the protrusion (5) having a higher density than the outer wall (4) of the insulating structure (2), the higher density of the protrusion (5) extending from the inner wall (3) providing the protrusion (5) with resistance to deformation. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an insulating structure (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermally and acoustically insulating structure for a fluid pipe.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of thermal and acoustic insulation of pipes in buildings or pipes used industrially.

[0003] Insulation structures for pipes are generally formed by insulating materials such as rock wool or glass wool. The flexibility of this type of material facilitates placement by wrapping around the pipe that is desired to be insulated and ensures thermal and / or acoustic insulation once the insulation structure is placed.

[0004] This insulation structure is maintained around the pipe by an adhesive material.

[0005] Fluids having various temperatures may circulate through some of these pipes, and differences in fluid temperature can be significant. Thus, very large temperature differences lead to the use of metal pipes, which can withstand very high or very low temperatures over a long period of time and the mechanical stresses imposed by these temperature differences. Thus, such pipes require thermal insulation by an insulation structure as described above. This insulation structure is wrapped around the pipe and forms direct contact between the outer surface of the pipe and the insulating material of the insulation structure over the entire periphery of the pipe.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] A technical challenge arising from this type of installation is that, conventionally, condensation occurs on the pipe surface when the temperature of the fluid circulating in the pipe can vary drastically. The water generated after this condensation is then absorbed by the insulating material of the insulating structure, and the resulting humidity causes premature corrosion of the metal pipe. This corrosion is exacerbated by the following: the conventional thermal insulating structure acts like a sponge, constantly maintaining a humid environment on the outer surface of the pipe, thus accelerating corrosion over a very long period of time.

[0007] Another technical challenge from prior art is the acoustic isolation of pipes. Specifically, when the isolation structure is in direct contact with the pipe, structure-mediated transmission, i.e., the transmission of sound generated by the fluid in the pipe through the material of the isolation structure, is maximized in this case. Therefore, the acoustic isolation of pipes depends heavily on the properties of the isolation structure used.

[0008] Solutions exist in the prior art, many of which relate to the field of flue pipes. These are pipes equipped with a barrier material structure having spacers. These spacers are the only components that come into direct contact with the flue pipe, thus creating a gap between the pipe and the inner wall of the structure, through which air can circulate.

[0009] However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory. Specifically, these protrusions are made of the same material as the barrier structure, namely rock wool or glass wool, and therefore they are compressible. Consequently, this leads to irreversible compression of the protrusions over time, which creates new contact points between the pipe and the barrier structure, and therefore, over time, this cannot control the problem of corrosion caused by condensation or the acoustic barrier problem of the pipe, as the pipe comes into direct contact with the barrier structure.

[0010] Furthermore, these solutions are specific to flue ducts, in which only high-temperature gases circulate. Since there is no passage of low-temperature liquids or gases, condensation does not occur. Therefore, this prior art technical solution is not particularly relevant to the anticipated technical problem and does not have a claim for solving it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In contrast, the present invention makes it possible to solve the technical problem of corrosion of metal pipes caused by condensation while insulating the pipes thermally and acoustically.

[0012] The present invention comprises a cylindrical thermal and acoustic shielding structure, including an inner wall and an outer wall, configured to cover a pipe for transporting fluids that can be subjected to various temperatures, and this shielding structure is provided from its inner wall appear The barrier structure is characterized by having at least one protrusion, thereby creating an air space between the inner wall and the pipe, and having a higher density on the inner wall of the barrier structure than on the outer wall of the barrier structure, at least partially defining the protrusion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe-covering barrier structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a blocking structure according to the same embodiment as in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the method for manufacturing the barrier structure in a cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first arrangement of a shielding structure around a metal pipe for the purpose of performing an acoustic shielding test. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second arrangement of the shielding structure around a metal pipe for the purpose of performing the same acoustic shielding test. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows the insertion loss curve as a function of sound frequency for the first barrier structure model arranged around the pipe according to Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the insertion loss curve as a function of sound frequency for the second barrier structure model arranged around the pipes in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the insertion loss curve as a function of sound frequency for the third barrier structure model arranged around the pipes in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the insertion loss curve as a function of sound frequency for the fourth barrier structure model arranged around the pipes in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a curve showing the insertion loss as a function of sound frequency for a fifth barrier structure model arranged around the pipes shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] From the inner wall Occur Increasing the density of the protrusions provides protrusions that are resistant to deformation.

