Roll of temperature indicator tape

Abstract

What is proposed is a roll of a self-adhesive temperature indicator tape consisting of a plurality of successively connected fragments with separators arranged therebetween. Each of said fragments comprises: a flexible polymeric base, the rear side of which is covered with a pressure-sensitive adhesive; a gas-filled hot-melt material which is fastened to the base and is non-transparent to at least a part of the visible light spectrum, said material being capable of reaching an irreversible state of transparency when heated above a threshold temperature due to the melting of a substance contained in the material; and a protective layer which is welded or glued using an adhesive to the base and insulates the gas-filled hot-melt material from the surrounding environment both before and after detachment of a fragment from the tape via a separator, wherein at least a part of the protective layer disposed above the gas-filled hot-melt material is transparent to at least a part of the visible light spectrum. The technical result consists in preserving the functional characteristics of individual fragments and the insulation of the gas-filled hot-melt material when the tape is separated into individual temperature indicator labels.

Description

[0001] Thermal indicator tape roll

[0002] Field of technology to which the invention relates

[0003] The invention relates to devices for the irreversible recording of a temperature rise above at least one threshold value, including self-adhesive irreversible temperature-indicating stickers with a polymer base, namely to a temperature-indicating tape wound into a roll and including a plurality of sequentially connected fragments, each of which includes at least one gas-filled hot-melt material isolated from the environment by a protective coating.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] An increase in temperature is one of the first and most common signs of developing defects in various equipment, such as increased contact resistance in power generation, interturn short circuits in electric motor windings, charger or battery failure in household appliances, and bearing malfunctions in mechanical equipment. Early detection of such overheating allows for troubleshooting and the prevention of equipment failure, shutdowns, or fires. Technical and regulatory documents establish maximum permissible temperatures, heating above which should be considered a defect requiring immediate cessation of operation and removal of the equipment for repair (for example, RD 34.45-51.300-97, RD 153-34.0-20.363-99, GOST 8865-93, 8024-90, 10693-81, 2213-79, 10434-82, 16708-84, 2585-81, 32397-2020, 26346-84, 839-2019, GOST R 51321.1-2007, etc.).

[0006] Among the known methods of temperature control, temperature-indicating control has become widely used. This method relies on temperature indicators that detect the occurrence or past of heating above a certain (threshold) temperature. Temperature indicators can be either stand-alone compounds (e.g., varnishes and paints) or devices containing temperature-sensitive components (e.g., stickers, clips, tips, etc.).

[0007] Temperature indicator stickers are the most widely used in technology due to their ease of installation, affordability, and ease of use. Temperature indicator stickers can be reversible, meaning they change appearance only when heated and return to their original state upon cooling, or irreversible, meaning they change appearance after a predetermined temperature is exceeded and retain their original appearance after cooling.

[0008] A special feature of reversible temperature indicators is that they only provide information about current overheating, i.e., exceeding the temperature threshold at the time of inspection.

[0009] Unlike reversible indicators, irreversible indicators change color upon overheating and maintain this change over time. Irreversible thermal indicators allow for the detection of overheating throughout the entire operating period, regardless of the load and temperature of the electrical equipment at the time of inspection.

[0010] The importance of using irreversible temperature indicators for diagnosing electrical equipment is disclosed, in particular, in the work of Lvov M. Yu., Lesiv A. V. Temperature indicator control of contacts and contact connections of electrical equipment and power transmission lines. Moscow: NTF "Energoprogress", "Energetik", 2023. P. 62. In the article by Lvov M. Yu., Nikitina S. D., Lvov Yu. N., Lesiv A. V. On the standardization of requirements for temperature indicator control of the state of contacts and contact connections during the operation of electrical installations / / Energy of the unified grid. 2023. No. 1 (68). P. 67-74. typical requirements for temperature indicators, principles of their selection and methodology for assessing the state of monitored objects using temperature indicators are presented. Among other things, it is noted that only irreversible temperature indicator stickers should be used for condition monitoring.

[0011] Irreversible temperature indicator stickers are available in single-temperature and multi-temperature versions. Single-temperature temperature indicators detect when a specific set temperature has been exceeded. This temperature could be, for example, the maximum permissible temperature of the monitored element. These single-temperature temperature indicator stickers promptly notify personnel of an emergency or pre-emergency situation, but they do not allow determining the extent or dynamics of the defect. Irreversible multi-temperature temperature indicator stickers detect not only when a set temperature has been exceeded, but also the numerical value of the maximum surface temperature reached by the monitored element during operation.This allows us to track the dynamics of defect development, provide the ability to compare overheating temperatures of identical equipment parts (assemblies), determine excess temperature, defect coefficient and their maximum values.

[0012] When using temperature indicator stickers in the energy sector, a number of additional requirements are imposed on them, including:

[0013] - irreversibility and non-return of operation, including the absence of a return of the external appearance of the triggered indicator to its original state or a state similar to the original state during a long exposure after operation under a wide variety of conditions;

[0014] - long service life;

[0015] - accuracy of recording the set temperature;

[0016] - no response when the temperature indicator is kept for a long time at a temperature slightly below the threshold;

[0017] - maintaining operability and the above-stated characteristics over a wide range of ambient temperatures and under adverse influences.

[0018] Manufacturers produce temperature indicators as individual stickers. This form factor guarantees the quality of each individual sticker, including the isolation of the temperature-sensitive element from the environment, but it is often inconvenient for installation. When installing temperature indicators on contacts and connections of electrical equipment, it is usually necessary to install a large number of different stickers, each with a different color and temperature threshold. The use of a large number of individual temperature indicator stickers requires the use of specially designed compartmentalized boxes for their placement both during storage and installation. When assembling boxes for installation of temperature indicator stickers, as well as when returning unused stickers to the boxes for storage, it is possible for different types of stickers to be mistakenly placed in the wrong sections of the box, reducing productivity.To increase the convenience, speed and efficiency of installing temperature indicator stickers, it is advisable to use special temperature indicator tape, wound into a roll, in which all stickers have predominantly the same color and / or temperature range.

[0019] A prior art adhesive tape is known, comprising a paper backing with a water-activated adhesive layer applied to one side, characterized in that at least one indicator is applied to the other side of the paper backing, which irreversibly changes color when the parameter it monitors changes, in particular, a change in temperature (thermal indicator), and the indicator is applied in the form of an alphanumeric message. The description of the utility model generally discloses the following embodiment: a water-activated adhesive layer is applied to one side of the paper backing, and an indicator is applied to the other side, and any advertising information can also be applied. The tape is then twisted (rewound, wound) onto reels (spools, cores, spools). The final reel can be wound with the adhesive layer either inward or vice versa (RU 161440 U1, published 20.04.2016). This solution has a number of significant drawbacks.Firstly, the indicator compound is not protected from adverse environmental influences, such as contamination, liquids, vapors, and abrasion. Secondly, when the tape is rolled up, the indicator compound will come into direct contact with the adhesive layer, which significantly limits the choice of temperature indicator compounds, for example, precluding the use of gas-filled hot-melt materials. Furthermore, the paper backing precludes the use of this tape in the power industry due to its flammability, poor dielectric properties, and low strength characteristics.

[0020] In one embodiment of the technical solution disclosed in international publication WO 2018 / 132910 (published 26.07.2018), a heat-sensitive label is proposed, comprising an indication of a predetermined temperature specific to the label, visually displayed on the label; and a heat indicator, changing its appearance depending on a change in temperature compared to a first threshold temperature; wherein the first threshold temperature of the heat indicator is set during production at a fixed value above the predetermined temperature specific to the label; the heat indicator has a first visual appearance, when the first temperature measured by the heat indicator is below the first threshold temperature; and the heat indicator dynamically acquires a second appearance, different from the first appearance, when the second temperature measured by the heat indicator exceeds the first threshold temperature.In one embodiment, the temperature indicator is an irreversible temperature indicator, whose appearance changes depending on temperature changes and remains constant. Such a temperature indicator has multiple threshold temperatures and a corresponding set of specific appearances.

[0021] The temperature-sensitive label according to this solution comprises a fastening layer, preferably an adhesive layer, allowing the user to selectively attach the label to a target device to monitor changes in the target device's temperature. The adhesive layer may have an adjacent protective layer that the user removes before attaching the label to the target device. The label may also have a transparent coating. The label contains one or more irreversible phase-change indicators that melt at a specific melting point and are absorbed by the substrate, thereby causing a permanent color change.

[0022] The document also proposes a label set in which the labels are presented as a continuous strip wound onto one or more rolls; each label on a particular roll is physically separated from the others and can be removed by the user from a particular roll.

[0023] The application fails to disclose the materials of the label base and protective layer, nor does it specify possible adhesives or design features for the tape-type temperature indicator. Specifically, it fails to specify the tightness of the insulation of the temperature indicator material. Furthermore, prior art temperature indicators, which change their appearance by absorbing a melted temperature-sensitive component, are thick, have low response speed and accuracy, and lack sufficient strength and flexibility for use in the energy sector.

[0024] The authors of this invention previously developed temperature indicators incorporating a gas-filled hot-melt material (GFTM). These indicators offer high response speed and accuracy, a long service life, and functional characteristics suitable for use in the power industry. GFTMs have high hiding power due to the extensive surface area of ​​the hot-melt phase within the material and the large number of refractive and light scattering points at the gas-solid interface. Also, due to the high air content, GFTMs have a low specific heat of fusion. Therefore, temperature indicators incorporating GFTM as a temperature-sensitive element enable high-precision and rapid detection of overheating.The irreversibility of the color transition is ensured by the fact that upon melting the substance or group of substances included in the hot-melt composite, the gas and liquid phases separate, increasing the transparency of the latter. Upon subsequent cooling, recombination of these phases to return the material to its original opaque structure is impossible. The opacity of the solidified solid phase formed after cooling the hot-melt composite is reduced compared to the initial state due to the reduction of the solid-gas interface, where light reflection and scattering occur.

[0025] The description of the utility model for patent RU 220377 (published 11.09.2023) discloses a temperature indicator for irreversible visual recording of a temperature rise above a threshold value, comprising:

[0026] - a base that is opaque to at least part of the visible light; - a heat-sensitive material that is opaque to at least part of the visible light, applied to the front surface of the base, the microstructure of which in the initial state includes particles of the solid phase and predominantly interconnected voids filled with the gas phase;

[0027] - a transparent protective layer covering a heat-sensitive material; the heat-sensitive material is designed to undergo an irreversible change in transparency upon reaching a threshold temperature due to the fusion of particles that form its microstructure and the release of the gas phase from the heat-sensitive material to the surface.

[0028] The heat-sensitive material is capable of changing its transparency upon heating to a threshold temperature in the range of + / - 5°C, preferably + / - 2°C, relative to the threshold temperature, and the time it takes for the transparency to change upon heating above the threshold temperature is no more than 5 seconds, preferably no more than 2 seconds. After heating above the threshold temperature, cooling to 20°C, and maintaining it at this temperature for at least one month, preferably one year or more, the transparency of the heat-sensitive material does not decrease to its original values, and its service life is at least five years, preferably at least ten years.

[0029] In the description of the invention to patent RU 2800396 (published 21.07.2023) a device is disclosed for visually recording a temperature rise above at least one threshold value, having a layered structure including at least one heat-sensitive material that is opaque to at least part of the visible light, the microstructure of which includes particles of a solid organic substance and voids filled with a gas phase; wherein in the initial state, the particles of the solid organic substance are predominantly oriented parallel to the surface of the base, and the device is configured to irreversibly change its appearance upon reaching at least one threshold temperature indicated thereon due to the destruction of the microstructure of the corresponding heat-sensitive material, accompanied by the fusion of particles of the solid organic substance, a decrease in the proportion of voids by at least 2 times relative to the initial state and an increase in its transparency with the manifestation of the color of the base.

[0030] Thus, the use of fusible substances in a heat-sensitive material ensures high response accuracy and a long service life, and filling the hot-melt material with gas to form a gas-temperature-sensitive material allows for the production of heat-sensitive materials with a minimum thickness while maintaining high hiding power and a high brightness factor, having high speed, greater accuracy, and irreversibility of response.

