Pipe insulation components

Abstract

Pipe insulation components are described including: a body formed from an insulating material; and indicia are provided on the outside of the body, the indicia indicate recommended requirements for the component to comply with a certified arrangement when installed.

Description

[0001] PIPE INSULATION COMPONENTS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to pipe insulation components such as those of the type which are used in providing fire protection to pipe installations in commercial and residential buildings.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] In order to comply with fire regulations when installing pipework in new or existing buildings it is necessary to apply pipe insulation to pipes in various locations such as at the points where they penetrate a wall or floor at a junction between two compartments in the building. For instance, if a pipe passes through a wall which separates two occupancies in an apartment building, then that pipe will need to be fitted with appropriate insulation on either side of the wall to meet the applicable building code.

[0006] Insulation for fire protection of pipes is usually provided in the form of rolls of silver backed glass wool of various widths and thicknesses. Lengths of insulation are cut from the rolls and then wrapped around pipes to be secured in place using one or more stainless steel cable ties.

[0007] In many countries, including Australia, a pipework installation is only deemed to meet the applicable building code if it has been fabricated and installed in accordance with a certified “tested solution”. A tested solution is the name given to a specified arrangement of pipework and fire control components which has been tested and certified as complying with the building code.

[0008] It is generally the responsibility of producers of fire control components and equipment to design and test solutions in order that they can be registered as certified “tested solutions” with the local building regulatory authorities. A tested solution may require that a pipe of a certain type is fitted with insulation of a certain type, width and thickness, and be secured in place with an appropriate number and spacing of cable ties.

[0009] An installer of pipework and related fire control components must take care that their installations comply with a tested solution. The installer must therefore make themselves aware of the relevant available solutions and then consult documentation and specifications associated with the particular tested solution to ensure that it meets code.

[0010] Similarly, an inspector or person certifying that a pipework installation has been installed in accordance with a building code must themselves look up the applicable tested solutions before they can make an assessment of the job they are being asked to certify.

[0011] Still further, when applying insulation to a complex pipe joint or junction, such as a three-way joint or a joint comprising bulging components such as Victaulic couplings, it is troublesome to achieve a good fit by cutting and wrapping pieces of fire insulating wrap. As a result, an installer will often fashion their own ad-hoc solution by cutting and overlaying various pieces of insulation and securing them together as best they can. In this scenario, although they use their best efforts to insulate the pipe, a certifier may form a different view and so the job may be deemed not to meet the building code and will have to be rectified. As well, jobs carried out in this way can tend to have an untidy appearance.

[0012] There remains a need to address one or more of the foregoing problems.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] In a first aspect the present invention provides a pipe insulation component including: a body formed from an insulating material; and indicia are provided on the outside of the body, the indicia indicate recommended requirements for the component to comply with a certified arrangement when installed.

[0015] The indicia may indicate the locations of cable ties used to secure the component in place in use.

[0016] The indicia may further indicate the recommended thickness of the cable ties.

[0017] The indicia may further indicate the recommended orientation of the component in relation to a floor or wall in use.

[0018] The indicia may include information identifying further details of a recommended installed configuration.

[0019] The further details may include details of a certified installed configuration.

[0020] The body may includes an internal cavity which is arranged to fit about a region of a pipework installation.

[0021] The component may be substantially cylindrical.

[0022] The component may include a slit along its length to allow a region of a pipework installation to pass through to be received into the internal cavity.

[0023] The component may include a tab which provides a continuation of the surface of the outside of the body, and which wraps around the component in use to cover the slit.

[0024] The internal cavity may be shaped to accommodate a junction of pipework components.

[0025] The internal cavity may be shaped to accommodate a 90-degree bend.

[0026] The internal cavity may be shaped to accommodate a T junction.

[0027] The internal cavity includes one or more recesses to accommodate pipe couplings. The body may be formed from a flexible sheet material which can be wrapped around a pipe, a pipe joint or a pipe junction.

[0028] The component may include a tab which overlaps another region of the component when installed.

[0029] The tab may be self-adhesive.

[0030] The component may include a region which wraps around the centre connection of a T junction and two regions which wrap around the end connections of the T junction.

[0031] The component may include a region which wraps around the centre region of a 90-degree bend and two regions which wrap around the end connections of the 90- degree bend.