[0015] The increased density of the protrusions enhances resistance to deformation. Therefore, the protrusions allow for the maintenance of an air space between the pipe and the barrier structure over a specific period, for example, 1 to 4 years starting from the installation of the barrier structure around the pipe.

[0016] In this context, the term "shielding structure" is used to refer to a component that ensures thermal and acoustic shielding. The cylindrical shape of the shielding structure ensures covering of the pipe, thereby ensuring the shielding of the pipe. To enclose the pipe over its entire length, the shielding structure has a diameter in which its inner wall is largely inscribed, and this diameter is larger than the diameter of the pipe.

[0017] The inner wall of the blocking structure has at least one protrusion, which, on the one hand, ensures contact between the blocking structure and the pipe, and on the other hand, ensures the formation of a space between the inner wall of the blocking structure and the outer surface of the pipe. In other words, it is not the entire inner wall of the blocking structure that directly contacts the pipe, and the only contact point between the two elements is from the inner wall of the blocking structure appear one or more protrusions.

[0018] The outer wall is the part of the blocking structure that is radially farthest from the pipe that the present invention proposes to block. The comparison of the density between the inner wall and the outer wall can be carried out with the same thickness of these walls.

[0019] The blocking structure is manufactured, in particular, by hot pressing around a mandrel, and in this way, from the inner wall Occur enables the generation and densification of protrusions. As an example, the material constituting the blocking structure can be pressed onto the mandrel, where the mandrel has a specific shape or includes an inverted shape corresponding to the desired shape of the blocking structure. To obtain densification of the inner wall and the protrusions, the mandrel is heated, for example, by a bundle of resistors arranged on the mandrel and / or by microwaves. In this way, the heating of the mandrel enables densification of the inner wall at the protrusions, which is brought about by the material constituting the blocking structure hardening and thus forming a layer, where the above-mentioned material and adhesive are melted and compressed by being sent to a pressing machine equipped with a heated mandrel. It should be understood by the densification of the material that the material becomes hard after its pressing against the hot mandrel, and the protrusions can be pushed into its inverted shape according to the manufacturing method described in more detail below.

[0020] Thus, the pressing is performed such that only the inner wall that at least partially defines the protrusion is densified. In other words, the portion of the inner wall located radially between the protrusions can be made to undergo no densification of the material. Nevertheless, in an alternative manner, such portions can be densified in the same manner or a similar manner as the protrusions, as described above. The densification provides resistance to deformation of the protrusions and optionally the inner wall located between two protrusions, and thus enables an air space to be maintained peripherally on both sides of the protrusions between the pipe and the blocking structure. If there are at least two protrusions on the inner wall of the blocking structure, each of these protrusions is densified as contemplated by the present invention. What is to be understood by the densification of the protrusions is that only the walls of the protrusions, i.e., only the material that directly contacts the mandrel during pressing, is densified, and the cores of the protrusions maintain flexibility notwithstanding such a manufacturing method. Maintaining a certain flexibility of the cores of the protrusions enables relatively good acoustic insulation.

[0021] The high density of the layer of the inner wall can be evaluated, for example, by an apparent density test in accordance with standard EN1602. The measurement of the density in accordance with this standard consists of measuring the material to be tested, thereby deriving their volumes by calculation, and weighing the same materials to derive the mass therefrom. In this way, the density of each of these materials is obtained by calculating the ratio between the weighed mass and the calculated volume. Once the density value is obtained, all that remains is to calculate the ratio between this value and the density of water to obtain the density of the material. The higher the density value, the more densified the material is. Two measurements are made: namely, one measurement on the inner wall that at least partially defines the protrusion, and one measurement on the outer wall of the blocking structure, i.e., on the region of the blocking structure that has not undergone any densification of the material.

[0022] After testing two measured regions, the present invention can be recognized when the density of the inner wall at least partially defining the protrusion is higher than the density of any other part of the barrier structure, particularly the density of its outer wall. Such a test can be performed at any time after the barrier structure has been manufactured, and advantageously, before it is placed around the pipe.