[0031] However, despite the significant advantages of the thermal-sensitive material, the presence of a large gas phase in the structure of the temperature-sensitive material makes it sensitive to liquids, particularly water. When water penetrates the pores of the thermal-sensitive material, the material's hiding power is significantly reduced due to the decrease in the refractive index difference between the gas-solid and liquid-solid systems, and the thermal indicator appears to have been triggered. This triggering is false, as it appears to be indistinguishable from the thermal indicator registering an excess of the threshold temperature. However, it occurs not as a result of heating, but rather due to liquid penetration into the thermal-sensitive material.

[0032] When manufacturing and using individual temperature-indicating stickers, this problem is solved by using a protective layer that insulates the thermal insulation material. However, when manufacturing a thermal indicator with a thermal insulation material in the form of a strip, it is necessary to ensure the thermal insulation material is not only isolated during manufacturing but also when separating the strip into individual fragments. These problems have not been posed or solved in the prior art known to the authors.

[0033] Thus, there is a need to create a temperature-indicating tape, wound into a roll (roll), containing temperature-indicating elements for irreversibly recording the excess of at least one threshold temperature value, including a plurality of sequentially connected fragments, each of which includes gas-filled hot-melt materials (GTFM), ensuring the preservation of their functional characteristics and isolation in a tape-type device, as well as when it is divided into individual fragments.

[0034] Terms, definitions and abbreviations used in describing the present invention

[0035] The following terms, definitions and abbreviations used in describing the present invention are intended for a better and more precise understanding of the present invention, but do not limit the present invention to the stated wording.

[0036] The term "thermal indicator (TI)" refers to a device that changes its appearance (specifically, color) when heated above one or more threshold temperatures. Typically, a thermal indicator consists of a base, designed to secure the thermal indicator to the monitored surface, and one or more temperature-sensitive elements located on the front of the base that change color when heated.

[0037] A change in the appearance of a thermosensitive element that occurs solely as a result of heating the thermosensitive element to any of the possible temperature thresholds is referred to as "triggering the thermosensitive element." In the context of the present invention, triggering the thermosensitive element is achieved by melting the active substance of the thermosensitive element.

[0038] Single-temperature temperature indicators include those that have one temperature-sensitive element or several temperature-sensitive elements that are triggered when one threshold temperature is reached.

[0039] Multi-temperature thermal indicators include TIs that have several temperature-sensitive elements that differ in response temperature.

[0040] A change in the appearance of the TI, in particular the color and / or transparency in the area of ​​the temperature-sensitive element, which occurs as a result of an external influence other than heating the TI above the corresponding temperature threshold values, is called a “false triggering of the TI”.

[0041] The term "irreversible thermal indicator" defines a thermal indicator that, after heating to the operating temperature, visually changes its appearance, in particular its color, in such a way that after cooling below the operating temperature, its appearance does not return to a form that is visually indistinguishable from the original.

[0042] The term "non-reversibility of a thermal indicator" refers to the long-term preservation of the appearance of the activated thermal indicator under all operating conditions throughout its entire service life. Preferably, the specified service life of the thermal indicator according to the present invention is 2 years, more preferably 5 years, and even more preferably 10 years.

[0043] "The response speed of the TI" is the maximum time required for the transition of the TI from the initial to the triggered state after it has been heated to the response temperature, taking into account the specified accuracy of recording the excess of the threshold temperature.

[0044] For the purposes of the claimed group of inventions, the term “threshold temperature” means the temperature value at which a change in the appearance of the temperature indicator occurs, determined with a given accuracy.

[0045] The term “accuracy of recording the excess of the threshold temperature” means the boundaries of the range of temperature values ​​that meet the following conditions (1) - (3): (1) until the threshold temperature is reached minus the value of the specified accuracy, the corresponding HTPM remains opaque to at least part of the visible light, and the TI in this region does not change its appearance;

[0046] (2) when the threshold temperature is exceeded, taking into account the specified accuracy, the corresponding GTPM visually increases its transparency, and the TI in this area acquires an appearance different from the original;

[0047] (3) The exact value of the phase transition temperature of the melting of the base material is within a specified range and is not further specified. The accuracy of recording the excess of the threshold temperature defined by this group of inventions is no more than 5°C, preferably no more than 2°C.

[0048] The term “maintenance of functional characteristics” includes the maintenance of the functional characteristics of the thermal indicator (for example, the value of the threshold temperature, the opacity of the thermal indicator, the brightness coefficient of the thermal indicator, the accuracy and speed of recording the excess of the threshold temperature, etc.) within the limits established by the manufacturer throughout the established service life in all operating modes.

[0049] The “brightness coefficient” is defined according to GOST 8784-75 as the ratio of the brightness of the coating to the brightness of the standard, measured under the same lighting conditions with a light incidence angle of 45°.

[0050] The term "loss of functional characteristics" encompasses the disruption of one or more elements of a measuring instrument, causing it to completely or partially cease to perform its functions. Specifically, loss of functional characteristics includes a change in the threshold response temperature, a significant reduction in the contrast of the color change upon activation, a change in the appearance of the measuring instrument before or after activation, and other defects that lead to incorrect operation of the measuring instrument or misinterpretation of temperature monitoring results.

[0051] The term "gas-filled hot-melt material" (GFTM) defines a material comprising a solid phase or phases, as well as a gas phase contained within the cavities of the solid phase. At least one of the solid phases of the GFTM, referred to as the "hot-melt phase," is capable of melting when heated to a threshold temperature. The gas phase is predominantly distributed uniformly throughout the GFTM, with most of the pores interconnected, allowing for unimpeded gas distribution and escape during heating and / or melting of the material. The gas pressure within the pores may be less than atmospheric pressure, equal to atmospheric pressure, or greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0052] The hot melt phase contains the "active (main) substance of the thermal melting point material"—a substance, specifically an organic compound, that determines the melting point of the thermal melting point material (the threshold temperature for the activation of the thermal melting point). The mass content of the active substance in the thermal melting point material structure generally exceeds the content of other components of the thermal melting point material. This term also applies to a mixture of such substances.

[0053] The term "organic substances" restricts the class of chemical substances that contain carbon atoms bonded to atoms of other chemical elements, excluding metal carbides, metal and ammonium carbonates, and carbon oxides.

[0054] The term "gas phase" by default refers to the gas-filled pores within the gas-filled thermocouple. The gas phase can be air, nitrogen, inert gases, or other substances in the gaseous state under the operating conditions of the thermocouple.

[0055] The term "gas phase fraction in a gas-filled slurry mixture" refers to the ratio of the pore volume within the gas-filled slurry mixture to the total volume of the gas-filled slurry mixture, or the ratio of the area of ​​gas-filled sections to the total area of ​​the gas-filled slurry mixture section in one of its cross-sections. For the purposes of this group of inventions, the gas phase fraction may be determined by one of the following methods.

[0056] The first method involves scanning electron microscopy of the surface of a section of the gas-filled slurry using software that calculates the total external surface area of ​​the sample's solid particles and their agglomerates in the section. The area of ​​gas-filled regions is calculated by subtracting the total surface area of ​​the solid particles and their agglomerates from the area of ​​the analyzed region. To determine the proportion of the gas phase, the resulting value for the area of ​​gas-filled regions is divided by the area of ​​the analyzed region. Measurements are performed on 5-7 sections of the gas-filled slurry, and the average value is calculated.

[0057] The second method is based on X-ray microtomography. Sample preparation is similar to the first method. A section of the gas-phase composite material of known volume is analyzed using a laboratory digital X-ray tomograph with software capable of calculating the percentage of gas in a given sample volume. Measurements are taken from 5-7 sections of the material, obtaining an average value for the gas phase fraction, expressed as a percentage. Either method for determining the gas phase fraction can be applied to finished products containing the gas-phase composite material, such as TI. Sample preparation involves cutting out a homogeneous section of the product and removing the protective layer to ensure the integrity of the gas-phase composite material.

[0058] In the context of describing a gas-phase flow system, a "phase" refers to the homogeneous part of the gas-phase flow system, separated from the remaining parts by a visible interface where certain phase characteristics, such as density, composition, or optical properties, change abruptly. The collection of individual homogeneous parts of the system, each possessing identical properties, is considered a single phase.

[0059] The composition of the thermal melting material may additionally include particles of a solid substance with a melting point above the threshold, the strength of which predominantly exceeds the strength of the thermal melting phase, as well as other inclusions.

[0060] The term "GTPM structure" defines the spatial arrangement of solid particles and gas-filled pores in a GTPM sample. The GTPM structure determines its physical, optical, and mechanical properties. Upon reaching a threshold temperature, melting of at least one of the solid phases of the GTPM occurs. During the melting process, the GTPM structure changes, that is, the spatial arrangement of particles and / or volumes of individual phases of the material, their size, and shape. The destruction of the structure may include the following stages: melting of the GTPM particle surface, their compaction, reduction of the pore size within the GTPM and the gas-solid interface area, and particle fusion up to their complete fusion and the formation of a monolithic layer (melt) or a single phase. The process of GTPM structure destruction is accompanied by an irreversible decrease in the volume fraction of the gas phase within the GTPM. The proportion of the gas phase in the material obtained after the activation of the thermal insulation device is less than in the initial state of the GTPM.

[0061] The term "visible light" defines a narrow region in the electromagnetic spectrum in the frequency range of 3.8 - 10 14 - 7.9 - 10 14 Hz, which corresponds to wavelengths in a vacuum from ~400 to ~760 nm, which can be distinguished by the human eye.

[0062] The term "opaque to at least part of the visible light spectrum" means a material that does not transmit all or part of the visible light spectrum.

[0063] The term "transparent to at least part of the visible light spectrum" means a material that allows all or part of the visible light spectrum to pass through.

[0064] The term “support element” or “support element (SE)” defines an arbitrary element located in the area of ​​the GSPM, which has a melting temperature greater than the operating temperature of the given GSPM, and which can take on most of the mechanical stress acting on the GSPM in the transverse direction, thereby preventing significant destruction of the GSPM structure.

[0065] By "hermetic protective layer" is meant a protective layer that is impermeable to air and water at atmospheric pressure in the absence of mechanical impact, made without gaps or holes and tightly connected to the base by welding or gluing in such a way that the joint is also impermeable to air and water at atmospheric pressure and in the absence of mechanical impact.

[0066] “Isolated GTPM” means a GTPM covered with a protective layer in such a way that when a fragment of the TI is immersed in water to a depth of up to 1 meter at atmospheric pressure and in the absence of mechanical impacts, there is no direct contact of the GTPM with water for at least one day.

[0067] The term "welded protective layer" refers to the bonding of the protective layer and the base materials through mutual dissolution. This bonding can be achieved through the use of a solvent, fusion, heating, compression, or other means.

[0068] The term "elasticity" refers to the ability of a material or product, when bent around a cylindrical surface, to conform to its shape without losing its functional properties.

[0069] The terms "elastic base" and "elastic protective layer" characterize the base or protective layer material, which is capable of changing its shape without breaking under external influence.

[0070] The term “defect” indicates the non-compliance of the control object with the requirements established by the documentation, at least for one indicator.

[0071] The "defect ratio" is the ratio of the measured temperature rise of the contact connection to the temperature rise measured on the entire section of the busbar or wire, located at a distance of at least 1 m from the contact connection.

[0072] "Excess temperature" is the excess of the measured temperature of the controlled object over the temperature of similar units of other phases located in the same conditions.

[0073] The term "fire-hazardous heating" refers to the heating of an electrical component to a temperature that poses a risk of ignition of one or more of the components' materials. The term "flexible" refers to materials that have the ability to change shape under external influences so that their functional properties remain unchanged upon returning to their original shape.

[0074] The terms "flexible / elastic base" and "flexible / elastic backing layer" describe the base or backing layer material, which refers to materials that have the ability to change their shape without breaking under external influence.