[0032] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is and end view of a pipe insulation component;

[0035] Figure 2 shows the component of figure 1 with its internal cavity fitted around a pipe;

[0036] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the indicia displayed on the outside surface of the component of figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view of another embodiment of an insulation component being applied to a pipe joint; Figure 5 is an end view of the component of figure 4;

[0038] Figure 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment of an insulation component being applied to a pipe bend;

[0039] Figure 7 is an end view of the component of figure 6;

[0040] Figure 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of an insulation component being applied to a three-way pipe junction;

[0041] Figure 9 is an end view of the component of figure 8;

[0042] Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a pipe insulating component for use with a pipe joint;

[0043] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the component of figure 10;

[0044] Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the component of figure 10;

[0045] Figure 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a pipe insulating component for use with a pipe bend;

[0046] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the component of figure 13;

[0047] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the component of figure 13;

[0048] Figure 16 is a plan view of another embodiment of a pipe insulating component for use with a three-way pipe junction;

[0049] Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the component of figure 16; and

[0050] Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of the component of figure 16; Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0051] Referring to figure 1, a pipe insulation component 10 is shown including a body 12 formed from an insulating material such as silver backed glass wool with a density of 105Kg / m3. The body is shaped to include an internal cavity 14 and has a slit 16 formed along the length of the body. The body has a degree of flexibility and can be pulled open at the slit to allow the component to fitted about a region of pipe 100 which is received in the internal cavity 14.

[0052] The component 10 includes a tab in the form of flap 18 which extends from the right-hand side of the surface of the body 12 as seen in figure 1 to overlie the slot 16 and is used to wrap around the body 12 to when the component is installed in use to achieve a snug fit.

[0053] Referring again to figure 2, the component 10 is shown having been fitted about a region of a fire hydrant pipe 200. The outside surface of the body 12, and the flap 18 is printed with indicia 20.

[0054] Referring to figure 3, the indicia include three markers 21 “CABLE TIE HERE” which indicate the recommended location of stainless-steel cable ties to affix the component 10 in place. Furthermore, each of the indicators 21 include a pair of lines which indicate the recommended thickness of cable tie to use.

[0055] The indicia also include an indicator 22 “WALL THIS WAY” to show the recommended orientation of the component in relation to a wall in use. This informs the installer of the correct orientation of the component and the location of applying a heat-resistant sealing material to seal the joint between the component 10 and the wall. In other embodiments a similar indication can be used to indicate the correct orientation in relation to a floor.

[0056] In addition, there is provided indicia 23 “25mm-28mm OD PIPES COPPER, THIN WALL STAINLESS, GAL, THIN WALL CARBON STEEL” which indicate suitable pipe sizes and materials with which to use the component 10. The indication 24 FRL 120 / 120 / 120 indicates the fire rating of the component.

[0057] The indicia 20 guide the installer to install the component. The indicia 21 ensure that an appropriate number of cable ties are applied to the component and at their correct spacings from the ends of the component and from each other. The location and number of cable ties is an important factor in tested solutions and failure to install them in their correct locations will mean that the installation does not meet the building code.

[0058] If the directions provided by the various indicia 20 are followed and the cable ties are secured in the indicated positions, then the resulting installation will comply with a certified tested solution which has been previously tested and certified to the satisfaction of a local fire authority. An identifying code such as a QR code (not shown) may be printed on the component to allow for scanning by either an installer or certifier to look up the details of the certified tested solution.

[0059] Referring now to figures 4 and 5, a pipe insulation component 30 is shown including a body formed from two half shells 32a, 32b which are a mirror image of each other. The shells are formed from an insulating material such as a silver backed glass wool material, and each include a matching recess 34. An internal cavity is formed by the bringing together of matching recesses 34 formed in the two half shells 32a, 32b. The internal cavity formed by the recesses is arranged to fit about a region of a pipework installation.

[0060] The half shells 32a, 32b are joined at a flexible hinge region which may be formed from the silver coating of the component or may be formed from a heat resistive adhesive strip. The half shells 32a, 32b can be opened to fit about a junction in a pipework installation, which in this embodiment is a joint in a pipe 110 formed using a Victaulic coupling 120. The recesses 34 both include a widened portion 36 to accommodate the Victaulic coupling. The component 30 has printed indicia on its outer surface (not shown) in a similar fashion to component 10 described above which guide the installer as to the suitability of the components and guide the installer to provide appropriate cable ties or other fixings at appropriate locations. In order to install the component, the half shells 32a, 32b are opened up and then closed around the join in the pipe to accommodate the Victaulic coupling. The component is then secured by cable ties according to the indications provided on the indicia on the outside of the component.

[0061] Referring to figures 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment of a component 40 is shown which includes recesses 44 which come together to accommodate a 90-degree pipe bend including a 90 elbow 130 which is attached to lengths of pipe 110 by Victaulic couplings 120. In other respects, the component operates in the same way as component 30.

[0062] Referring to figures 8 and 9, a further alternative embodiment of a component 50 which includes recesses to accommodate a three-way junction of pipes 110 which are attached to a T-piece 140 by way of Victaulic couplings.

[0063] Referring to figures 10 to 12, an alternative embodiment of an insulating component 60 for use with a pipe joint is shown. In this embodiment, the body 62 of the component is formed by die cutting it from a sheet of flexible insulating material. A self-adhesive tab 78 is provided at one end of the body. The component is for wrapping around a pipe junction. The self-adhesive tab 68 holds the component in place whilst two cable ties are affixed in the locations indicated by indicia 21.