[0023] The air space thus formed by the barrier structure ensures relatively good resistance of the pipe to corrosion. The fluid circulating inside the pipe has various temperatures over a long period of time.

[0024] As the material density increases, the air space eliminates problems related to condensation, thus preventing moisture absorption by the barrier material. Furthermore, air circulation can be allowed to pass through the air space, further reducing the formation of condensation on the outer surface of the pipe.

[0025] The air space also ensures relatively good acoustic placement of the pipe. Specifically, it has been shown that by forming such an air space, structure-mediated transmission through the barrier structure is reduced compared to a barrier structure in direct contact with the pipe. To verify this, an acoustic barrier test was conducted according to standard ISO 15665. Upon completion of this test, it became clear that when an air space was formed between the pipe and the barrier structure, the insertion loss of sound coming from the pipe was generally greater than when they were in direct contact with each other. This result was obtained despite testing with multiple barrier structures having different characteristics. This increase in insertion loss characterizes relatively good acoustic barrier. The results of the acoustic barrier test are described in more detail below.

[0026] According to one feature of the present invention, the barrier structure may have at least two protrusions. Having more than one protrusion on the barrier structure allows the barrier structure to be centered around the pipe, thereby allowing for an air space to be present around the entire periphery of the pipe, naturally excluding the area of ​​direct contact between the protrusion and the pipe. In an advantageous form, the barrier structure has at least three protrusions, thereby ensuring an optimal and balanced arrangement of the barrier structure around the pipe.

[0027] According to one feature of the present invention, the thickness of the inner wall measured in the projection is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. This thickness is the thickness in which the density of the inner wall in the projection is greater than the density of the outer wall over that thickness.

[0028] The thickness of the inner wall may vary depending on the area being measured, but remains between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. Such thickness of the inner wall can be found throughout the entire inner wall, or only at the locations of the protrusions, or at all or part of these protrusions.

[0029] According to one feature of the present invention, the density of the outer wall of the barrier structure has a relative value between 40% and 70% of the density of the inner wall of the barrier structure at the projection. This relative difference in density values ​​between the inner and outer walls at the projection needs to be measured in accordance with the standard EN1602, as described above.

[0030] The insulating material constituting the insulating structure is mineral wool. Mineral wool may be, for example, glass wool or rock wool. Glass wool provides thermal and acoustic insulation specifically for fluid pipes that may reach extreme temperatures. Rock wool is an insulating material characterized by better moisture resistance than glass wool. These two materials provide substantially similar thermal and acoustic insulation. Therefore, in situations where pipes are located in areas with high levels of moisture, using rock wool is more prudent. Otherwise, glass wool may be preferable.

[0031] From the inner wall appear The projection is in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical body formed by the blocking structure. in The projections on the inner wall of the barrier structure have a rounded shape, meaning they do not have sharp angles. This feature allows the contact between the barrier structure and the pipe to be limited to the contact line formed by the free ends of the projections.

[0032] The projection is rounded in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cylindrical body formed by the blocking structure, that is, it is rounded in the direction of the pipe when the blocking structure is positioned around the pipe. According to other embodiments, the projection may exhibit other specific shapes, such as polygonal shapes.

[0033] The projections can extend longitudinally along the entire length of the barrier structure, or they can be discontinuous, depending on the inversion shape of the mandrel. Therefore, when the barrier structure is pressed, the projections are formed and densified in a continuous linear manner, a discontinuous linear manner, or a point-like manner, and the key is that the air space formed while positioning the barrier structure around the pipe exists over all or part of the length of the pipe. In this case, in the longitudinal plane, the projections have an overall semi-cylindrical shape.

[0034] The projection can extend along a straight line. In this case, this straight line was parallel to the axis of rotation of the blocking structure.

[0035] Alternatively, the projection may follow a curve that wraps around the axis of rotation of the barrier structure. In this case, the projection extends in a helical manner.