[0075] "Thermal Indicator Tape (TIT)" is a self-adhesive polymer tape capable of being wound and unwound into a roll, separated into separate identical or substantially identical fragments, each of which can be adhered to the test object and irreversibly changed in appearance when heated above a predetermined temperature. The TIT comprises a flexible elastic base, the back of which is coated with an adhesive layer, and the front side with sections containing a temperature-sensitive compound / compositions including a thermal indicator material (TIM), which in turn are hermetically sealed with a protective polymer coating. The protective coating is attached to the base in areas free of the thermal indicator material. The TIT contains spacers—sections of the tape in which the strength of the base and / or protective layer is intentionally reduced by perforation, notches, cuts, material thinning, and / or other techniques. The spacers allow the tape to be broken or separated at predetermined locations.Dividers are typically positioned perpendicular to the tape. Dividers allow identical or similar sections to be separated from the tape, each maintaining the seal of the gas-insulated thermoplastic material. The TIL is characterized by its length being many times greater than its width, preferably at least 25 times, and most preferably at least 100 times. The roll is wound so that the protective layer of all turns of tape except the last is in direct contact with the adhesive base layer of the next turn.

[0076] A "TIL fragment" is a TIL section bounded by spacers on both sides that repeats or is predominantly repeated along the entire length of the tape. A TIL fragment, separated from the TIL, constitutes an independent TI. For TILs with single-temperature TIs, a fragment may contain one, two, three, or more hermetically sealed TIs with HTPMs of the same composition. For TILs with multi-temperature TIs, a fragment includes at least one section of HTPMs of different compositions, isolated from each other. However, any TIL fragments may exist, for example, with alternating HTPM sections with different threshold temperatures, with their repetitions, depending on the task at hand. An "adhesive layer or adhesive with permanent (residual) tack" is an adhesive layer or adhesive that does not harden after application to the material surface but remains tacky for the stated service life.

[0077] The term "absorbent material" refers to a material capable of receiving and retaining, by any means, a molten, hot-melt material, such as a molten active substance or hot-melt phase. Retention may occur through wetting, adsorption, absorption, or penetration of the melt into pores or other internal cavities of the absorbent material. A special case of an absorbent material is a "sorbent material." A "porous material" can be used as an absorbent material within the framework of the present group of inventions. This material is a solid material containing free space in the form of cavities, channels, or pores and characterized by a developed surface area. The main parameters of porous materials are porosity, pore size, pore size distribution, and specific surface area. For the purposes of the claimed group of inventions, the use of "microporous materials" containing pores with a diameter of less than 2 μm is preferred.

[0078] The term "sorption" should be understood in its most general sense as the absorption of various substances by a solid body. The absorbed substance is called a "sorbate," and the absorbing solid or liquid is called a "sorbent." Within the context of this group of inventions, the sorbate is a melted HTPM, i.e., a liquid, and the sorbent is various solid absorbent materials. "Absorption" is preferred as a special case of sorption, resulting in the absorption of the sorbate by the entire volume of the sorbent, increasing the mass of the sorbent with a slight increase in its volume and changes in its physical properties, particularly its strength.

[0079] The essence of the invention

[0080] The objective of the claimed invention is to create a roll of self-adhesive TIL consisting of a plurality of sequentially connected fragments (TI), each of which:

[0081] - is designed for irreversible registration of the excess of at least one temperature threshold value;

[0082] - includes at least one HTPM, opaque to at least part of the visible light, designed with the possibility of an irreversible change in transparency upon heating above a threshold temperature due to the melting of a substance or group of substances included in the HTPM; - retains the ability to register the temperature rise and the insulation of the HTPM after the tape is unwound and divided into fragments (individual TI).

[0083] The technical result of the claimed group of inventions consists in expanding the arsenal of temperature-indicating means, namely temperature-indicating stickers, combined on a tape and containing a thermal-indicating material, made with the ability to preserve the functional characteristics of its individual fragments and the isolation of the thermal-indicating material when dividing the tape into individual fragments (independent temperature-indicating stickers).

[0084] The specified technical result is achieved by creating a self-adhesive TIL roll consisting of a plurality of sequentially connected fragments and separators located between them, wherein each of the fragments includes: a flexible polymer base coated on the back with a permanent adhesive; at least one flexible polymeric tape, opaque to at least part of the visible light, attached to the base and configured to irreversibly change transparency when heated above a threshold temperature due to melting of a substance or group of substances included in the flexible polymeric tape; a protective layer welded or glued to the base, configured to isolate the flexible polymeric tape from the environment, both before and after separation of the fragment from the tape along the separator, wherein at least part of the protective layer located above the flexible polymeric tape is transparent to at least part of the visible light.

[0085] The use of a thermal-sensitive element (TSE) ensures high thermal accuracy and a long service life. It also enables the use of temperature-sensitive elements with minimal thickness while maintaining high opacity and a high luminance factor, irreversibly triggering at high speed and precision. These characteristics are achieved thanks to the special structure of the TSE, which includes, in addition to a solid phase or phases, at least one of which contains a hot-melt substance or a mixture thereof, voids filled with a gas phase. Until a threshold temperature is exceeded, the gas phase within the TSE is distributed predominantly uniformly. This creates multiple gas-solid interfaces at which light is refracted and reflected. This TSE structure makes it opaque to at least some visible light, while maintaining a thinner layer thickness than a similar substance without a gas phase.The use of a protective layer, bonded or welded to the base, ensures the insulation of the gas-solid phase and protects it from atmospheric influences, particularly from water vapor and droplets, the penetration of which can lead to premature increase in its transparency and false alarm of the TI. This occurs by reducing the area of ​​the gas-solid phase interface. Furthermore, the protective layer is attached to the base in such a way that the separation of the TI into individual fragments does not disrupt the insulation of the gas-solid phase.

[0086] The transparency of the protective layer to at least some visible light, at least in the portion located above the HTPM, enables visual observation of the increased transparency of the HTPM and a change in the appearance of the TI in this area. This also enables the creation of a visible color effect on other parts of the protective layer and the application of information elements, including to areas located above the HTPM.

[0087] The implementation of a thermal indicator in the form of a TIL roll (roll) provides an expansion of the arsenal of thermal indicator means, as well as convenience, productivity and efficiency of installation of thermal indicator stickers containing a gas-filled heat-sensitive material.

[0088] The TIL itself and its individual fragments (TI) may include either a single type of HTPM for recording the exceedance of a single threshold temperature, or several different types of HTPM for recording the exceedance of multiple threshold temperatures. Moreover, TIL fragments may have one or more sections for each type of HTPM; in particular, HTPMs with different threshold temperatures may alternate or be arranged on the base in any other combination.

[0089] The number of different types of thermal conductivity materials (TCMs) in each individual fragment is not upper-limited and depends on the conditions and practical temperature control task being solved using the claimed TIL and its individual fragments. For example, the conditions may include the type of test object, the required step size for determining the superheat temperature, the area of ​​the surface being controlled, etc. In specific cases, each TIL fragment may contain three or four different thermal conductivity materials (TCMs). Furthermore, the thermal conductivity materials (TCMs) within a single fragment may be applied to both adjacent and non-adjacent areas of the substrate's face.

[0090] Monitoring several threshold temperatures allows not only to determine the presence of a defect, but also to determine the degree of its development (initial stage of defect development, emergency defect, fire-hazardous defect), as well as to determine the dynamics of defect development, to ensure comparison of heating temperatures of identical contact connections, parts or equipment units, to determine excess temperature and defect coefficient.

[0091] To ensure a larger weld or bonding area between the protective layer and the substrate, it is preferable that the GFRP sections be positioned on the substrate so that the distance to the edge of the tape is at least 2 mm. The width of the weld or bonding zone between GFRP-coated sections is preferably at least 2 mm, most preferably 2-4 mm.

[0092] The declared width of the gluing or welding zone additionally ensures the preservation of the insulation of the gas-insulated tape both before and after dividing the tape into fragments, as well as during installation on curved surfaces with a bending radius of 1 mm or more.

[0093] In preferred embodiments, the adhesive layer is made using acrylic, polyurethane, rubber, silicone, PVC polymers, or adhesives based on these polymers. These adhesives ensure reliable contact between the testing instrument and the surface being tested throughout its service life. In preferred embodiments, the adhesion to stainless steel, measured using the FINAT TM1 method after 24 hours, should be at least 10 N / 25 mm. The aforementioned polymer adhesives with permanent tack are best suited for this purpose.

[0094] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the flexible base of the TIL is made of a thermoplastic polymer material. The use of thermoplastic polymers allows for the effective and hermetic connection of the protective layer and the base, for example, by welding. Preferably, the base material contains halogen atoms, primarily chlorine atoms in polyvinyl chloride, most preferably in cast polyvinyl chloride. The use of a halogen-containing polymer base enables visual detection of exceeding at least one temperature threshold on the surfaces of conductive components of electrical installations using TIL fragments, since halogen-containing polymers have a dielectric strength of at least 5 kV / mm and are fire-resistant.

[0095] Polymeric materials containing halogen atoms in their structure exhibit some of the highest flexibility and elasticity among known polymers. The introduction of halogen atoms into the monomers used as feedstock for polymerization disrupts their symmetry and creates multiple chiral centers in the polymer. Polymerization or polycondensation of such monomers, either with each other or with other halogen-containing or halogen-free monomers, results in the formation of polymer chains with a large number of stereocenters. Regular polymers obtained from non-halogenated monomers lacking chiral centers tend to form crystalline structures, which reduces their elasticity, while the large number of diastereomers formed during halogenation of the monomers imparts stereochemical disorder to halogen-containing polymers, which prevents crystallization.Thus, halogen-containing polymeric materials possess high elasticity and flexibility due to their chemical structure, which is determined by the presence of halogen atoms in the polymer structure. Furthermore, halogen-containing materials exhibit good adhesion and low flammability, which further enhances the safety of the device.

[0096] The tape's base and / or protective layer contain spacers—sections of the tape where its strength is intentionally reduced. Spacers can include perforations, notches, cuts, or thinning of the material. Other techniques can also be used to ensure tape separation along the spacer. The use of spacers prevents the tape from breaking at random points, including in areas where the gas-insulating material (GIP) is applied. Such a break in the tape is unacceptable, as it will compromise the seal of the GIP insulation, lead to a loss of functional properties, and potentially lead to false alarms. In other words, the use of spacers allows identical or similar sections to be separated from the tape, each of which retains the GIP insulation.

[0097] As described above, the protective layer protects the TIL, its individual fragments (TI), and the GTPM itself from adverse external factors, including water vapor and droplets. The protective layer is preferably made of elastic polymeric materials. The elasticity of the protective layer ensures protection from environmental influences when installing TIL fragments on areas with complex surface geometry, such as stranded wires. It also prevents cracking of the protective layer under vibration and temperature fluctuations, and prevents the spreading and flowing of hot-melt compounds after the TIL is triggered.

[0098] The elasticity of the protective layer additionally enables the tight adhesion of TIL fragments to complex surfaces while maintaining their functional characteristics, including over a wide temperature range. The protective layer is preferably made of a polymeric material containing halogen atoms, primarily polyvinyl chloride, most preferably cast polyvinyl chloride. The protective layer can be attached to the base by fusing, welding, gluing, or other means. The elasticity of the protective layer also helps maintain a predetermined pressure within the GTPM. In various embodiments of the group of inventions, the pressure within the GTPM may be equal to atmospheric pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure, or higher than atmospheric pressure. In particular cases, the pressure within the GTPM is less than 53.3 kPa (400 mmHg), preferably less than 26.7 kPa (200 mmHg).In a gas-insulated thermoplastic material (GTPM) with reduced intrapore pressure, no air bubble forms between the base and the protective layer during heating due to the expansion of gases within the GTPM. Furthermore, the response speed of the thermal insulation device (TI) is increased by the atmospheric pressure pressing the GTPM against the base.

[0099] In other embodiments of the invention, the excess pressure within the gas-temperature-sensitive material (GTPM) is at least 29.4 kPa (0.3 atm), preferably at least 49.0 kPa (0.5 atm). When using increased pressure, the protective layer is initially raised above the heat-sensitive material, providing protection from mechanical stress.