[0064] Referring to figures 13 to 15, an alternative embodiment of an insulating component 70 is shown for use with a pipe T junction. Body 72 is formed by die cutting a shape from a sheet of flexible insulating material. A region 75 wraps around the centre connection of a T junction and two regions 73, 74 wrap around the end connections of the T junction. The component is held in place by overlapping self- adhesive tabs 78 whilst three cable ties are applied in the locations indicated by the indicia 21.

[0065] Referring to figures 16 to 18, an alternative embodiment of an insulating component 80 is shown for use with a pipe 90-degree bend. Body 82 is formed by die cutting a shape from a sheet of flexible insulating material. A central region 85 wraps around the centre connection of a 90-degree bend and two regions 83, 84 wrap around the end connections of the 90-degree bend. The component 80 is held in place by overlapping self-adhesive tabs 88 whilst cable ties are applied in the locations indicated by the indicia 21.

[0066] In the case of components 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80, after they are closed around a pipe junction and fitted in place according to the indicia printed on the outsides of the components then the installer can know that they have prepared an installation which corresponds with a certified tested solution and thus meets the building code. In addition, the job is completed without the installer having to cut and assemble their own bespoke insulation pieces and the resulting job is sturdy and has a tidy finished appearance.

[0067] Furthermore, from the point of view of a building certifier, when they are inspecting work done in the building if they inspect a component of any of the types 10, 30, 40 or 50 described above, then if they can see that the component has been installed in accordance with the indicia on the component then they also can be satisfied that the installation corresponds with a certified tested solution and thus meets the building code.

[0068] In the embodiment 10 above, the body was formed in one piece with sufficient flexibility to be deformed to open up the slit 16 to apply the component around a pipe. In other embodiments, the component of the type 10 may be formed in two shell halves with a hinged region, as is the case for components 30, 40 and 50.

[0069] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the components 30, 40, 50 may be formed in one piece with a slit with sufficient flexibility to open up the slit as is the case for component 10 above.

[0070] It can be seen that embodiments of the invention have at least one of the following advantages:

[0071] By observing the directions given by the indicia, installers can know that they are fabricating an installation which will meet building code without having to separately look up the requirements of a tested solution.

[0072] • Certifiers of building works can readily determine whether an installation meets building code by checking that the component has been installed according to the indicia.

[0073] • Insulation can be applied around complex pipe joints to create a sturdy assembly with a tidy finished appearance.

[0074] Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

[0075] Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pipe insulation component including: a body formed from an insulating material; and indicia are provided on the outside of the body, the indicia indicate recommended requirements for the component to comply with a certified arrangement when installed.

2. A pipe insulation component according to claim 1 wherein the indicia indicate the locations of cable ties used to secure the component in place in use.

3. A pipe insulation component according to claims wherein the indicia further indicate the recommended thickness of the cable ties.

4. A pipe insulation component according to either of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the indicia further indicate the recommended orientation of the component in relation to a floor or wall in use.

5. A pipe insulation component according to any preceding claim wherein the indicia include information identifying further details of a recommended installed configuration.

6. A pipe insulation component according to claim 4 wherein the further details include details of a certified installed configuration.

7. A pipe insulation component according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes an internal cavity which is arranged to fit about a region of a pipework installation.

8. A pipe insulation component according to claim 7 which is substantially cylindrical.

9. A pipe insulation component according to either of claims 7 or 8 which includes a slit along its length to allow a region of a pipework installation to pass through to be received into the internal cavity.

10. A pipe insulation component according to claim 9 which includes a tab which provides a continuation of the surface of the outside of the body, and which wraps around the component in use to cover the slit.

11. A pipe insulation according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the internal cavity is shaped to accommodate a junction of pipework components.

12. A pipe insulation component according to any one of claims 7 to 11 whereinthe internal cavity is shaped to accommodate a 90-degree bend.

13. A pipe insulation component according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the internal cavity is shaped to accommodate a T junction.

14. A pipe insulation component according to any one of claims any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the internal cavity includes one or more recesses to accommodate pipe couplings.

15. A pipe insulating component according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the body is formed from a flexible sheet material which can be wrapped around a pipe, a pipe joint or a pipe junction.

16. A pipe insulating component according to claim 15 including a tab which overlaps another region of the component when installed.

17. A pipe insulating component according to claim 16 wherein the tab is self- adhesive.

18. A pipe insulating component according to any one of claims 15 to 17 which includes a region which wraps around the centre connection of a T junction and two regions which wrap around the end connections of the T junction.

19. A pipe insulating component according to any one of claims 15 to 17 which includes a region which wraps around the centre region of a 90-degree bend and two regions which wrap around the end connections of the 90-degree bend.

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