[0036] The barrier structure is located on the inner wall. appear It may have multiple protrusions, which are regularly and angularly distributed. The protrusions exist in a peripheral, point-like manner around the inner wall of the barrier structure, for example, with equal angular divisions separating the protrusions from each other. The portion of the inner wall of the barrier structure that does not have protrusions does not come into contact with the outer wall of the pipe. Therefore, an empty volume exists between these portions, thus allowing the pipe to form an air space.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall is covered with a layer of leak-resistant material. The layer of material covering the outer wall ensures protection and / or sealing of the barrier structure against any heat loss or any degradation from the external environment. In this way, the barrier structure is protected and maintained over a long period of time in operational conditions.

[0038] The leak-proof layer of the outer wall is, for example, metal foil. Ideally, the metal foil is made of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy because aluminum has sealing and malleable properties even at very thin thicknesses.

[0039] The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned thermal and acoustic shielding structure, the method comprising: - A step of wrapping the part of the barrier material around a mandrel having an inverted shape, - The process of heating the material using a mandrel. - A process in which a portion of the barrier material is pressed against the mandrel by a roller.

[0040] The barrier structure is manufactured by a machine capable of processing any material having barrier properties, such as mineral fibers. These mineral fibers are fed into the machine in sections and wound around a mandrel, which is rotated, for example, via a rotating shaft. The mandrel is heated to a temperature of approximately 350-400°C to melt the material and increase the density of the portion of the material in direct contact with the mandrel. The mandrel has an inverted shape configured to form protrusions in the barrier structure. While being wound around the mandrel, the aforementioned portion is pressed against the mandrel by rollers. In this way, these rollers press the aforementioned portion against the inverted shape of the mandrel, thereby enabling the formation of protrusions in the finished product.

[0041] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent, on the one hand, from the following description, and on the other hand, from exemplary embodiments shown non-limitingly with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a metal pipe 1, indicated by a dotted line in the figure, which is, for example, circular in shape. Pipe 1 serves to circulate a fluid, which can have various properties, such as a liquid or a gas. Pipe 1 may form part of a system for regulating or cooling a fluid, or it may be any other system in which condensation may occur in pipe 1. In the case of a regulating or cooling system, the fluid circulating in pipe 1 may be, in particular, water or air. Pipe 1 can be installed in any container having a system in which pipe 1 serves to circulate a fluid that is colder than the external environment, such as a building on land or a vehicle such as a boat or airplane.

[0043] The pipe 1 is completely covered by the barrier structure 2, which has substantially the same shape as the pipe 1, for example, circular if the pipe 1 is circular. The pipe 1 and the barrier structure 2 are center-aligned around the axis of rotation 7. The barrier structure 2 is segmented and has openings 8, which are formed radially along the radius of the axis of rotation 7 and longitudinally along the length of the barrier structure 2. The barrier structure 2 is wrapped around the pipe 1 and secured by adhesive tape, for example, not shown in Figure 1.

[0044] The barrier structure 2 has an inner wall 3 and an outer wall 4 that define the thickness of the barrier structure 2. The entire barrier structure 2 is made of glass wool or rock wool, depending on the selected material. The outer wall 4 may be covered with a thin layer of material that provides sealing of the barrier structure 2. The outer wall 4 is thus advantageously covered with aluminum foil to seal and / or protect the barrier structure 2 from the external environment.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner wall 3 of the barrier structure 2 is mostly circular, except for the projection 5, which is present in a regular, point-like manner within the internal volume defined by the barrier structure 2.

[0046] The projection 5 is formed during the manufacturing of the barrier structure 2 and corresponds to the inverted shape of the mandrel. The inverted shape of the mandrel has an inverted shape that allows for obtaining the barrier structure 2 shown in Figure 1, for example. Thus, the projection 5 forms an integral part of the inner wall 3 due to the shape of the mandrel from which the barrier structure 2 is extruded during the above manufacturing process.

[0047] The inner wall 3 defines, at least partially, the projection 5. The other side of the projection 5 is defined by the core 22 of the barrier structure 2. The inner wall 3 of the barrier structure forms a skin 21, which is densified by heating during the manufacturing process of the barrier structure 2. This densified skin 21 may be present only on the projection 5, depending on the distribution of heat added to the mandrel during the manufacturing of the barrier structure 2, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, this densified skin 21 may extend across multiple projections 5 and the inner wall 3 located between two adjacent projections 5.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there are four protrusions 5, which are arranged at a 90° angle to each other, thereby forming a regular arrangement of protrusions 5 along the inner wall 3.