[0100] If the gas pressure inside the gas-insulated tape is different from atmospheric pressure, the protective layer is preferably welded to the base. In this case, welding the protective layer to the base, rather than gluing it, is necessary because the adhesives can be stretched when the tape is torn into individual fragments, which can lead to a loss of seal (without loss of insulation). Welding will ensure both insulation and sealing of the gas-insulated tape both before and after the fragment is separated from the tape along the separator.

[0101] The protective layer of the TIL is preferably manufactured such that the protective layer on the inner surface of the area located above the HTPM is free of adhesives, and the adhesion of the protective layer to the HTPM is minimal. This is due to the following circumstance. Until the threshold temperature is exceeded, the gas within the HTPM is distributed predominantly uniformly. When the temperature indicator is heated, the gas trapped within the HTPM expands and attempts to escape from the HTPM. However, since the HTPM is isolated from the environment according to the present invention, the gas can only escape into the space between the base and the protective layer. Therefore, excess pressure develops within the TI, beneath the protective layer, during heating, which tends to separate the protective layer from the base. When the TI is activated upon reaching the threshold temperature, the active substance of the HTPM begins to melt, significantly reducing its strength. Moreover, the melt initially forms near the base.If the HTPM is attached (has adhesion) to both the base and the protective layer, then the excess pressure that arises in the area between the base and the protective layer will lead to the peeling of the protective layer from the base, while the unmelted part of the HTPM will break away from the base and remain on the protective layer.

[0102] Since the protective layer is in direct contact with the ambient air, rather than the surface of the test object, the temperature of this layer will typically be lower than the surface temperature. This means that the portion of the CTPM attached to the protective layer, which breaks away from the main mass at the moment of TI activation, will remain unmelted and opaque. Consequently, registering the threshold temperature exceedance using the TIL fragment may be inaccurate due to a decrease in the CTPM activation speed, a decrease in measurement accuracy, and / or an increase in the CTPM activation temperature range. To prevent this, the CTPM layer should preferably not be attached to the protective layer. Another solution to the aforementioned problem is maintaining reduced pressure within the CTPM cavities, using an OE, or other design solutions disclosed in the present invention.

[0103] The HTPMs used in the present invention may contain a single active ingredient or a mixture of active ingredients. The active ingredient or mixture of active ingredients is preferably a solid organic substance or a mixture of such substances. The specific substance is selected such that upon reaching an appropriate threshold temperature of no more than 5°C, preferably no more than 2°C, it melts, resulting in a visually observable change in the appearance of the TI.

[0104] In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one active (main) substance of the HTPM has a molecular weight of less than 2 kDa (2000 amu). HTPMs with a low-molecular-weight active substance have a narrow melting point range, which increases the accuracy of detecting threshold temperature exceedances. The use of low-molecular-weight substances as active substances is only possible in HTPMs, since in the absence of a gas phase, multiple crystallization centers may form within the hot-melt material during cooling of the HTPM containing the low-molecular-weight hot-melt substance, leading to the formation of an opaque solid and the return of the HTPM to its original form, i.e., to the reversibility of its response.

[0105] At least one active substance of the GTPM contains a structural fragment C nH(2n+i), where n > 5. Preferably, at least one active substance of the HTPM is selected from the group consisting of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 12, salts of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 5, alkanes containing at least 20 carbon atoms; dialkylphosphinic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 5, amides of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 5; anhydrides of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 10, fatty aliphatic alcohols containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 14, fatty aliphatic amines containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 17, nitriles of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C nH(2n+i) with n>19. Preferred non-limiting examples of the active substance of GTPM are palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, tetracosane, erucamide, stearic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, salts of saturated fatty carboxylic acids of rare earth metals, in particular lanthanum, yttrium, ytterbium, scandium.

[0106] The use of active substances containing one or more aliphatic hydrocarbon chains is preferable due to the fact that such organic substances have a crystalline packing in which the elongated structural fragments of linear hydrocarbons are oriented parallel to each other, which ensures the formation of predominantly flat particles such as scales, plates, or fibers (Kitaigorodskii A.I. Molecular Crystals: Monograph. Moscow: Nauka. 1971. 424 p. pp. 228-232). Such crystalline packing causes the anisotropy of the solid organic substance, as a result of which the properties of the material in the direction parallel to the surface of the base and the protective coating differ from the properties of the material in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the base and the protective coating.The anisotropy of the properties of a hot-melt material affects the strength of the material under bending and mechanical stress: applying stress in directions close to perpendicular to the base surface will not lead to damage to the material (Kitaigorodskii A.I. Organic crystal chemistry: monograph. Moscow: Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1955. 558 p. pp. 134-136).

[0107] Furthermore, as discussed above, it is preferable to make the base and protective layer from elastic materials. When the tape is separated, it can stretch longitudinally. In this case, the use of aliphatic compounds with C nH(2n+i), where n>5, is also preferable due to the fact that, due to its crystalline packing, the heat-sensitive material exhibits the ability to bend and stretch / compress without deformation and loss of functional properties due to layer-by-layer shear of particles. The described shape and characteristics of the active substance particles are preferable, but do not limit the claimed group of inventions. They can also be achieved by using substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds. In this case, the substituents can be either long hydrocarbon fragments, which additionally contributes to the formation of planar oriented particles, or heteroatomic substituents, which contribute to the layered packing of molecules, in which bulk heteroatoms are located in the interlayer space (Bokiy G.B. Crystal chemistry: monograph. 3rd ed. revised and enlarged. Moscow: Nauka, 1971. 401 p. pp. 362-365).

[0108] However, it should be noted that the claimed group of inventions is not limited exclusively to the use of substances with a molecular weight of less than 2 kDa, which include one or more aliphatic hydrocarbon chains with a structural fragment C n H(2n+i), where n > 5. In particular, the hot-melt material may include at least one solid polymeric organic substance, selected without limitation from polyethylene, phenolic and phenol-acetylene resins, waxes, paraffins and other substances that provide an increase in the transparency of the material upon reaching the threshold temperature and possessing the necessary properties.

[0109] In preferred embodiments, the volumetric gas content of the hot-melt coating material is at least 10%, most preferably at least 50%. Using a hot-melt coating material with this volumetric gas content allows for a significant reduction in the thickness of the hot-melt coating layer required to cover the base color, compared to the thickness of a non-gas-filled material layer required to provide the same coverage. To prevent delamination of the hot-melt coating material upon heating due to thermal expansion of the gas phase, it is preferable for the pressure within the hot-melt coating material to be below atmospheric pressure, and for most of the pores filled with the gas phase to be non-isolated, i.e., to communicate with one another.

[0110] Using at least one gas-phase thermal generator with the specified volumetric gas content allows for an extended service life and improved reliability of overheating detection by preventing the aggregation of solid organic particles separated by the gas phase. Furthermore, the possibility of the thermal generator returning to its original state when exposed to low temperatures or temperature fluctuations is virtually eliminated.

[0111] Increasing the volumetric gas content in the gas-fired power plants (GPP) used reduces the apparent density of the GPP. This reduces the amount of heat required to melt the GPP and increases the response speed of the thermal insulation device (TI). In preferred embodiments of the invention, to ensure irreversibility of the thermal insulation device (TI), the volumetric gas content in the GPP during melting is reduced by at least half.

[0112] The structure of the GTPM provides the ability to register the boundary of the thermal heating fields of the surface of the test object by changing the color of only that part of the GTPM that was heated above the corresponding threshold temperatures, and maintaining the original color of the rest of the GTPM.

[0113] An absorbent or microporous material can be placed between the base and the thermosensitive layer. In this case, when the thermosensitive layer is triggered, the molten thermosensitive layer is absorbed or penetrated by the absorbent material. The use of absorbent materials prevents partial opacity of the molten thermosensitive layer from returning when the thermosensitive layer is subjected to mechanical stress, such as bending or vibration.

[0114] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective layer insulating the PTFE is monolithic across the entire tape. In this case, spacers are preferably applied jointly to the protective layer and the base. In other embodiments, the protective layer is formed into sections that separately cover each fragment or each PTFE. In this case, the break or cut can be made only in the base material, in the area not covered by the protective layer.

[0115] Preferably, the tape contains information elements for visually determining the location of the break when dividing the TIL into fragments.

[0116] In certain cases, the TIL can be conveniently wound onto a spool, reel, core, or spool to form a roll. This, among other things, ensures that the first layers of the TIL are protected from creases, kinks, and other damage.

[0117] In specific embodiments of the claimed TIL, information elements capable of marking electrical equipment components, such as color coding of phases, may be applied to the base and / or protective layer (e.g., in the area of ​​each fragment). In specific cases, information elements applied to the front surface of the base and / or the surface of the front layer may include inscriptions containing color, alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric marking information. In one case, information elements on the base and / or protective layer may contain information about the end-of-life date of the TIL. The base and / or protective layer may also be colored in accordance with established rules for marking electrical equipment components. The above features serve to impart to the device for detecting threshold temperature exceedance the properties of electrical equipment marking elements.

[0118] To increase the visibility of both the TIL fragment itself used as a TI and the fact of its operation, and, as a consequence, to further increase the safety of equipment operation, the base may have reflective or luminescent properties.

[0119] In special cases, the base may be colored using a substance that is capable of irreversibly changing color when heated.

[0120] The use of substances capable of irreversibly changing color when heated to a temperature below the threshold temperature of the primary or primary HTPM, for example, by 10-30°C, when painting the base allows for the alerting of personnel to the onset of a defect. The activation of such a substance, while the primary HTPM with a minimum threshold temperature does not, may indicate the need for an equipment inspection to identify and correct any problems that could subsequently lead to the development of an emergency defect. Thus, the presence of a substance capable of irreversibly changing color when heated to a temperature below the threshold temperature of the primary HTPM with a minimum threshold temperature, in particular by 10-30°C, further enhances the operational safety of both the declared TIL and its individual components, as well as the equipment as a whole.

[0121] The base, or a portion of it, can be colored using a substance capable of reversibly changing color upon heating. For example, a layer of heat-sensitive paint with the above-mentioned properties can be applied to the front surface.

[0122] The presence of a substance capable of reversibly changing color when heated informs personnel not only of past temperature threshold exceedances but also of ongoing overheating during inspection. Activation of such a substance during inspection can alert personnel to equipment emergency conditions and reduce the risk of injury during inspections. For example, the use of reversible temperature indicators reduces the risk of burns when personnel come into contact with heated surfaces. Thus, the presence of a substance capable of reversibly changing color when heated in a temperature indicator tape further enhances the operational safety of both the declared TIL and its individual components, as well as the equipment as a whole. Brief description of the drawings

[0123] Fig. 1 shows the external appearance of the temperature measuring device (TLD), each of whose fragments is designed to register the excess of a single threshold temperature. The TLD is constructed with separators between the fragments, formed by perforations, and is wound onto a roll (Roll).

[0124] Fig. 2 shows the external appearance of the TIL, each of whose fragments is designed to register the exceedance of three threshold temperatures. The TIL is designed with fragment separators in the form of notches and is wound onto a roll using a core.

[0125] Fig. 3 shows a layered structure of an arbitrary section of the TIL, each of the fragments of which is designed with the ability to register the excess of one threshold temperature, in which the protective layer is single, and an absorbent or microporous material is applied between the base and the GTPM.

[0126] Fig. 4 shows a layered structure of an arbitrary section of the TIL, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of recording the excess of two threshold temperatures, in which the protective layer is applied in the form of sections covering each individual fragment of the TIL.

[0127] Fig. 5 shows the external appearance of the front surface of an arbitrary section of the TIL, each of the fragments of which is designed with the ability to register the excess of one threshold temperature, with dividers between the fragments made in the form of perforations.

[0128] Fig. 6 shows a change in the appearance of the TIL, each of the fragments of which is designed with the ability to register the excess of one threshold temperature, within the boundaries of one fragment of the TIL, the base of which in the area of ​​application of the GTPM is painted black: 6a - the initial appearance of the fragment, 6b - a fragment with a triggered TI after exceeding the threshold temperature of the GTPM.

