Thermal insulation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal insulation device (1) comprising: a cylindrical-overall metal frame (10), the metal frame (10) comprising: - an outer wall (11) extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (L) between a first circumferential end (111) and a second circumferential end (112); - at least one flange (50) positioned at least at one longitudinal end of the outer wall and fixed along an inner surface of the outer wall, and - at least one support (20) extending in a transverse direction (T) of the thermal insulation device (1); the support comprising a first fixing tab (201), a first radial portion (202), a circumferential wall (203) extending around the longitudinal axis (L), a second radial portion (204) and a second fixing tab (205); the first fixing tab (201) being fixed to an inner surface of the outer wall (11), the second fixing tab (205) being fixed to the inner surface of the outer wall so as to connect the second radial portion (204) at a distance from the second circumferential end (112) of the outer wall, the outer wall forming a covering band (60) extending circumferentially between the second radial portion (204) and the second circumferential end (112); the thermal insulation device (1) further comprising: - metal sheets stacked successively in a radial direction of the metal frame; the metal sheets being retained within the metal frame (10) by the support and the flange.

Description

Thermal insulation device

[0001] The invention relates to the field of thermal insulation and in particular to the thermal insulation of enclosures or of heat transport or production systems.

[0002] Without being limited to this, the invention finds particular application in industrial processes implemented in the nuclear industry. Technological background

[0003] Thermal insulation of a physical system consists of reducing the exchanges or heat transfers between the inside and outside of that physical system.

[0004] For example, the physical system could be an enclosed space, piping, equipment, or devices.

[0005] Three types of heat transfer or exchange can be distinguished:

[0006] - conduction, due to the progressive diffusion of thermal agitation in matter;

[0007] - convection, heat transfer which accompanies macroscopic movements of matter;

[0008] - radiation, which corresponds to the propagation of photons.

[0009] Generally, the three types of transfers coexist, however, depending on the thermodynamic conditions of the system, the respective proportions of the three types of transfers may vary.

[0010] In order to reduce heat exchange between the inside and outside of the physical system, it is common to equip the physical system to be insulated with one or more thermal insulation devices designed according to the desired reduction in heat exchange, the type(s) of heat transfer to be limited as a priority, the geometry of the system to be insulated and other constraints specific to the system to be insulated or its environment.

[0011] In terms of thermal insulation of pipes or conduits, it is known to assemble two thermal insulation devices around the pipe to be thermally insulated.

[0012] As an example, KR101613504 B1 describes a thermal insulation device for piping installed on the outer circumference of various piping systems installed in a nuclear power plant or similar facility. The thermal insulation device comprises two circumferential jackets assembled together by clamping mechanisms. Each circumferential jacket is formed by an outer circumferential wall and an inner circumferential wall fixed to each other by two transverse and two longitudinal walls. Within each jacket, a plurality of insulation plates are stacked at intervals spaced along a radial direction of the jacket.

[0013] However, such a solution is not entirely satisfactory.

[0014] Indeed, once the stacking of the insulation panels within the circumferential envelope is complete, it is difficult to fix the inner circumferential wall to the rest of the envelope since the insulation panels fill all the internal space.

[0015] The invention aims, in particular, to resolve this drawback.

[0016] One key idea of ​​the invention is to reserve an area of ​​the outer circumferential wall for attaching a support for the insulation panels of the thermal insulation system within the thermal insulation system itself. This ensures that the stacked insulation panels do not interfere with attaching the support to the circumferential wall.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a thermal insulation device comprising:

[0018] - a generally cylindrical metal frame extending along a longitudinal axis of the thermal insulation device; the metal frame comprising:

[0019] - an external wall extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis between a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end;

[0020] - at least one flange positioned at at least one longitudinal end of the outer wall and fixed along an internal surface of the outer wall, and

[0021] - at least one support extending in a transverse direction of the thermal insulation device;

[0022] the support comprising, successively in the transverse direction, a first fixing tab, a first radial portion, a circumferential wall extending around the longitudinal axis, a second radial portion and a second fixing tab;

[0023] the circumferential wall having the same convexity as the external wall;

[0024] the first fixing tab being attached to an internal surface of the outer wall so as to connect the first radial portion to the first circumferential end of the outer wall,

[0025] the second fixing tab being fixed to the internal surface of the external wall so as to connect the second radial portion at a distance from the second circumferential end of the external wall, the external wall forming a cover strip extending circumferentially between the second radial portion and the second circumferential end;

[0026] the thermal insulation system including, in addition:

[0027] - metal sheets stacked successively in a radial direction of the metal reinforcement;

[0028] the metal sheets being held within the metal frame by at least one support and at least one flange.

[0029] Thanks to these characteristics, the thermal insulation device makes it possible to limit the three different types of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation).

[0030] Furthermore, the support and flange hold the metal sheets within the frame. Thus, unlike known thermal insulation devices, such a device does not include a closed enclosure inside which the insulating material – in this case, the metal sheets – is placed.