[0049] In this embodiment, the projection 5 has an ogive shape that is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the blocking structure and aligns with the cross-sectional plane of the blocking structure.

[0050] Each of the rounded tips of the projections 5 is in direct contact with the pipe 1. In the cross-sectional view, the projections 5 are at the same height relative to each other. In other words, the distance between the contact point between the rounded tip of the projection 5 and the pipe 1 and the base of the projection 5 on the inner wall 3 is the same for all of the projections 5. In this way, the projections 5 make it possible to define an air space 6 between the pipe 1 and the inner wall 3, having a thickness equal to the height of the projections 5.

[0051] The assembly formed by the core 22 and the protrusions 5, like the other parts of the barrier structure 2, is made of glass wool or rock wool, depending on the choice of barrier material. According to the present invention, the barrier material of the barrier structure 2 in and, advantageously between the protrusions, is densified after the formation of the barrier structure 2 by pressing against the mandrel. This densification is due to a specific method of heating the mandrel to a temperature of about 350-400°C by a bundle of heating resistors or microwaves. Thus, the densified protrusions 5 are denser than the outer wall 4 of the barrier structure 2, and in this way ensure that the barrier structure 2 is maintained around the pipe 1 over a long period of time.

[0052] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the shielding structure 2. In this figure, multiple elements are shown by solid or dotted lines, corresponding to various elements of the shielding structure 2.

[0053] The thinnest dotted line corresponds to the axis of rotation 7. Similar to Figure 1, the barrier structure 2 shown in Figure 2 is circular in shape. Thus, this perspective view allows us to see the barrier structure 2 in the form of a right circular cylinder centered around the axis of rotation 7. The two solid lines correspond to two points on the outer wall 4 of the barrier structure 2 that are opposite each other in the diametrical direction, defining the outer diameter of the barrier structure 2. The solid lines are parallel to each other, thus defining the constant cylindrical shape of the barrier structure 2 in the longitudinal direction. Finally, the four thick dotted lines correspond to the projections 5. Since the embodiment of the barrier structure 2 shown in Figure 2 is the same as the embodiment of the barrier structure 2 shown in Figure 1, there are four projections 5, arranged at 90° angles to each other. The perspective view in Figure 2 allows us to see the longitudinal extension of the projections 5 along the entire length of the inner wall 3 of the barrier structure 2. In Figure 2, the longitudinal extension of the projection 5 is continuous; however, as long as the air space 6 is maintained throughout the entire pipe when the barrier structure 2 is placed on the pipe, it is also possible to assume a discontinuous longitudinal extension of the projection 5.

[0054] The projections 5 maintain their dimensions in a consistent manner. Thus, an air space 6 exists along the entire length of the pipe 1, and in this way, protection from corrosion throughout the pipe 1, air circulation between the projections 5, and acoustic isolation of the pipe are ensured, as described above.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a method for manufacturing the barrier structure 2. This figure schematically shows a machine 30 capable of processing mineral fibers, such as glass wool or rock wool, thereby forming products such as the barrier structure 2. The manufacturing method shown in Figure 3 enables the production of the barrier structure 2 shown in the figure above.

[0056] The machine 30 includes a mandrel 31 and rollers 34. The mandrel 31 can be driven and rotated in direction 37, for example by a rotating shaft (not shown). The machine 30 also has means for supplying portions of mineral fibers 35 along direction 36, for example by a conveyor (not shown). The portions of mineral fibers 35 have a thin thickness, which makes it possible to obtain products that can take on various values ​​in terms of thickness. Although not visible in the figure, it is clear that the portions of mineral fibers 35 and the mandrel 31 have substantial longitudinal dimensions, which makes it possible to create a barrier structure 2 having a substantial cylindrical shape and longitudinal dimensions suitable for being placed around a pipe.

[0057] As it is supplied to the machine 30, the portion 35 is wrapped around the mandrel 31 by the rotation of the mandrel in direction 37. The mandrel 31 has inverted shapes 32, which are shown in the figure as recesses and correspond to the protrusions of the blocking structure 2. These inverted shapes 32 may be machined directly onto the mandrel 31, for example. The inverted shapes 32 extend longitudinally along the mandrel 31. As the portion 35 is wrapped around the mandrel 31, the inverted shapes 32 are filled with layers of portion 35 through a combination of the rotation of the mandrel 31 and the pressure applied by the rollers 34.