[0129] Fig. 7 shows changes in the appearance of the TIL, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of registering the excess of two threshold temperatures, in the area of ​​one fragment of the TIL, in the variant when an absorbent or microporous material (not shown) is applied between the base and the GTPM, and a reversible temperature-sensitive material is applied in the areas free from the GTPM: 7a - the initial appearance of the fragment, 7b - a fragment with the first GTPM that has been triggered after exceeding the threshold temperature of the first GTPM, 7c - a fragment with completely triggered TI after exceeding the threshold temperature of the second GTPM and the threshold temperature of the reversible temperature-sensitive material, 7g - a fragment with completely triggered TI after cooling below the threshold temperature of the first GTPM.

[0130] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the gas turbine engine before (8a) and after (86) exceeding its threshold temperature.

[0131] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the layered structure of the TI in the region of one GTPM, in which the GTPM is applied to an absorbent or microporous material before exceeding (9a) and after exceeding the threshold temperature of a given GTPM (96).

[0132] Detailed description of the drawings

[0133] Fig. 1 shows a TIL 1 wound into a roll. A variant of the TIL, each of whose fragments is designed to record the excess of one threshold temperature (60 °C), with separators (perforations) 3 applied between the fragments of the TIL 2. The base or protective layer is painted yellow to ensure the possibility of using it for marking the phases of electrical equipment. Information elements, including the numerical values ​​of the threshold temperature 4, are applied to the base or protective layer in the area of ​​the GTPM 5.

[0134] Fig. 2 shows a TIL 1 wound into a roll using a sleeve 6. A variant of the TIL, each of whose fragments is designed with the possibility of recording the excess of three threshold temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C), with separators (notches) 3 applied between the fragments of the TIL 2. The base or protective layer is painted green to ensure the possibility of using them for marking the phases of electrical equipment. Information elements, including the numerical values ​​of the threshold temperature 4, are applied to the base or protective layer in the area of ​​the GTPM.

[0135] In Fig. 3 the layered structure of an arbitrary section of the flexible polymer base 1 is shown, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of registering the excess of one threshold temperature T, including a flexible polymer base 7, coated on the back side with a permanent adhesive 8; a permanent adhesive 5, opaque for at least part of the visible light; a protective layer 10 glued using an adhesive 9 to the base 7, hermetically sealing the permanent adhesive 5. A variant is shown in which the protective layer 10 is single, and between the base 7 and the permanent adhesive 5 an absorbent or microporous material 11, painted black, is applied. Also shown are safe tear or cut lines A-A, in the area of ​​which separators are made in the form of perforations (not shown), and the width of adhesion between fragments (L) 2.

[0136] In Fig. 4 the layered structure of an arbitrary section of the flexible polymer base 1 is shown, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of registering the excess of two threshold temperatures T1 and T2, including a flexible polymer base 7, coated on the back side with a permanent adhesive 8; opaque for at least part of the visible light GTPM 5, irreversibly changing their transparency upon reaching the threshold temperature corresponding to each of them; a protective layer 10 welded 12 to the base 7, hermetically sealing the GTPM 5. A variant is shown in which the protective layer 10 is applied in the form of sections covering each individual fragment 2. The base 7 in the area of ​​the GTPM 5 is painted black. Also shown are safe rupture or cut lines A-A, in the area of ​​which separators in the form of thinning are made in the base material.

[0137] Fig. 5 shows the external appearance of the front surface of an arbitrary section of the thermal indicator (TIL) 1, each of whose fragments is configured to record the excess of one threshold temperature (90°C), with a separator (perforation) 3 applied between the fragments. A variant in which the base or protective layer is colored to impart luminescent / reflective properties to the thermal indicator. Information elements, including the numerical values ​​of the threshold temperature 4, are applied to the base or protective layer in the area of ​​the thermal indicator (TIL) 5.

[0138] Fig. 6 shows the external appearance of the TIL 1, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of recording the excess of one threshold temperature (50 °C), in the area of ​​one fragment of the TIL 2, the base 7 of which in the area of ​​the GTPM 7 is painted black: 6a - the initial appearance of fragment 2, 6b - the triggered fragment 2 after exceeding the threshold temperature of the GTPM 7. An information element, including the numerical value of the threshold temperature 4, is applied to the base or protective layer in the area of ​​the GTPM 5. The base or protective layer, in the area free from the GTPM, is painted red to ensure the possibility of using them for marking the phases of electrical equipment.

[0139] In Fig. 7 the external appearance of the TIL 1 is shown, each of the fragments of which is designed with the possibility of registering the excess of two threshold temperatures (80 °C, 100 °C), in the area of ​​one fragment of the TIL 2, in the variant in which an absorbent or microporous material 11 (not shown) painted black is applied between the base 7 and the GTPM 5, and a reversible heat-sensitive material 13 is applied in the areas free from the GTPM: 7a - the initial appearance of fragment 2, 7b - a partially activated fragment 2 after exceeding the threshold temperature of the first GTPM 5a, 7c - a completely activated fragment of the TIL (TI) after exceeding the threshold temperature of the second GTPM 5c and the threshold temperature of the reversible heat-sensitive material 12, 7g - an activated fragment of the TIL after cooling below the threshold temperature of the first GTPM 5a. Information elements, including numerical values ​​of the threshold temperature 4, are applied to the base or protective layer in areas free from the GTPM 5.

[0140] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the GTPM 5, including particles 14 of solid organic matter and their conglomerates, and a gas phase 15, before exceeding (8a) and after exceeding the threshold temperature of this GTPM 5 (86).

[0141] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a gas-phase thermal control material applied to a base 7, including particles 14 of solid organic matter and their conglomerates, and a gas phase 15, using an absorbent or microporous material 11, before (9a) and after (9b) exceeding the threshold temperature of the given gas-phase thermal control material.

[0142] Implementation of the invention

[0143] Selecting a base and protective layer

[0144] Polymeric materials are preferred for the base 7 of the claimed temperature-indicating tape 1, but paper, cellulose, and woven materials are also possible. To create a roll of self-adhesive temperature-indicating tape, the base material must be flexible enough to allow the TIL to be rolled into a roll. When synthetic polymeric materials are used, the TIL and TI, which are individual fragments of the TIL, additionally gain elasticity, resilience, and the necessary strength.The claimed invention predominantly employs, without limitation, halogen-containing polymeric materials, in particular chlorine-containing polymers, for example, vinyl chloride copolymers, namely: copolymer C-15 (copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate), copolymer VKhVD-40 (copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cast PVC, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, fluoroplastic M-40, as well as polyesters with the addition of 6.5% hexabromocyclododecane or polyesters modified with 15% trichloroisopropyl phosphate.

[0145] When using a halogen-containing polymer base, the dielectric strength of the devices is preferably at least 5 kV / mm, which is preferred when using TIL and its fragments as temperature-indicating stickers in the energy sector. Halogen-containing materials also have low flammability.

[0146] When selecting the base material, its melting or decomposition temperature must also be considered. This must be higher than the maximum operating temperature of the TI. Preferably, the compressive strength of the base material should be higher than the compressive strength of the HTPM. Since, according to the invention, the base is coated on the back with a permanent adhesive, self-adhesive film, double-sided adhesive tape, or a film without adhesive can be used as a base precursor, followed by its application during the fabrication of the TI. Adhesives will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

[0147] In the production of TIL, a protective layer is used that protects the thermoplastic material and the device itself, both in the form of a tape and when it is divided into individual fragments, from external environmental influences, humidity, UV radiation and mechanical damage, increases the service life of the device, and prevents the heat-sensitive material from flowing during the phase transition.

[0148] The protective layer material is preferably selected from transparent elastic polymers, preferably halogen-containing polymers, in particular polyvinyl chloride, most preferably cast polyvinyl chloride. Flexible elastic polymer films made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyurea, and other polymers are preferably used as protective layer materials.

[0149] In preferred embodiments, the use of an elastic material as a protective layer ensures not only the flexibility of the TIL and its individual fragments, but also the integrity of the fragment upon activation of the HTSM. Since gas will expand and escape into the space between the heat-sensitive material and the protective layer upon activation, the elasticity of the latter ensures the integrity of the TIL (TI) fragment. The elasticity of the protective layer is also important when using the HTSM with gas pressures other than atmospheric. When selecting the protective layer material, its melting point and strength must also be considered; these must be higher than the corresponding parameters of the HTSM.

[0150] The base and / or protective layer may have reflective or luminescent properties to increase the visibility of both the TI itself and the fact of its operation to improve the safety of the operation of the equipment on which the TIL (TI) fragment is installed.

[0151] In specific cases, the base and / or protective layer, or part thereof, may be colored in accordance with the requirements for marking cable phases, installation wires, harnesses, and other electrical equipment components. The base color may be selected in accordance with GOST 28763-90, which establishes, in particular, color coding in electrical engineering. To enhance the contrast of the color transition, the base in the area of ​​at least one GFSM may be painted, for example, black. In this case, the GFSM is preferably white in its initial state, thereby ensuring a visually observable "white-to-black" transition upon activation.

[0152] Information may also be applied to the surface of the base and / or protective layer, including threshold temperature values, the expiration date of the device and other data, in particular, an information element showing the location of the TIL cut into fragments.

[0153] Use of support elements on the base and / or protective layer

[0154] In one embodiment of the invention, a base and / or protective layer may be used that includes multiple support elements (SEs) between which at least a portion of the GSPM is located. This allows the GSPM structure to be protected from mechanical stress (pressure, friction, increased pressure, etc.) by redistributing the load from the GSPM to the base and / or protective layer.

[0155] When using support elements, at least part of the GPSM, preferably the majority of the GPSM, is located in a matrix formed from the EO. This prevents structural degradation of the GPSM and maintains its functional properties.

[0156] Selecting an adhesive layer

[0157] Acrylic, polyurethane, rubber, silicone, and PVC-based adhesives can be used as permanent adhesives. The preferred adhesion strength to stainless steel, measured using the FINAT TM1 method after 24 hours, is at least 10 N / 25 mm.

[0158] The adhesive layer can be applied to the back side of the base using various methods, in particular, using microdispensers, pneumatic-electric dispensers, the imprint method, manual application using brushes, spatulas, squeegees, brushes, and fine spraying.

[0159] The adhesive layer must ensure reliable and tight adhesion of the TI (TIL fragment) to various surfaces, including surfaces of complex shapes.

[0160] Acrylic, silicone, rubber and other permanent adhesives are mainly used as permanent adhesives.

[0161] Preparation of the GTPM In the claimed invention, at least one GTPM includes a solid organic substance or a mixture thereof, and is designed with the possibility of an irreversible change in transparency upon reaching the corresponding threshold temperature due to melting of the GTPM.

[0162] Preferably, at least one solid organic substance of the GTPM (active substance of the GTPM) has a molecular weight of less than 2 kDa (2000 amu), contains a structural fragment C n H(2n+i), where n> 5 and is preferably selected from the group consisting of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments CnH(2n+i) with n> 12, salts of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 5, alkanes containing at least 20 carbon atoms, dialkylphosphinic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n>5, amides of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C nH(2n+i) with n > 5, anhydrides of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 10, fatty aliphatic alcohols containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 14, fatty aliphatic amines containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 17, nitriles of fatty aliphatic acids containing structural fragments C n H(2n+i) with n > 19. Non-limiting examples are palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, tetracosane, erucamide, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, polyethylene, wax, paraffin, salts of saturated fatty carboxylic acids of rare earth metals, in particular lanthanum, yttrium, ytterbium, scandium, or a mixture thereof with a melting point differing from the threshold temperature by no more than 5 °C.