[0031] The thermal insulation system is therefore lighter and requires less material for the same thermal insulation performance.

[0032] In addition, the cover strip facilitates the attachment of the support to the frame.

[0033] Indeed, when the metal sheets are stacked within the frame and covered by the support, the overlap area is a free area because no metal sheet touches the frame at that point.

[0034] Thus, it is easy to fix the second fixing bracket to the frame at this point, i.e. in the cover strip.

[0035] Finally, a first and second thermal insulation device can be assembled together around a section of pipe to be insulated. The overlapping strip facilitates this assembly. Specifically, the overlapping strip of the first insulation device covers the outer wall of the second insulation device along its first circumferential end. Similarly, the overlapping strip of the second insulation device covers the outer wall of the first insulation device along its first circumferential end. The overlapping strips serve as a guide for assembling the thermal insulation devices together.

[0036] The general cylindrical shape of the reinforcement can be a straight cylinder. In this case, a cross-section of the reinforcement is an arc of a circle. However, a cross-section of the reinforcement can also be an ellipse.

[0037] The device may include a plurality of supports. These supports may be periodically distributed along the frame.

[0038] Furthermore, the bracket is ideally flexible at the connection between the first fixing bracket and the first radial section. Similarly, the bracket is ideally flexible at the connection between the second fixing bracket 205 and the second radial section. This facilitates handling of the brackets, particularly when only one fixing bracket is attached to the frame.

[0039] According to some embodiments, such a device may include one or more of the following characteristics.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the outer wall extends circumferentially along an angular sector greater than 180°.

[0041] In one embodiment, a larger dimension of the support extends along the transverse direction of the thermal insulation device. A width of the support then extends in the longitudinal direction of the thermal insulation device.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first fixing lug and the second fixing lug extend away from the radial portions of the support in opposite directions.

[0043] For example, in one embodiment, the first fixing bracket extends circumferentially from the first radial portion along the inner surface of the outer circumferential portion. Thus, the first fixing bracket is attached to the inside of the frame.

[0044] For example, in one embodiment, the second fixing tab extends circumferentially from the second radial portion along the inner surface of the cover strip. Thus, the second fixing tab is attached to the inside of the cover strip.

[0045] Thus, according to one embodiment, the first fixing lug and the second fixing lug extend in two opposite directions along the circumferential direction.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation device comprises an extreme closing metal sheet disposed on at least one flange to close at least one longitudinal end of the reinforcement and / or a longitudinal closing metal sheet disposed along a longitudinal surface extending between the two longitudinal ends of the outer wall along the first radial portion, the circumferential wall and the second radial portion of the support, such that the cover strip protrudes from the longitudinal surface.

[0047] The longitudinal and extremal metal closure sheets help to improve the thermal performance of the thermal insulation device.

[0048] In one embodiment, the metal sheets and / or the closing metal sheets comprise textured metal sheets. The textures help to limit heat transfer by convection within the thermal insulation system.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a said metal sheet with reliefs has a plurality of reliefs of the same height.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first and second radial portions are of length between 30 and 90 mm and / or the first and second fixing lugs are of length between 10 and 30 mm and / or a diameter of the circumferential inner wall is between 10 and 60 mm, for example 13 mm.

[0051] According to another aspect, the invention provides a thermal insulation system having a bent shape with a bend angle α, the system comprising a first thermal insulation device and a second thermal insulation device according to the invention,

[0052] a longitudinal end of the first thermal insulation device being beveled at a first angle α1,

[0053] one longitudinal end of the second thermal insulation device being beveled at a second angle α2,

[0054] the sum of the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 being equal to the elbow angle α,

[0055] with the longitudinal ends of the first thermal insulation device and the second thermal insulation device positioned opposite each other,

[0056] at least one corner cover covering the beveled longitudinal ends on at least a portion of the outer wall of the first thermal insulation device and at least a portion of the outer wall of the second thermal insulation device.

[0057] According to another aspect, the invention provides a thermally insulated piping system, comprising a generally cylindrical portion of piping extending along a longitudinal axis, a first thermal insulation device, and a second thermal insulation device according to the invention.

[0058] the first and second insulation devices extending along the longitudinal axis on either side of the section of pipe,

[0059] the overlapping strip of the first insulation device covering the outer wall of the second insulation device along the first circumferential end of the second insulation device,

[0060] the overlapping strip of the second insulation device covering the outer wall of the first insulation device along the first circumferential end of the first insulation device,

[0061] the first and second insulation devices being fixed to each other around the section of pipe by means of fasteners.

[0062] The section of pipe is thus equipped all along its circumference with an insulation device.

[0063] The fastening methods can be latches or catches or even strapping clips.