[0058] The roller 34 has a shape that matches the outer wall of the barrier structure 2, and applies pressure to the barrier structure 2. This pressure allows the inverted shape 32 to be filled and also smooths the portion 35, thereby preventing the appearance of manufacturing defects, such as creases.

[0059] At the start of the manufacturing process, the roller 34 is in substantial contact with the mandrel 31. Subsequently, as more sections 35 are wrapped around the mandrel 31, the thickness of the barrier structure 2 increases, and in this way, a constant pressure is maintained that ensures their function, while the roller 34 moves further away from the mandrel 31. The machine 30 thus enables the production of barrier structures 2 having varying thicknesses that conform to the barrier requirements and correspond to the number of sections 35 wrapped around the mandrel 31.

[0060] While driven and rotating, the mandrel 31 is heated to 350-400°C by, for example, an electrical resistor 33. This electrical resistor is positioned within the structure of the mandrel 31 according to an inverted shape 32. These are the electrical resistors 33 that ensure the densification of the inner wall of the barrier structure 2 at the protrusions through their heating function. Furthermore, it is the proximity between the electrical resistors 33 and the inverted shape 32 that results in the densification of the inner wall of the barrier structure 2 defining at least partially the protrusions, thus forming a densified skin. The heating process by the resistors 33 is by no means limited, and the inner wall can also be heated by, for example, microwaves directed in the direction of the protrusions.

[0061] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views of two arrangements of the barrier structure 2 around pipe 1 for the purpose of performing an acoustic barrier test. The same acoustic barrier test will be performed on four different models of the barrier structure 2, corresponding to the two arrangements shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a first configuration for the acoustic shielding test. In this first configuration, the shielding structure 2 is wrapped around the pipe 1, so that most of the inner wall 3 of the shielding structure 2 is in direct contact with the pipe 1. Therefore, all four models of the shielding structure 2 used in the acoustic shielding test have dimensions suitable for wrapping around the pipe 1. The shielding structure 2 is then maintained around the pipe 1 by, for example, an adhesive material.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a second configuration for the acoustic isolation test. This second configuration corresponds to the isolation structure 2 according to the present invention and therefore has multiple protrusions 5 on the inner wall 3 of the isolation structure 2. In Figure 5, unlike Figure 1, there are three protrusions 5, which are distributed along the inner wall 3 in an equilateral triangular pattern, thus ensuring the formation of an air space 6. As in the first configuration, in this case the isolation structure 2 is maintained on the pipe 1 by an adhesive material.

[0064] Acoustic testing will be conducted using four shielding structure models. Each of the four models has an inner diameter of 114 mm. The inner diameter should be understood as corresponding to the length between two points on the inner wall of the shielding structure that are diametrically opposed to each other when the shielding structure is placed around a pipe. The four models have the same inner diameter under the condition that they are all placed around the same pipe to conduct the acoustic shielding test.

[0065] The first model A has a shielding material thickness of 30 mm and a linear weight of 1.0 kg per meter + / - 0.15 kg per meter. The second model B has a shielding material thickness of 30 mm and a linear weight of 1.2 kg per meter + / - 0.15 kg per meter. The third model C has a shielding material thickness of 60 mm and a linear weight of 3.2 kg per meter + / - 0.2 kg per meter. Finally, the fourth model D has a shielding material thickness of 100 mm and a linear weight of 4.4 kg per meter + / - 0.2 kg per meter.

[0066] Each shielding structure model is wrapped around the pipe according to each of the two configurations. The first configuration is shown in Figure 4, and the second configuration is shown in Figure 5. Thus, there are two configurations for each model, resulting in a total of eight configurations. For each configuration of the shielding structure, white noise, i.e., noise with the same sound level at any given frequency, is emitted into the metal pipe using a loudspeaker, and this noise is captured by a microphone placed near the shielded pipe. This test is repeated according to a predetermined frequency range. The insertion loss in decibels is calculated based on the sound level at the frequencies captured by the microphone, and as a function of the initial sound level at the surrounding exit. The higher the insertion loss, the more effective the acoustic shielding provided by the shielding structure. The results of the acoustic shielding test are shown in Figures 6-9.