[0163] In particular embodiments of the invention, the active (main) substance / a of the GTPM, causing a change in the transparency of the GTPM upon heating above the threshold temperature, is, without limitation, selected from the group consisting of: yttrium caproate, yttrium behenate, yttrium undecanoate, yttrium laurate, yttrium tridecanelaurate, yttrium tridecanepentadecanate, yttrium tridecanoate, yttrium pentadecanoate, yttrium palmitate, ytterbium caprylate, lanthanum palmitate, lanthanum nonadecynate, lanthanum caproate, erbium undecanate, zinc nonadecanoate, zinc palmitate, zinc caproate, zinc myristicate, zinc stearate, cadmium laurate, cadmium laurinmyristate, lead caprate, stearate lead, lead laurate, lead laurin myristate, copper stearate, calcium stearate, lithium stearate, stearic acid, lauric acid, docosanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, crotonic acid, arachidic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, adipic acid, octanoic acid, capric acid,Tricosanoic acid, tetratriacontanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylnonanoic acid, brassidic acid, 2-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, eleostearic acid, behenolic acid, behenic acid, oleamide, stearamide, lauramide, erucylamide, capric amide, myristic amide, caprylic amide, palmitic anilide, salicylic anilide, bettanaphthylamide caproic acid, enanthic acid phenylhydrazide, hexylamide, octacosylamide, N-methylheptacosylamide, salicylamide, hexadecanol, ecucamide, 1-docosonol, trilaurin, tricosylamine, dioctadecylamine, NU-dimethyloctylamine, dioctylphosphinic acids, tritriacontane, tetracosane, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearic chloride, palmitic anhydride, stearic and acetic anhydride, lauric anhydride or mixtures thereof.,

[0164] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the volumetric gas content within at least one HTPM is at least 10%, most preferably at least 50%, and the gas is uniformly distributed within the HTPM. The use of at least one HTPM with the specified gas content allows for a significant reduction in the HTPM layer thickness required to achieve the desired hiding power, compared to the thickness of a layer of material not filled with gas required to provide the same hiding power. This is achieved through multiple refraction of light at the gas-solid interface. Reducing the HTPM layer thickness positively impacts such characteristics of the TIL fragment used as a TI as response speed, irreversibility, and the ability to use low-molecular-weight substances, which in turn increases the reliability and accuracy of overheat detection.

[0165] Preferably, upon reaching the appropriate threshold temperature, the volume fraction of gas within the gas-fuel mixture should decrease by at least a factor of two. This will ensure that the change in transparency of the gas-fuel mixture is irreversible when the appropriate threshold temperature is exceeded.

[0166] The use of at least one gas-filled thermal imaging device (GFI) with the specified volumetric gas content also extends the service life of the TIL and its individual components and improves the reliability of overheating detection by preventing the aggregation of solid organic matter through the gas phase. Furthermore, the higher the gas content in the GFI, the higher the initial refractive index, the more pronounced the change in appearance due to a significant reduction in refractive index when the corresponding threshold temperature is exceeded, and the greater the separation of the gas and other phases after the GFI is triggered. This eliminates the possibility of the GFI returning to its original gas-filled state when the triggered TIL is maintained at low temperatures and during temperature fluctuations.

[0167] The main substance of the GTPM or a mixture of such substances is selected in such a way that upon reaching the corresponding threshold temperature in the range of no more than 5 °C, preferably no more than 2 °C, it melts with a visually observable “opaque-transparent” transition within no more than 5 seconds, preferably no more than 2 seconds.

[0168] In various embodiments of the invention, the main substance of the GTPM or a mixture thereof is selected in such a way that the threshold temperatures can be selected from a range of 50 to 210 °C. In this case, the numerical values ​​of the threshold temperature of the TM can be selected, in particular, from the group of 50 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 140 °C, 150 °C.

[0169] To produce at least one HTPM, the solid organic substance is ground in a ball mill to a particle size of 2-3 µm. A liquid phase consisting of water or an organic solvent with a boiling point below 180°C is sequentially added, and the resulting suspension is stirred. The mixture is preferably periodically dispersed with air access until a mixture of constant density is obtained. The liquid phase is preferably water or an organic solvent in which the solubility of the solid organic substance of the HTPM does not exceed 100 g / kg.

[0170] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the liquid phase is added in an amount of at least 50 wt.%, most preferably from 50 wt.% to 90 wt.%.

[0171] The difference in density between the liquid phase and the solid organic matter is preferably less than 0.2 g / cm 3For this purpose, the liquid phase may be selected without limitation from the group consisting of isopropanol, water, methanol, 1-propanol, isobutanol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1-butanol, acetonitrile, acetic acid, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethanol, 1,1, 1,3, 3,3 hexafluoroisopropanol, HN-dimethylformamide, toluene, xylene, ethanol, butyl acetate, acetone, and mixtures thereof. The resulting suspension or paste is applied to the base and dried under dry air, elevated temperature, or vacuum.

[0172] This production method enables the production of a gas-fueled composite material (GPM) containing a solid organic substance, preferably in the form of particles, with uniformly distributed gas-filled voids. Depending on the nature of the solid organic substance, the resulting particles can predominantly be grains, crystals, fibers, flakes, or conglomerates thereof.

[0173] Using a binder

[0174] In certain cases, at least one HTPM further comprises a polymeric binder that is transparent to at least some visible light. In this case, the crushed solid organic substance is suspended in a solution of a binder transparent to at least some visible light in a solvent with a boiling point below 150°C. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the binder is present in the resulting HTPM in an amount of 1-30% by weight to provide a glazing effect on the solid organic substance.

[0175] In particular cases, the transparent polymer binder can be selected without limitation from phenol-formaldehyde resin, butyl methacrylate resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyvinyl butyral, polybutyl methacrylate, polyisobutyl methacrylate, polybutyl acrylate, phenoxy resin, polystyrene-acrylic emulsion, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethersulfone, polyisoprene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, polymethacrylate, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resins, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, polyester resins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, agar-agar, casein, gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide or mixtures thereof.

[0176] Use of the OE

[0177] The HTPM may also contain multiple EOs located within the HTPM, which can be added to a suspension or paste of solid organic matter in the liquid phase, followed by mixing until uniform distribution of the EOs within the suspension or paste is achieved. This EO distribution allows the HTPM structure and, consequently, its functional properties to be preserved under mechanical stress.

[0178] When using a supporting element, at least a portion of the CGPM, preferably the majority of the CGPM, is located in a matrix formed by the supporting element. In particular, when transverse pressure is applied to the CGPM, such as during installation of a TI, the bulk of the applied load will fall on the supporting element rather than the CGPM. This prevents the CGPM structure from collapsing under mechanical stress and preserves its functional properties. Support elements can be made of a material with a melting point higher than the CGPM melting point and a compressive strength higher than the CGPM compressive strength. In this embodiment of the invention, polymeric materials can be selected as supporting elements, in particular halogen-containing polymers such as polyvinyl chloride and cast polyvinyl chloride, as well as glass, ceramics, metals, non-metals, and products based on them, such as meshes, fibers, microspheres, woven or non-woven materials possessing the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0179] Use of absorbent or microporous material

[0180] In one embodiment of the invention, the HTM may be used in conjunction with an absorbent material that absorbs the molten hot melt material during its operation.

[0181] The combination of a thermal conductivity sensor and an absorbent material provides additional accuracy in recording the excess of at least one threshold temperature, due to the irreversibility of changes in the thermal conductivity sensor. Furthermore, the absorbent material can perform the function of the OE described above.

[0182] In specific cases, the absorbent material is made of porous or sorbent materials, preferably microporous. The absorbent material can be selected, without limitation, from paper, microcellulose, wool, silk, felt, cotton, linen, molecular sieves, zeolites, silica gel, aerosil, microspheres, and ceramics. Microporous materials with a pore diameter of no more than 2 µm are most preferred. This minimizes the monolithic areas of solidified melt of the gas-temperature-bearing material (GTPM) not separated by the absorbent material. The absorption of the melted phase of the GTPM is governed by physicochemical laws describing the processes of wetting, adsorption, absorption, and other non-chemical interactions between liquids and solids.

[0183] The thickness of the absorbent material in preferred embodiments of the invention is no more than 100 μm, preferably no more than 50 μm, which, on the one hand, is sufficient to absorb the entire volume of the molten thermal insulation material, and, on the other hand, slightly increases the overall thickness of the TIL and its individual fragments (TI) and ensures good thermal conductivity from the heated surface of the test object to the layer of the thermal insulation material.

[0184] The absorbent material can be colored. In this case, the absorbent material's color will appear when absorbing the HTPM melt. Alternatively, the absorbent material can become transparent when absorbing a melt (silica gel, aerosil). In this case, the base color will appear when absorbing the HTPM melt.

[0185] General technology for the production of TIL

[0186] As stated above, a self-adhesive film with the required properties, double-sided adhesive tape, or a film without adhesive can be used as a base with subsequent application during the production of TIL.

[0187] The base can be initially wound onto a roll, in which case it is unwound before applying the PTFE and protective layer. Alternatively, it can be presented as a tape onto which the necessary elements are applied, after which the finished TIL is wound onto a roll. TIL can be wound onto a roll using a bobbin, spool, core, or spool.

[0188] The width of the base is preferably 5-30 mm, and the thickness of the base is 50-100 μm.

[0189] The front surface of the base is painted, if necessary, to impart the desired properties and / or characteristics (see the section Selecting the base and protective . or information elements are applied, such as the date of manufacture, the expiration date, the threshold temperature values, an information element showing the location of a cut or tear.

[0190] One or more layers of a suspension or paste of the active substance(s) of the HTPM are applied to individual sections of a painted or unpainted base strip coated on the back with a permanent adhesive, and the liquid phase is removed from the applied layers. Removal of the liquid phase from multiple applied layers or from each layer individually can be performed at either subatmospheric or atmospheric pressure.

[0191] To obtain the required structure of at least one GTPM, the following techniques can be used, in particular:

[0192] - at least one of the stages: applying a suspension of a solid organic substance in the liquid phase, removing the liquid phase from the applied layers of the suspension, covering the front surface of the workpiece with a transparent protective layer is carried out at a pressure below atmospheric pressure;

[0193] - at least 3 cycles of applying layers of a suspension of a solid organic substance in a liquid phase and removing the liquid phase from the applied layers of this suspension are carried out, while the application of the suspension of a solid organic substance in a liquid phase is carried out by a method selected from the group consisting of screen printing, flexography, pad printing and silk-screen printing.

[0194] Preferably, the sections of the GFRP are positioned on the substrate so that the distance to the edge of the tape is at least 2 mm, to provide a larger area for welding or bonding the protective layer to the substrate. The width of the welding or bonding zone between sections coated with the GFRP is at least 2 mm, preferably 2-4 mm. The thickness of the resulting GFRP is preferably less than 150 µm, preferably less than 75 µm.

[0195] When using an absorbent material together with a GTPM, the absorbent material is first fixed to the base, or the finished GTPM element is fixed with the absorbent material.

[0196] When producing a TIL with several identical or different sections of the GTPM, the procedure of applying the second and subsequent suspensions of a solid organic substance or mixtures of such substances in the liquid phase is sequentially repeated to obtain several sections of the GTPM.

[0197] The suspension can also be applied using silk-screen printing, screen printing, pad printing, pouring or other methods.

[0198] When applying different thermal-temperature coatings with two or more threshold temperatures, the corresponding compositions can be placed on the substrate sections to form TIL fragments, alternating them or using any necessary combination that meets the required device characteristics. The choice of temperature combinations in TIL fragments for multiple thermal-temperature coatings also depends on the specific task the device is designed to solve. For example, for a device containing two different GTPMs, the threshold temperatures may be 50 °C, 55 °C, or 60 °C, 80 °C, or 70 °C, 90 °C, or 90 °C, 110 °C, or 80 °C, 100 °C, or 80 °C, 90 °C, or 90 °C, 100 °C, or 100 °C, 120 °C, or 110 °C, 130 °C, or 100 °C, 110 °C, or 120 °C, 140 °C, or 120 °C, 150 °C.