[0064] Furthermore, a fastening band can be placed around the first and second thermal insulation devices. Such a band facilitates the assembly of the two devices together.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the thermally insulated piping system further comprises a third thermal insulation device according to the invention;

[0066] the third thermal insulation device extending along the longitudinal axis of the section of pipe,

[0067] with one longitudinal end of the third thermal insulation device and one longitudinal end of the first thermal insulation device positioned opposite each other,

[0068] the thermally insulated section of piping, which also includes a fixing belt,

[0069] the fastening belt being closed around the longitudinal ends.

[0070] The pipeline can therefore be equipped with insulation devices along its entire length.

[0071] The fixing belt allows the first thermal insulation device to be held together with the third thermal insulation device at the junction of the longitudinal ends being positioned opposite each other.

[0072] In another aspect, the invention provides a manufacturing method for producing a thermal insulation device according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0073] - provide a metal frame of generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis of the thermal insulation device;

[0074] the metal framework comprising an external wall extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis between a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end;

[0075] - position at least one flange at at least one longitudinal end of the outer wall and fix at least one flange along an internal surface of the outer wall,

[0076] - provide at least one support extending in a transverse direction of the thermal insulation device; the support comprising, successively according to the transverse direction, a first fixing tab, a first radial portion, a circumferential wall extending around the longitudinal axis, a second radial portion and a second fixing tab;

[0077] - attach the first fixing tab to an internal surface of the outer wall so as to connect the first radial portion to the first circumferential end of the outer wall; then

[0078] - successively stack metal sheets in a radial direction of the metal reinforcement inside the outer wall; then

[0079] - fix the second fixing tab to the inner surface of the outer wall so as to connect the second radial portion at a distance from the second circumferential end of the outer wall, so that the metal sheets are held within the metal frame by at least one support and at least one flange.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first fixing tab is fixed, from the first radial portion and in the circumferential direction, along the inner surface of the outer circumferential portion.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the second fixing tab is fixed, from the second radial portion, in the circumferential direction, along the inner surface of the cover strip.

[0082] The cover strip is a free area: it does not contain any metal sheets. Therefore, it is easy to attach the second fixing bracket even though the metal sheets are stacked within the frame.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first fixing lug and the second fixing lug are fixed so that they extend in two opposite directions along the circumferential direction. Brief description of the figures

[0084] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] This is a view of a thermal insulation device according to a first embodiment.

[0086] This is a view of a support for a thermal insulation device according to this first embodiment.

[0087] This is a view of a metal sheet of a thermal insulation device according to this first embodiment.

[0088] This is a view of a flange of a thermal insulation device according to this first embodiment.

[0089] This is a view of a thermal insulation device, according to a second embodiment, closed at its longitudinal ends and along its longitudinal surface.

[0090] Laest is a cross-sectional view of the thermal insulation device according to the first embodiment in the cross-sectional plane VI of the.

[0091] This is a functional diagram of a manufacturing process for a thermal insulation device according to the first embodiment.

[0092] This is a functional diagram of a manufacturing process for a thermal insulation device according to the second embodiment.

[0093] This is a functional diagram of a manufacturing process for a thermal insulation device according to the third embodiment.

[0094] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of three thermal insulation devices according to a third embodiment.

[0095] This is a functional diagram of a process for assembling several thermal insulation devices together on either side of a pipe and along that pipe.

[0096] This is a cross-sectional view of a thermally insulated piping system comprising a first and a second thermal insulation device assembled together on either side of the circumference of a portion of piping.

[0097] This is a top view of a thermally insulated piping system comprising a first and a third thermal insulation devices assembled together along the longitudinal direction of the portion of piping.

[0098] Top view of a thermal insulation device bent at a bend angle α.

[0099] Implementation method 1

[0100] With reference to figures 1 to 4, a thermal insulation device 1 according to a first embodiment will now be described.

[0101] The thermal insulation device 1 according to this first embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical frame 10 extending along a longitudinal axis L. Thus, the thermal insulation device 1 is itself generally cylindrical extending along a longitudinal axis L. The thermal insulation device 1 is straight, as opposed to a bent thermal insulation device.

[0102] Frame 10

[0103] The frame 10 has a length between 10 cm and 150 cm, for example between 50 cm and 80 cm. The thermal insulation device 1 therefore also has a length between 40 cm and 100 cm, for example between 50 cm and 80 cm.

[0104] The reinforcement comprises a circumferential outer wall 11. The thickness of this circumferential outer wall 11 is between 0.4 and 2 mm. In this embodiment, the reinforcement has a thickness of 0.8 mm.

[0105] The circumference of the outer circumferential wall 11 extends between a first outer circumferential end 111 and a second outer circumferential end 112 and covers an angular sector of approximately 180°.

[0106] In other words, as illustrated in Figure 1, in a cross-sectional plane in a transverse direction T of the thermal insulation device 1, the outer circumferential wall 11 forms a semicircle, or semi-ellipse, whose center lies on the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, in this same cross-sectional plane, a point on the first outer circumferential end 11, the center of the semicircle, and a point on the second outer circumferential end 112 are aligned. A diameter, or largest diameter, of this semicircle is between 70 and 200 mm. In this embodiment, it is 116.7 mm.