[0067] Figures 6-9 each show graphs containing two insertion loss curves as a function of sound frequency, with each figure corresponding to one cutoff structure model. Each figure shows a curve with a triangular marker corresponding to the curve of the acoustic cutoff test results for the cutoff structure arranged according to the first configuration shown in Figure 4, and a curve with a square marker corresponding to the curve of the acoustic cutoff test results for the cutoff structure arranged according to the second configuration shown in Figure 5. The sound frequency range selected for the acoustic cutoff test has 19 different sound frequencies, ranging from 100 Hz to 6300 Hz.

[0068] Figure 6 is a graph showing the results of acoustic isolation tests of the first Model A according to the present invention for the two arrangements described above. Except for the three lowest frequencies where the insertion loss is the same or substantially the same, the insertion loss when the first isolation structure Model A is arranged according to the second arrangement is systematically higher than the insertion loss of the first Model A arranged according to the first arrangement, and the difference in insertion loss can exceed 5 decibels.

[0069] Figure 7 is a graph showing the results from the same acoustic isolation test as the previous figure, but performed with the second isolation structure model B. In this graph, the insertion loss when the second model B is arranged according to the second configuration is always higher than when the second model B is arranged according to the first configuration, and the difference in insertion loss can be as much as approximately 8 decibels.

[0070] Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of acoustic barrier tests using the third barrier structure model C. Except for the measurement results at 160 Hz, which can be considered negligible for the entire curve, the insertion loss of the third model C, arranged according to the second arrangement, is always high. Similar to the second barrier structure model B, the difference in insertion loss for the third model C can also reach up to approximately 8 decibels.

[0071] Figure 9 is a graph showing the results of an acoustic isolation test using the third isolation structure model D. The results for the fourth model D show a smaller trend than the measurement results for the previously mentioned isolation structure models, especially at very low and very high frequencies. Nevertheless, the overall results remain favorable to the second configuration, with the insertion loss remaining the highest for most sound frequencies, and the difference in insertion loss can reach 7 decibels.

[0072] Generally, when the barrier structure is positioned according to the second arrangement, that is, when there is a projection on the inner wall of the barrier structure that ensures the formation of an air space between the pipe and the barrier structure, the insertion loss is highest, and this result is obtained regardless of the thickness of the barrier material or its linear weight, despite the differences in properties among the four barrier structure models. Thus, the presence of such an air space reinforces the acoustic barrier of the pipe in a manner at least partially independent of the properties of the barrier structure. Even if the embodiment of the second arrangement differs from the embodiment of the present invention shown in the detailed description, the barrier structure according to the present invention allows for the formation of an air space between the pipe and the barrier structure by means of the projection. Thus, the present invention solves the technical problems related to pipe corrosion due to condensation in the pipe and exhibits an acoustic barrier function.

[0073] Figure 10 is a graph showing the results of the sound insulation test conducted as described above. The mineral fiber used in this test corresponds to Model 5E, which, like Model 1A and Model 2B, had a thickness of 30mm of insulation material. Model 5E has a density of 66kg / m 3 It has a density of . The fifth model E is wrapped substantially around the pipe and substantially traversed by multiple white noises having various frequencies. Two arrangements of the fifth model E are similar to the arrangements shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0074] The acoustic tests conducted here are the same as those described in Figures 6-9. The frequency range used was between 100 Hz and 4000 Hz, and was applied to Model E 5 following the first configuration and Model E 5 following the second configuration. The insertion loss in decibels was measured for each frequency, and the results are shown in Figure 10. The difference in insertion loss is favorable in the second configuration, and it can be seen that the difference ranges from 5 decibels to 15 decibels. Therefore, this acoustic test is also conclusive.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Of course, it is possible to select a barrier material according to the requirements. The height of the projection 5 can also be set to various values ​​depending on the diameter of the barrier structure 2, thereby making it possible to create a larger volume of air space 6 very easily, if necessary.