[0199] For a TIL, the fragments of which contain three different HTPM, the threshold temperatures can be 50 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C, that is, the first HTPM becomes transparent upon reaching 50 °C, the second HTPM becomes transparent upon reaching 55 °C, and the third upon reaching a temperature of 60 °C, with an accuracy of 5 °C. In other embodiments, the threshold temperatures may be 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, or 50 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, or 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, or 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C, or 60 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, or 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, or 70 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, or 70 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C, or 70 °C, 110 °C, 130 °C, or 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, or 80 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, or 80 °C, 120 °C, 150 °C, or 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, or 90 °C, 110 °C, 130 °C, or 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C.

[0200] For TIL, the fragments of which contain four different HTPM, the threshold temperatures can be 50 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, or 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, or 50 °C, 70 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, or 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, or 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C, or 60 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, or 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, or 70 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C, or 70 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, 130 °C, or 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, or 80 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, or 80 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C, 150 °C.

[0201] After obtaining the appropriate structure of the gas-filled ductile iron (GFE) on the base, the front surface of the blank is coated with a protective layer designed to isolate the GFE from the environment and, if necessary, maintain the gas pressure in the GFE below or above atmospheric pressure. The base and protective layer can be joined by welding or gluing with an adhesive. The thickness of the protective layer is preferably less than 100 µm, preferably less than 50 µm.

[0202] The protective layer can be made in the form of a single film, in which case the width of the welding or gluing zone between the TIL fragments is preferably at least 4 mm, preferably 6-10 mm, which has a positive effect on maintaining the tightness when separating the TIL into individual fragments.

[0203] In other embodiments, the protective layer is formed by individual blocks (pieces) of film, individually covering each fragment or each heat-indicating element within the fragment. In this case, a tear or cut can occur in a section of the base not covered by the protective layer, thereby maintaining the hermetic seal of the thermal insulation material. In this case, the weld or bond width is preferably at least 2 mm, which positively impacts the preservation of the hermetic seal when separating the thermal insulation material into individual fragments.

[0204] At one stage of TIL manufacturing, spacers are created or placed on the base and / or protective layer, allowing the TIL to be separated into individual fragments at specific locations without compromising the insulation of the gas-insulated layer. Specifically, such spacers can be implemented in the form of perforations, notches, cuts, slits, or thinnings in the base material or protective layer.

[0205] The protective layer may also be colored, if necessary, to impart the desired properties and / or characteristics (see the section Selecting the base and protective layer), or information elements (date of manufacture, end-of-life date, threshold temperature values, information element indicating the location of the cut) may be placed on the protective layer. However, it should be taken into account that at least part of the protective layer located above the GTPSM must be transparent to at least part of the visible light.

[0206] The surface area of ​​the base covered by sections of the GTPM preferably comprises from 3 to 97% of the area of ​​the front surface of the base, preferably not less than 30%, which makes it possible to detect triggered TI from a long distance, and also makes it possible to detect point heating of a large surface of the equipment.

[0207] The number of GTPM is not limited by an upper limit and depends on the practical task implemented using the declared device (type of equipment, required step of the determined superheating temperature, area of ​​the surface tested for heating, etc.).

[0208] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the GTPM are designed with the ability to register local overheating of the surface by changing the color of only that area of ​​the GTPM that was heated above the corresponding threshold temperatures, and maintaining the original color of the remaining areas of the GTPM that were not heated above the corresponding threshold temperature during uneven heating.

[0209] The operating principle of TIL and its fragments (TI)

[0210] To mount a TIL fragment on a surface requiring temperature control, a roll of self-adhesive temperature-indicating tape is unwound to the required length, generally slightly longer than the fragment. Using the spacers provided on the TIL, the TIL fragment is separated by tearing. The resulting fragment is then placed on the surface, ensuring a tight fit thanks to the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer located on the back surface of the base.

[0211] A fragment of a TIL with a single applied HTPM operates as follows. The HTPM in its initial state is opaque to at least some visible light and, in preferred embodiments, is white. Until the entire surface of the TIL or individual sections located beneath the HTPM is heated to the HTPM's threshold temperature, it remains opaque to at least some visible light, thereby preserving the TIL's original appearance. Upon heating above the threshold temperature, either over the entire surface or partially, the HTPM's transparency irreversibly changes. This process is accompanied by melting of the active substance, a reduction in the gas content by at least a factor of two, and an increase in the apparent density of the material. After activation, the HTPM becomes transparent and reveals the color of the substrate beneath the HTPM, the color of the paint applied to the substrate beneath the HTPM, or the color of the absorbent material.Upon subsequent cooling of the test surface, the HTPM or part of it remains transparent, and the TI does not return to its original appearance. This ensures the ability to visually record temperature exceeding the threshold, both at the moment of overheating and after an extended period of time.

[0212] Due to the presence of gas during melting, the structure of the gas-filled composite material is destroyed, and the gas and molten phases separate, increasing transparency. Upon subsequent cooling, recombination of these phases to yield the original opaque gas-filled structure of the material is impossible. Therefore, upon subsequent cooling to 20°C and holding at this temperature for at least one month, preferably one year or more, the opacity of the gas-filled composite material does not return to its original values.

[0213] In the case where the temperature indicator fragment has several (n) zones with different gas-temperature-producing materials, which have correspondingly different threshold temperatures Ti...T n, then until the equipment surface located under the TIL fragment is heated to the threshold temperature Ti, all the thermal-melting materials remain opaque, thereby preserving the original appearance of the device. Upon reaching the threshold temperature Ti, the hot-melt phase of the first thermal-melting material, which has a threshold temperature Ti, begins to melt with redistribution of the gas phase and, as a consequence, with an increase in the transparency of the corresponding thermal-melting material and the manifestation of the color of the base under this material, the color of the paint applied to the base in the thermal-melting material zone, or the color of the absorbent material. At the same time, other thermal-melting materials, which have threshold temperatures Tg . Tp > Ti, retain their original appearance. A further increase in the surface temperature on which the TIL fragment is located to the temperature Tg . Tp leads to the sequential irreversible achievement of transparency of the corresponding thermal-melting materials with threshold temperatures Tg . Tp. Moreover, if the maximum temperature of the equipment surface is lower than at least one of the threshold temperatures T。п , the corresponding zones of the gas-thermal protection device (GTPM) will retain their original opacity. Upon subsequent cooling of the equipment surface, the zones with the triggered GTPMs remain transparent, and the device's appearance does not return to its original state. If the monitored equipment surface overheats to the threshold temperature of previously untriggered GTPMs, an irreversible change in the transparency of the corresponding GTPMs will occur, revealing the color of the underlying substrate, the color of the paint applied to the substrate in the GTPM zone, or the color of the absorbent material.

[0214] When the controlled surface is heated locally, a transparent zone is formed only in that area of ​​the HTPM that was subjected to heating above the corresponding threshold temperature, while maintaining the original appearance of the area of ​​this HTPM in the remaining part that was not subjected to heating.

[0215] Device variants in which the HTPM composition includes a binder operate on a similar principle. When the temperature exceeds the corresponding threshold, the fusible phase melts, redistributing the gas and separating the gas and other media, resulting in an irreversible change in the HTPM transparency.

[0216] Device designs that utilize a thermoplastic film (TPM) in conjunction with an absorbent material also operate on a similar principle. When the thermoplastic film melts, the absorbent material absorbs the melted thermoplastic film. In some designs, the absorbent material can be colored; in this case, the absorbent material's color will appear when the melted thermoplastic film absorbs the melted thermoplastic film. Alternatively, the absorbent material can become transparent when absorbing the melted thermoplastic film (silica gel, aerosil); in this case, the color of the underlying substrate will appear when the thermoplastic film absorbs.

[0217] Thus, all versions of the TIL and its components operate on an operating principle based on an irreversible change in the transparency of the HTPM and, consequently, a change in the appearance of the TI. Moreover, upon cooling the device to 20°C and maintaining it at this temperature for at least one month, preferably one year or more, the original appearance does not return. In preferred versions, the TI has a service life of at least five years, preferably at least ten years.

[0218] A roll of self-adhesive temperature-indicating tape can be used in electrical engineering to monitor the surface temperature of electrical equipment, such as complete switchgear, BRNO boxes, electrical panels, etc., and its individual components (wires, cables, contact connections, etc.), as well as other industrial or domestic devices that require temperature monitoring.

[0219] Upon visual inspection of the TIL fragment mounted on the equipment

[0220] (which is an independent TI) can reliably and with high accuracy register the fact of temperature exceeding at least one threshold value on the entire surface or on its section, which will ensure increased safety of operation of electrical equipment.

[0221] Examples of the invention

[0222] Example 1.

[0223] Preparation of the HTPM. A solid organic substance (erucamide, with a phase transition temperature of 80°C) weighing 100 g is ground to a particle size of 2-3 µm. 500 g of a liquid phase (a 3% vol. solution of polyvinyl butyral in ethanol) is successively added. The mixture is stirred, ensuring periodic dispersion with access to air, until a constant density is achieved. The suspension is applied immediately after preparation.

[0224] Manufacturing of the TIL. The base material is Oramask 831 black PVC film, 0.2 mm thick, 20 mm wide, and 5 m long. The back surface of the base is coated with a permanent acrylic adhesive layer. The base is perforated with transverse cuts along the boundaries of the TIL fragments. The area of ​​each fragment that should not be coated with the HTPM is sealed with polyethylene film so that the distance between the nearest boundaries of the areas to be coated is 4 mm. The HTPM suspension is applied to the film-free area using silk-screen printing in 5 layers. After each layer is applied, it is dried for 24 hours at room temperature. After complete drying and the HTPM has formed, the film is removed.

[0225] Each section of the GTPM is individually coated with a transparent, colorless protective layer made of 0.025 mm PVC, bonding the base and protective layer using cold lamination under reduced pressure of 26.7 kPa (200 mmHg). The resulting tape is then rolled into a roll.

[0226] Activation of a thermal indicator fragment. A single thermal indicator fragment (TIF) is separated from the TIF roll via perforation and installed on the heating surface using the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer located on the back of the base. The heating element is heated in a controlled manner at a rate of 5°C / min to a temperature of 80°C with a specified accuracy. Heating is stopped, and the activation of the thermal indicator fragment is visually recorded by a change in the appearance of the thermal indicator fragment. The time required for the change in appearance is 2 seconds. After the thermal indicator fragment has cooled to room temperature, visual confirmation is obtained that the thermal indicator fragment and the thermal indicator fragment have not returned to their original appearance.

[0227] Example 2. Preparation of a HTPM. A solid organic substance (yttrium behenate with a phase transition temperature of 90°C) weighing 100 g is ground to a particle size of 2-3 µm. 500 g of a liquid phase (a 1 wt.% acrylic dispersion in water) and 50 g of prepared EOs (etched glass beads with a diameter of 0.06-0.07 mm) are added sequentially. The mixture is stirred, ensuring periodic dispersion with access to air, until a constant density is achieved. The suspension is applied immediately after preparation.

[0228] Manufacturing of the TIL. The base material is yellow paper 0.1 mm thick, 30 mm wide, and 3 m long. The back surface of the base is coated with a permanently tacky polyurethane adhesive layer. The area of ​​each fragment that should not be coated with the HTPM is sealed with polyethylene film so that the distance between the closest HTPM areas is 3 mm. The HTPM suspension is applied to the film-free area using silk-screen printing in six layers. After each layer is applied, it is dried in a vacuum chamber at a pressure of 26.7 kPa (200 mmHg) and 20°C for one hour. After complete drying and the HTPM formation, the film is removed.

[0229] The TIL blank is coated with a single, transparent, colorless protective layer made of PVC, 0.025 mm thick, bonding the base and protective layer using cold lamination under a reduced pressure of 53.3 kPa (400 mmHg). In the bonded base and protective layer, in areas free of the PTFE, notches are applied along the boundaries of the TIL fragments. In this case, the notches are located in the center of the section between the closest boundaries of the PTFE regions. The resulting TIL is wound onto a spool.

[0230] Activation of a TIL fragment. One fragment (TI) is separated from the TIL roll along the notches and installed on the heating surface using the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer located on the back of the base. The heating element is heated in a controlled manner at a rate of 5°C / min to a temperature of 90°C with a specified accuracy. Heating is stopped, and the activation of the HTPM is visually recorded by a change in the appearance of the TI. The time it takes for the change in appearance to occur is 3 seconds. After the TI has cooled to room temperature, it is visually recorded that the TI has not returned to its original appearance.