[0107] 60mm Cover Strip

[0108] As illustrated in the figure, the reinforcement 10 also includes a cover strip 60 located at the second circumferential end 112 of the circumferential outer wall 11.

[0109] The reinforcement 10 includes only one cover strip 60.

[0110] The cover strip 60 extends along the entire length of the thermal insulation device 1, i.e. along the second circumferential end 112 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0111] Alternatively, it is possible that the cover strip 60 extends only over a portion of the length of the thermal insulation device 1. It is also possible that the cover strip 60 comprises two distinct portions, separated from each other, each extending over a portion of the length of the thermal insulation device 1.

[0112] As illustrated in the figure, the cover strip 60 protrudes from the outer circumferential wall 11 in the transverse direction T. In other words, the cover strip 60 extends beyond the outer circumferential wall 11 in the transverse direction T. As illustrated in the figure, the cover strip 60 extends tangentially to the outer circumferential wall 11 from the second circumferential end 112.

[0113] Alternatively, the cover strip 60 protrudes from the circumferential outer wall 11 in the circumferential direction.

[0114] The cover strip has a height of between 10 and 30 mm, for example 20 mm.

[0115] Support 20

[0116] The frame 10 also includes at least one support 20. This support 20 allows the metal sheets to be retained within the frame 10 when the thermal insulation device is oriented with the metal sheets facing the ground.

[0117] For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the frame 10 also includes a plurality of supports 20. The supports 20 retain or support a plurality of stacked metal sheets within the thermal insulation device 1 in the internal space formed by the circumferential outer wall 11 of the frame.

[0118] The support 20 has a thickness between 0.5 and 2 mm. In this embodiment, the support has a thickness of 0.8 mm.

[0119] As illustrated in the figure, the support 20 includes a first fixing tab 201, a first radial portion 202, a circumferential inner wall 203, a second radial portion 204 and a second fixing tab 205.

[0120] The first and second portions 202 and 204 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the support 20 and connected to each other by the circumferential inner wall 203.

[0121] The circumferential inner wall 203 extends between a first internal circumferential end 2031 and a second internal circumferential end 2032.

[0122] At one end of the support 20, the first fixing tab 201 extends perpendicularly to the first radial portion 202. At another end of the support 20, the second fixing tab 205 extends perpendicularly to the second radial portion 204 in a direction opposite to the first fixing tab 201.

[0123] The support 20 is flexible at the connection between the first fixing lug 201 and the first radial portion 202. Similarly, the support 20 is flexible at the connection between the second fixing lug 205 and the second radial portion 204.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first and second radial portions 202 and 204 have a length of 50 mm; the first and second fixing tabs 201 and 205 have a length of 20 mm and a circumferential inner wall diameter of 16.7 mm.

[0125] The supports 20 extend within the thermal insulation device 1 along the transverse direction T. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, each support 20 extends between the first external circumferential end 111 and a second external circumferential end 112.

[0126] Within the thermal insulation device 1, the supports 20 are fixed through the transverse direction T. For each support 20, the first fixing tab 201 is fixed at the first external circumferential end 111 to an internal wall of the reinforcement 10 and the second fixing tab 205 is fixed to an internal wall of the cover strip 60.

[0127] Because the second fixing lug 205 extends perpendicularly to the second radial portion 204 in a direction opposite to the first fixing lug 201, each support 20 extends substantially in a longitudinal cutting plane of the device comprising the first and second circumferential ends 111 and 112.

[0128] In other words, in the cross-section plane in the transverse direction T of the thermal insulation device 1, i.e. the cross-section plane VI illustrated in the figure, the first and second radial portions 202 and 204 of each support 20 extend along the diameter of the semicircle formed by the circumferential outer wall 11 of the reinforcement.

[0129] The circumferential inner wall 203 deviates from this longitudinal section plane due to its convexity being similar to that of the circumferential outer wall 11 of the reinforcement 10.

[0130] As illustrated in the figure, the supports 20 are positioned and fixed along the frame 10 at regular intervals. For example, the distance between two supports 20 along the frame 10 is between 100 mm and 300 mm. For example, this distance is 50 cm as illustrated in the figure.

[0131] Metal sheets

[0132] The insulation device 10 comprises a plurality of metal sheets stacked successively in a radial direction of the metal reinforcement.

[0133] The metal sheets have a thickness less than the reinforcement 10 and the supports 20. For example, the thickness of the metal sheets is between 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm.

[0134] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the metal sheets are stacked one on top of the other within the frame 10 between the inside of the circumferential outer wall 11 and the supports 20.

[0135] Moreover, they are flexible enough to exhibit the same convexity as the circumferential outer wall 11 when stacked within the frame 10 ().

[0136] The metal sheets are of identical length. On the other hand, in the radial direction of the wall from the outer circumferential wall 11 to the inner circumferential wall 203, the metal sheets are of decreasing width.

[0137] In one embodiment, the metal sheets may include embossed metal sheets 31.