[0076] The number of projections 5, and their shape in cross-section, may vary depending on the shape of the mandrel on which the barrier structure 2 is formed. Increasing the number of projections 5 ensures relatively good stability of the barrier structure 2 around the pipe 1, but reduces the overall volume of the air space 6. Thus, the embodiments described above are by no means limiting. In particular, it is possible to consider modified embodiments that include only selected features from the following, separate from other features mentioned herein, if this selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to differentiate the present invention from the prior art. This disclosure includes the following embodiments of the invention: <Aspect 1> A cylindrical thermal and acoustic shielding structure (2) is configured to cover a pipe (1) for transporting fluids that may reach various temperatures, Including the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (4), The barrier structure (2) has at least one projection (5) extending from its inner wall (3), thereby forming an air space (6) between the inner wall (3) and the pipe (1). The inner wall (3) of the barrier structure (2), which defines at least partially the projection (5), has a higher density than the outer wall (4) of the barrier structure (2), and the high density of the projection (5) extending from the inner wall (3) provides the projection (5) with resistance to deformation. Barrier structure (2) <Aspect 2> The blocking structure (2) according to embodiment 1, having at least two protrusions (5). <Aspect 3> The barrier structure (2) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the inner wall measured by the projection (5) is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. <Aspect 4> A barrier structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the density of the outer wall (4) of the barrier structure (2) has a relative value between 40% and 70% of the density of the inner wall (3) of the barrier structure (2) at the projection (5). <Aspect 5> The barrier structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the barrier material constituting the barrier structure (2) is mineral wool. <Aspect 6> The blocking structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the projection (5) extending from the inner wall (3) is rounded in the direction of the rotation axis (7) of the cylindrical body formed by the blocking structure (2). <Aspect 7> A barrier structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, having a plurality of protrusions (5) extending from the inner wall (3), wherein the plurality of protrusions (5) are angularly distributed in a regular manner. <Aspect 8> The barrier structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the outer wall (4) is covered with a layer of leak-resistant material. <Pattern 9> A barrier structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the layer of the leak-resistant material of the outer wall (4) is a metal foil. <Aspect 10> A method for manufacturing a thermal and acoustic shielding structure (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, - A step of wrapping the portion of the barrier material (35) around a mandrel (31) having an inverted shape (32), - A step of heating the material with the mandrel (32), - A step of pressing the aforementioned portion (35) of the barrier material onto the mandrel (31) with a roller (34), including, method.

Claims

1. A cylindrical thermal and acoustic shielding structure (2) is configured to cover a pipe (1) for transporting fluids that can reach various temperatures, Including the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (4), The barrier structure (2) is made of the same material as the barrier structure (2) and has at least one projection (5) that protrudes from its inner wall (3), thereby forming an air space (6) between the inner wall (3) and the pipe (1). The inner wall (3) of the barrier structure (2), which defines at least partially the projection (5), has a higher density than the outer wall (4) of the barrier structure (2), and the high density of the projection (5) arising from the inner wall (3) provides the projection (5) with resistance to deformation, and the entire barrier structure (2) having the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (4) is formed of the same material. Barrier structure (2).

2. The blocking structure (2) according to claim 1, having at least two protrusions (5).

3. The barrier structure (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the inner wall measured by the projection (5) is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

4. The barrier structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the density of the outer wall (4) of the barrier structure (2) has a relative value between 40% and 70% of the density of the inner wall (3) of the barrier structure (2) at the projection (5).

5. The barrier structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier material constituting the barrier structure (2) is mineral wool.

6. The blocking structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the projection (5) emerging from the inner wall (3) is rounded in the direction of the rotation axis (7) of the cylindrical body formed by the blocking structure (2).

7. The barrier structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having a plurality of protrusions (5) appearing from the inner wall (3), wherein the plurality of protrusions (5) are angularly distributed in a regular manner.

8. The barrier structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer wall (4) is covered with a layer of leak-resistant material.

9. The barrier structure (2) according to claim 8, wherein the layer of leak-resistant material covering the outer wall (4) is a metal foil.

10. A method for manufacturing a thermal and acoustic shielding structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - A step of wrapping the portion of the barrier material (35) around a mandrel (31) having an inverted shape (32), - A step of heating the barrier material with the mandrel (31), - A step of pressing the aforementioned portion (35) of the barrier material onto the mandrel (31) with a roller (34), including, method.

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