[0231] Example 3.

[0232] Preparation of the HTPM. 100 g of the solid organic substance, zinc palmitate with a phase transition temperature of 140 °C, is ground to a particle size of 2-3 µm. 500 g of the liquid phase, a 3 wt.% solution of nitrocellulose in ethanol, is then added. The mixture is stirred, ensuring periodic dispersion with access to air, until a constant density is achieved. The suspension is applied immediately after preparation.

[0233] A five-layer suspension of the thermal insulation material is applied using silk-screen printing onto the surface of an absorbent material, typically 50-micron-thick felt strips. After each layer is applied, it is dried in a thermostat at 60°C for three hours. Once dry, the thermal insulation material strips are separated onto the absorbent material into individual temperature-indicating elements of the required size.

[0234] Manufacturing of TIL. The base material is a green vinyl chloride / vinylidene chloride copolymer tape 0.1 mm thick, 20 mm wide, and 5 m long. The back surface of the base is coated with a permanently tacky rubber adhesive layer. An adhesive is applied to the base, onto which the resulting temperature indicator elements are placed. The distance between the nearest boundaries of the areas containing the TIL is 6 mm.

[0235] The TIL blank is coated with a single, transparent, colorless protective layer made of polyurethane modified with 15% trichloroisopropyl phosphate, 0.025 mm thick. The base and protective layer are bonded together using the adhesive properties of the adhesive applied to the base. The bonded base and protective layer are separated in areas free of the HTPM, reducing the thickness at the boundaries of the TIL fragments to 0.05 mm. The resulting tape is wound onto a reel.

[0236] Activation of a TIL fragment. A single TIL fragment (TI) is separated from the TIL roll at thinning points and installed on the heating surface using the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer. The heating element is heated in a controlled manner at a rate of 5°C / min to a temperature of 130°C with a specified accuracy. Heating is stopped, and the activation of the thermal indicator is visually recorded by a change in the appearance of the TI. The time it takes for the appearance of the thermal indicator to change is 2 seconds. After the TI has cooled to room temperature, it is visually recorded that the TI has not returned to its original appearance.

[0237] Example 4.

[0238] Preparation of the HTPM. Yttrium behenate (with a phase transition temperature of 90°C), lanthanum palmitate (with a phase transition temperature of 100°C), and lanthanum nonadecynate (with a phase transition temperature of 110°C) are used as the substances for the preparation of the HTPM. A mixture of methanol and ethylene glycol methyl ether (50 / 50 vol%) is used as the liquid phase. Each solid organic substance (100 g) is individually ground to a particle size of 2-3 µm. 200 g of the liquid phase is added and mixed, ensuring periodic dispersion of the mixture with access to air, until the mixture reaches a constant density. The resulting suspensions are applied immediately after preparation.

[0239] Manufacturing of the TIL. The base material is a red M-40 fluoroplastic film with reflective properties, 0.1 mm thick, 10 mm wide, and 3 m long. The back surface of the base is coated with a silicone adhesive layer. The front surface of the base is sandblasted to form a microrelief on the base surface. Information containing the corresponding threshold temperatures is applied to the front surface of the base using solvent dyes in areas where the HTPM will not be located. The area of ​​the base to which the first HTPM should not be applied is sealed with polyethylene film. The first HTPM suspension is applied to the film-free area using silk-screen printing in 5 layers. After each layer is applied, it is dried for 24 hours at room temperature. After complete drying and the HTPM has formed, the film is removed. A similar procedure is repeated for the two remaining HTPM suspensions. The average thickness of each HTPM is 0.05 mm.The distance between the nearest boundaries of the GTPM regions is 2 mm, and the cut line is located in the middle of this section.

[0240] The TIL blank is coated with a single, transparent, colorless protective layer made of PVC, 0.015 mm thick, bonding the base and the protective layer together by welding. The blank is then perforated with transverse cuts along the boundaries of the TIL fragments. The resulting tape is wound onto a reel.

[0241] Activation of a TIL fragment. One temperature indicator fragment (TIF) is separated from the TIL roll using separators and installed on the heating surface by gluing it to the device using the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer. The heating element is heated in a controlled manner at a rate of 5°C / min to a temperature of 90°C with a specified accuracy. Heating is stopped, and the activation of the first HTIF in the corresponding part of the device is visually recorded, indicating a change in the appearance of the first HTIF while maintaining the appearance of the two remaining HTIFs. After the device has cooled to room temperature, it is visually recorded that the first HTIF does not return to its original appearance.

[0242] The heating and cooling cycles are repeated twice to a temperature of 100 °C and then to

[0243] BY °C with a specified accuracy. The time it takes for the appearance of the HTPM to change is recorded: for the first HTPM, this time is 3 seconds, for the second HTPM, it is 2 seconds, and for the third HTPM, it is 2 seconds. After cooling the TIL fragment to room temperature after each cycle, visually note that the HTPM does not return to its original appearance.

[0244] Example 5.

[0245] Preparation of the HTPM. 100 g of solid organic material, n-docosylamine with a phase transition temperature of 65 °C, is ground to a particle size of 2-3 µm, and 500 g of liquid phase, a 3 wt% solution of polyvinyl butyral in ethanol, is added. The mixture is stirred, ensuring periodic dispersion with access to air, until a constant density is achieved. The suspension is applied immediately after preparation.

[0246] Manufacturing of the TIL. The base material was a 0.05 mm thick, 5 mm wide, and 7 m long PVC film, both sides of which were coated with a PVC-based permanent adhesive. The back surface of the base was protected with a siliconized release liner. The base was perforated with transverse cuts along the boundaries of the fragments being formed (TI). The area to which the TI should not be applied was sealed with polyethylene film, ensuring a distance of 4 mm between the nearest boundaries of the TI areas. The TI suspension was applied to the film-free area using silk-screen printing in five layers. After each layer was applied, it was dried in a thermostat at 60°C for three hours. After complete drying and the TI formation, the film was removed.

[0247] Each section of the TIL blank is coated with individual sections of a transparent, yellow, protective layer made of 0.075 mm thick PVC, bonding the base and the protective layer using an adhesive applied to the base. The resulting tape is wound onto a spool.

[0248] Activation of a TIL fragment. A single heating element is separated from the TIL roll via perforation and installed on the heating surface using the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer. The heating element is heated in a controlled manner at a rate of 5°C / min to a temperature of 65°C with a specified accuracy. Heating is stopped, and the activation of the HTPM is visually recorded by a change in the appearance of the heating element. The time it takes for the change in appearance to occur is 1 second. After the heating element subsequently cools to room temperature, visually confirm that the heating element does not return to its original appearance.

[0249] Example 6. Sections of a heat-sensitive material manufactured using a method known in the art (WO 2018 / 176266A1, published October 14, 2018) are applied to a temperature-indicating tape made of self-adhesive film. Yttrium behenate, with a phase transition temperature of 90°C, is used as the heat-sensitive component, and methanol is used as the liquid phase. The TIL blank is coated with a single layer, without the use of fragment separators disclosed in the description of the known invention.

[0250] A fragment containing the heat-sensitive material is cut off. By heating the adhered thermocouple at a heating element heating rate of 5°C / min, its response temperature is determined to be 90±5°C. The time it takes for the thermocouple to change its appearance is 4 seconds.

[0251] Example 7.

[0252] Unused fragments of the TIL, manufactured according to Examples 1-6, were used for testing. Each fragment was secured to the bottom of a tall glass vessel, which was then filled with water to a water level of 1 m above the fragments. The fragments were soaked in the water for 30 minutes. The fragments were removed, and the tightness of the gas-insulated thermowell was visually assessed.

[0253] The TIL fragment manufactured according to Example 6 lost its hermeticity after being removed from the vessel containing water, resulting in a complete change in the TI's appearance. The temperature-sensitive material became transparent, revealing the color of the underlying substrate. The TIL fragments manufactured according to Examples 1-5, which did not change their appearance after being removed from the vessel containing water, were attached to heating surfaces and heated to the corresponding threshold temperatures at a rate of 5°C / min. The response temperature (Tcp2) of each TIL fragment and each of its GTPMs was recorded. The response temperatures (Tcpl) of similar TIL fragments from Examples 1-6, not exposed to water, determined previously, and the test results according to Example 7 are summarized in Table 1.

[0254] Table 1. Based on the table, it can be concluded that the TIL fragments manufactured according to Examples 1-5 maintain their threshold temperature and response accuracy within a range of 5°C after testing. The TIL fragment manufactured using the prior art method is not hermetically sealed and loses its functional characteristics due to changes in the device's appearance during testing prior to heating. Thus, the GTPMs in the TIL fragments according to the claimed invention are hermetically sealed and retain their functional characteristics during operation, including when exposed to moisture.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A roll of self-adhesive heat-indicating tape (HIT) consisting of a plurality of sequentially connected fragments and separators located between them, each fragment including: - a flexible polymer base coated on the back with permanent adhesive; - at least one gas-filled hot-melt material (GFTM) attached to the base that is opaque to at least part of the visible light and is designed with the possibility of an irreversible change in transparency when heated above a threshold temperature due to the melting of a substance or group of substances included in the GFTM; - a protective layer welded or glued using an adhesive to the base, designed with the ability to isolate the GTPM from the environment, both before and after separating the fragment from the tape along the separator, wherein at least a portion of the protective layer located above the GTPM is transparent to at least a portion of visible light.

2. A TIL roller according to item 1, in which the adhesive layer is made using acrylic, polyurethane, rubber, silicone, and PVC polymers.

3. A TIL roller according to item 1, in which at least one of the conditions (1-4) is met: (1) the base and / or protective film are made of thermoplastic polymers, preferably of halogen-containing polymers, preferably of PVC, most preferably of cast PVC; (2) the width of the base is 5-30mm; (3) the thickness of the base and / or protective layer is less than 100 µm, preferably less than 50 µm; (4) the separators are preferably perforations, notches, cuts, slits, thinnings of the base material or protective layer.

4. The TIL roller according to item 1, in which at least one of the conditions (1-4) is met: (1) The GTPM includes at least one solid organic substance, preferably containing a structural fragment C n H(2n+i), where n > 5; (2) the proportion of the gas phase in the gas-turbine fuel is not less than 10 vol.%, preferably not less than 50 vol.%; (3) the proportion of the gas phase in the gas-fuel mixture decreases at least twofold when the gas-fuel mixture is heated above the threshold temperature; (4) the thickness of the GTPM is less than 150 μm, preferably less than 75 μm.

5. A TIL roller according to claim 1, in which the protective layer is uniform, and the width of the welding or gluing zone between the sections covered with the GTPM is at least 2 mm, preferably 2-4 mm.

6. A TIL roller according to paragraph 1, characterized in that an information element is applied to the base or protective layer between the fragments, showing the location of the division of the TIL into fragments.

7. The TIL roller according to item 1, characterized in that the TIL is wound on a bobbin, spool, sleeve or spool.

8. The TIL roller according to item 1, in which at least one of the conditions (1-3) is met: (1) information elements are applied to the base and / or protective layer; (2) the base and / or protective layer are coloured in such a way that they can be used for marking the phases of electrical equipment; (3) the base and / or protective layer have luminescent or reflective properties.

9. A TIL roller according to claim 1, characterized in that an absorbent or microporous material is applied between the base and the GTPM, and / or the adhesion between the GTPM and the base is higher than the adhesion between the GTPM and the protective layer.

10. A TIL roller according to item 1, characterized in that each of the fragments includes at least two different gas-filled hot-melt materials (GFTM), each of which is designed with the possibility of an irreversible change in transparency when heated above its corresponding threshold temperature due to the melting of a substance or group of substances included in the composition of the given GFTM.

11. The TIL roller according to item 1, characterized in that the gas pressure inside the GTPM is different from atmospheric pressure, and the protective layer is welded to the base and is designed with the ability to maintain pressure after separating the fragment from the tape along the separator.

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