[0138] An example of a metal foil with raised features 31 is illustrated in Figure 3. It comprises a plurality of raised features 311. In this embodiment, the raised features 311 are all of the same height. The height of the raised features 311 is between 3 and 10 mm, for example, 8 mm.

[0139] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the device comprises only embossed metal sheets 31. However, it is possible to stack the metal sheets by alternating a flat metal sheet and a metal sheet 31 in the radial direction of the thermal insulation device 1.

[0140] However, it is possible that the reliefs 311 of the same metal sheet with relief 31 are of different heights.

[0141] According to an unrepresented variant, the embossed metal sheet 31 positioned at the bottom of the frame 10, i.e. the sheet with the largest circumference, is welded inside the frame 10. For example, this embossed metal sheet 31 is welded by localized spot welds.

[0142] Then, the other embossed metal sheets 31 are stacked one on top of the other within the frame 10 and are welded together by localized spot welds.

[0143] Flask 50

[0144] Finally, the thermal insulation device 1 is closed at a straight longitudinal end of the metal frame by a flange 50 positioned at this longitudinal end and fixed along the internal surface of the circumferential external portion 11.

[0145] As illustrated in the figure, the flange 50 is openwork. In addition, the flange 50 has a loop 51 into which the circumferential inner portion 203 of a support 20 located at this longitudinal end is inserted.

[0146] Flask 50 can be full and have no openings.

[0147] Latches

[0148] According to one embodiment, the frame 10 further includes latches or catches intended to cooperate with latches or catches of another thermal insulation device.

[0149] The 80 latches or 80 latches allow two thermal insulation devices to be assembled together.

[0150] The latches are located along the circumferential ends 111 and 112, for example at regular intervals and / or at the longitudinal ends of the frame 10.

[0151] They can also be positioned along the circumference of the reinforcement 10 at one longitudinal end. In particular, it is possible to position them at a constant angular interval along the circumference of the reinforcement 10.

[0152] For example, with reference to the, a first insulation device 10a and a second insulation device 10b are assembled to each other around a pipe 100 (or a conduit 100) by means of latches 80. The latches 80 then form a means of attaching the first insulation device 10a with the second insulation device 10b.

[0153] It is possible to use other means of fastening in an alternative or cumulative manner: a cleat clamp or strap clamp can be used.

[0154] Implementation method 2

[0155] With reference to the, a thermal insulation device 1 according to a second embodiment will now be described.

[0156] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that it further comprises metal closing sheets 70.

[0157] Thus, it comprises the same elements – the same reinforcement 10, the same cover strip 60, the same supports 20, the same embossed metal sheets 61 and the same flange 50 – as the thermal insulation device according to the first embodiment. These elements are concealed by the closing metal sheets 70.

[0158] At least one longitudinal metal closure sheet 702 closes the thermal insulation device along its length.

[0159] This longitudinal closing metal sheet 702 covers a longitudinal surface extending between the first external circumferential end 111 and the second external circumferential end 112. Thus, only the cover strip 60 is not covered by the longitudinal closing metal sheet 702.

[0160] At least one metal end-closing sheet 701 closes the device at at least one longitudinal end. This metal end-closing sheet 701 covers the flange 50 positioned at that same longitudinal end.

[0161] The 70 mm metal sealing sheets improve the thermal performance of the thermal insulation system. They allow for better thermal insulation.

[0162] Implementation method 3

[0163] With reference to the, a thermal insulation device 1 according to a third embodiment will now be described.

[0164] The third embodiment differs from the thermal device 1 according to the first embodiment only in that it has at least one beveled longitudinal end 12.

[0165] In this third embodiment, the flange 50 is positioned and fixed only at the right longitudinal end of the frame 10.

[0166] A thermal insulation device 1 according to the third embodiment can be obtained from a thermal insulation device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0167] For example, at the, a thermal insulation device 1 according to the first embodiment can be divided into three separate thermal insulation devices 90, 91, 92.

[0168] For example, with reference to the, the thermal insulation device 91 has two beveled longitudinal ends 911 and 912 having an angle α1 and α2.

[0169] The angles α1 and α2 correspond to the angle between the longitudinal direction and the tangential direction of the beveled longitudinal end.

[0170] Thus, the thermal insulation device 90 corresponds to a thermal insulation device according to the first embodiment in which a longitudinal end 12 is beveled at an angle α1.

[0171] Similarly, the thermal insulation device 91 corresponds to a thermal insulation device according to the first embodiment in which a longitudinal end 12 is beveled at an angle α2.

[0172] As illustrated in the figure, the thermal insulation devices 91 and 92 can form a thermal insulation device angled at an angle of α. The angle of α is equal to the sum of the angles α1 and α2.

[0173] Face 911 of thermal insulation device 91 is placed opposite face 912 of thermal insulation device 92.

[0174] At the beveled longitudinal ends, latches 80 or catches 80 are positioned along the circumference of the frame 10 of the thermal insulation devices 91 and 92 and allow the two thermal insulation devices 91 and 92 to be assembled together as described previously.

[0175] Furthermore, to ensure the connection between the two thermal devices 91 and 92, a cover covers the beveled longitudinal ends of the thermal insulation devices 91 and 92 so that at least a portion of the outer wall of the thermal insulation device 91 and at least a portion of the outer wall of the second thermal insulation device 92 are covered by the cover.

[0176] Similarly, in a manner analogous to the first embodiment, according to a variant not shown, the metal sheet with reliefs 31 positioned at the bottom of the frame 10, i.e. the sheet with the largest circumference, is welded inside the frame 10. For example, this metal sheet with reliefs 31 is welded by localized spot welds.

[0177] Then, the other embossed metal sheets 31 are stacked one on top of the other within the frame 10 and are welded together by localized spot welds.

[0178] Thermally insulated pipe

[0179] Thanks to the insulation device 1, it is possible to thermally insulate a pipe 100 or at least a section of a generally cylindrical pipe 100 simply and effectively. This results in a thermally insulated section of pipe.

[0180] To do this, a portion of a generally cylindrical pipe extending along a longitudinal axis is equipped with a first thermal insulation device 1a and a second thermal insulation device 1b as illustrated in the.

[0181] The first and second thermal insulation devices 1a and 1b are placed on either side of the section of pipe 100 to be insulated. Then, the first and second thermal insulation devices 1a and 1b are joined together.

[0182] The cover strip 60a of the first insulation device 1a covers the outer wall 11b of the second insulation device 1b along the first circumferential end 111b of the second insulation device 1b. Similarly, the cover strip 60b of the second insulation device 1b covers the outer wall 11a of the first insulation device 1a along the first circumferential end 111a of the first insulation device 1a.

[0183] This is made possible because the thermal insulation devices 1a and 1b are symmetrical.

[0184] Finally, the first and second insulation devices 1a and 1b are fixed to each other around the portion of pipe by fastening means, for example latches 80 or strapping or screed clamps.

[0185] For example, as illustrated in the figure, latches 80 are positioned along the first and second thermal insulation devices 1a and 1b. For example, latches 80 are positioned along the circumferential ends 111 and 112.

[0186] It is possible to assemble a plurality of pairs of thermal insulation devices along the pipe to be thermally insulated as illustrated in the.

[0187] At the, the insulated portion of pipe 100 is illustrated in dotted lines because it is covered by the thermal insulation devices 1a and 1c.

[0188] To do this, a third thermal insulation device 1c extends around a portion of the pipe to be insulated adjoining the first and second thermal insulation devices 1a and 1b along the pipe.

[0189] Thus, a longitudinal end 12c of the third thermal insulation device 1c and a longitudinal end 12a of the first thermal insulation device 1a are positioned opposite each other along the pipe to be thermally insulated.

[0190] To keep the first thermal insulation device 1a assembled with the third thermal insulation device 1c, a fixing belt 90 is closed around the longitudinal ends 12a and 12c.

[0191] Manufacturing processes

[0192] Manufacturing method no. 1

[0193] With reference to the, a manufacturing process 100 of a thermal insulation device 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described.

[0194] First, in steps 101 and 102, a previously described reinforcement 10 of determined length and width is provided, and at least one previously described support 20 of width substantially identical to the width of the reinforcement 10.

[0195] The length and width of the thermal insulation device 1 are thus determined by the dimensions of the supplied frame 10.

[0196] First, in step 103, at least one support 20 is partially fixed to the frame 10: the first fixing tab 201 is fixed to an internal surface of the external circumferential portion so that along the circumferential end 111 the internal circumferential wall 203 has the same convexity as the external circumferential wall 11.

[0197] In this embodiment, at step 103, a plurality of supports 20 are fixed identically to the frame 10. At step 103, the supports 20 are positioned and the first fixing brackets 201 are fixed along the frame 10 at regular intervals. For example, the distance between two supports 20 along the frame 10 is between 20 and 50 mm. For example, this distance is 50 cm as illustrated in the figure.

[0198] This fixing is achieved by any suitable means, for example by welding.

[0199] Thus, the first fixing bracket 201 holds the support 20 within the frame 10. The second fixing bracket 205 is left free along the cover strip 60.

[0200] Then, at step 104, due to the flexibility of the support 20 at the connection between the first fixing tab 201 and the first radial portion 202, it is possible to lift the support 20 held to the internal surface of the external circumferential portion along the circumferential end 111 to insert a first metal sheet into the frame 10.

[0201] Then, successively, a plurality of metal sheets of decreasing width are inserted and stacked one on top of the other in a radial direction of the reinforcement 10.

[0202] Due to their decreasing width, each metal sheet is flush with the support 20 once positioned within the frame 10. In other words, the metal sheets are stacked from the bottom of the frame 10 up to the supports 20. They do not exceed the support 20, so the cover strip 60 is left free.

[0203] The metal sheets are oriented within the frame 10 according to the convexity of the circumferential outer wall 11. Thus, once stacked, they have a curvature of the same convexity as the circumferential outer wall 11.

[0204] The metal sheets are stacked at regular intervals along the radial direction of the reinforcement 10 between the outer circumferential wall 11 and the inner circumferential wall 203. The number of metal sheets stacked depends on the length of the interval and the width of the reinforcement 10 (i.e. the diameter of the reinforcement 10).

[0205] In this embodiment, all the metal sheets inserted and stacked one on top of the other are embossed metal sheets 31. However, it is also possible to insert a flat metal sheet between each embossed metal sheet 31. Each flat metal sheet then acts as a support metal sheet for the embossed metal sheet 31 positioned above it in the radial direction of the reinforcement 10 from the outer circumferential wall 11 towards the inner circumferential wall 203.

[0206] In a variant, it is also possible to weld the embossed metal sheets 31 to the frame and then to each other by means of weld points located on the embossed metal sheets 31.

[0207] The weld points improve the retention of the embossed metal sheets 31 within the frame 10 and the positioning of the embossed metal sheets 31 relative to each other.

[0208] Next, in step 105, at least one support 20 is fully fixed to the frame 10 by attaching the second fixing tab 205 to the cover strip 60. Similarly, all supports 20 are fully fixed to the frame 10 in the same way.

[0209] The second fixing lug 205 protrudes from the second radial portion 204 along the cover strip 60. However, the cover strip 60 is free, i.e. no metal sheet is positioned opposite the cover strip 60. Thus, the second fixing lug 205 is fixed to the cover strip 60 in a manner analogous to the first fixing lug 201 on the inside – still free – of the reinforcement 10 by any suitable means, for example by welding.

[0210] The 60 cover strip greatly facilitates the fixing of the 20 supports because it is free and therefore not positioned opposite the metal sheets.

[0211] At any time after steps 101 and 102, step 106 is carried out. In this step, a flange 50 is positioned and fixed to a straight longitudinal end of the reinforcement 10. In one embodiment, a flange 50 is positioned and fixed to each longitudinal end of the reinforcement 10.

[0212] Manufacturing method no. 2

[0213] With reference to the, a manufacturing process 1000 of a thermal insulation device 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described.

[0214] Steps 1001 to 1006 of manufacturing process 1000 are identical to steps 101 to 106.

[0215] The manufacturing process 1000 includes an additional step 1007 in which metal closure sheets 70 are attached to the frame 10 in order to close the thermal insulation device 10.

[0216] During this step, at least one longitudinal closing metal sheet 702 is positioned and fixed so that it covers a longitudinal surface extending between the first external circumferential end 111 and the second external circumferential end 112. Similarly, during this step, an extremal closing metal sheet 701 is positioned and fixed along the circumference of the reinforcement 10 at each of the longitudinal ends of the reinforcement 10.

[0217] The fixing is carried out by any suitable means. For example, by welding.

[0218] Thus, only the cover strip 60 is not covered by a metal closing sheet at the end of this step 1007.

[0219] Manufacturing method no. 3

[0220] With reference to the, a manufacturing process 300 of a thermal insulation device 1 according to the third embodiment will now be described.

[0221] Steps 301 to 305 are identical to manufacturing process 100. Step 306 is optional and, if so, identical to step 106.

[0222] Similarly, as a variant, it is also possible to weld the embossed metal sheets 31 to the frame and then to each other by means of weld points located on the embossed metal sheets 31.

[0223] This improves the retention of the embossed metal sheets 31 within the frame 10 and the positioning of the embossed metal sheets 31 relative to each other.

[0224] At step 307, at least one longitudinal end of the reinforcement 10 is beveled at an angle α between 30° and 60°. For example, the angle α is 45°.

[0225] The bevel can be made by any suitable means. For example, in step 307, the right-hand reinforcement 10 is cut either with a circular saw or with a band saw.

[0226] Assembly processes

[0227] We will now describe a method for assembling 400 two thermal insulation devices according to one of the three embodiments presented previously.

[0228] Two thermal insulation devices 1 according to any embodiment of the can be assembled together according to the assembly method 400.

[0229] To assemble a first and a second thermal insulation device 1 according to the first embodiment around a pipe or conduit to be insulated, in step 401, the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are positioned on either side of the pipe.

[0230] Since the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are identical, the cover strip 60 of the first thermal insulation device 1 covers the circumferential end 111 of the second thermal insulation device 1 and vice versa.

[0231] The overlapping strips 60 of the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe to be insulated. They allow the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 to be fitted together in a guided manner. This facilitates and improves the positioning of the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 relative to each other.

[0232] Furthermore, since the first and second thermal insulation devices are assembled, mounting and assembly is facilitated because the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 have symmetrical and interchangeable roles.

[0233] Then, once the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are fitted together, in step 402, the latches positioned on the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 opposite each other along the frame 10 at the circumferential ends 111 and 112 are closed together. Thus, the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are closed around the pipe to be insulated.

[0234] Steps 401 and 402 can be repeated along the entire length of a pipe.

[0235] In step 403, the first and second thermal insulation devices 1 are assembled, in the longitudinal direction of the pipe (i.e., the thermal insulation devices 1), with a third and fourth thermal insulation device 1 assembled together according to steps 401 and 402.

[0236] At this step 404, a band is placed around the pairs of longitudinal ends 12 opposite each other along the pipe, at the junction between the two longitudinal ends 12, and then closed or tightened around the junction; for example with a band clamp.

[0237] Optionally, at step 403, it is possible to close together the latches positioned on the two pairs of thermal insulation devices 1 along the two opposite reinforcement circumferences 10 in order to improve the fixing of the two pairs of thermal insulation devices 1.

[0238] Thus, the thermal insulation devices 1 are assembled together on either side of the pipe to be insulated and along the pipe to be insulated without any welding operation.

[0239] To assemble a first and second thermal insulation device 1 according to the third embodiment around a bent pipe or bent conduit to be insulated, the same steps 401 to 404 are carried out with bent bands.

[0240] The angle or angles of the beveled longitudinal ends allow for the insulation of pipes bent at 90° (with bevel angles of 45°). However, the assembly of a plurality of thermal insulation devices 1 allows for the insulation of a pipe bent at an angle between 30 and 90° and / or between 90° and 180°.

[0241] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0242] The use of the verb "comporter", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

[0243] In claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Thermal insulation device (1) comprising: a generally cylindrical metal frame (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the thermal insulation device; the metal frame (10) comprising: - an outer wall (11) extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (L) between a first circumferential end (111) and a second circumferential end (112); - at least one flange (50) positioned at at least one longitudinal end of the outer wall and fixed along an internal surface of the outer wall; and - at least one support (20) extending in a transverse direction (T) of the thermal insulation device (1); the support comprising, successively along the transverse direction, a first fixing tab (201), a first radial portion (202), a circumferential wall (203) extending around the longitudinal axis (L), a second radial portion (204), and a second tab fixing (205);the circumferential wall having the same convexity as the external wall; the first fixing lug (201) being fixed to an internal surface of the external wall (11) so as to connect the first radial portion (202) to the first circumferential end (111) of the external wall, the second fixing lug (205) being fixed to the internal surface of the external wall so as to connect the second radial portion (204) at a distance from the second circumferential end (112) of the external wall, the external wall forming a cover strip (60) extending circumferentially between the second radial portion (204) and the second circumferential end (112); the thermal insulation device (1) further comprising metal sheets stacked successively in a radial direction of the metal reinforcement; the metal sheets being retained within the metal reinforcement (10) by at least one support and at least one flange. Thermal insulation device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the external wall (11) extends circumferentially along an angular sector greater than 180°. Thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which a larger dimension of the support extends along the transverse direction (T) of the thermal insulation device. Thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing tab (201) and the second fixing tab (205) extend in two opposite directions along the circumferential direction, wherein the first fixing tab (201) extends along the circumferential direction, from the first radial portion, along the inner surface of the outer circumferential portion and wherein the second fixing tab (205) extends along the circumferential direction, from the second radial portion, along the inner surface of the cover strip. Thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the thermal insulation device (1) comprising an end-closing metal sheet disposed on at least one flange to close at least one longitudinal end of the reinforcement and / or a longitudinal closing metal sheet disposed along a longitudinal surface extending between the two longitudinal ends of the outer wall along the first radial portion (202), the circumferential wall (203) and the second radial portion (204) of the support, such that the cover strip protrudes from the longitudinal surface. Thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal sheets and / or closing metal sheets comprise embossed metal sheets (31). Thermal insulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said embossed metal sheet has a plurality of embossments (311) of the same height. Thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second radial portions are of length between 30 and 60 mm and / or the first and second fixing tabs are of length between 10 and 30 mm and / or a diameter of the circumferential inner wall is between 10 and 20 mm. Thermal insulation system (1) having a bent shape with a bend angle α, the system comprising a first thermal insulation device (91) and a second thermal insulation device (92) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a longitudinal end (12a) of the first thermal insulation device (91) being beveled with a first angle α1, a longitudinal end (12b) of the second thermal insulation device (92) being beveled with a second angle α2, the sum of the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 being equal to the bend angle α, the longitudinal ends of the first thermal insulation device and the second thermal insulation device being positioned opposite each other, at least one corner cover covering the longitudinal ends (12a;12b) beveled on at least a portion of the external wall of the first thermal insulation device (1a) and at least a portion of the external wall of the second thermal insulation device (1b).; Thermally insulated piping system (100), comprising a portion of piping of generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis (L), a first thermal insulation device (1a) and a second thermal insulation device (1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the first and second insulation devices (1a;1b) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) on either side of the pipe section, the cover strip (60a) of the first insulation device (1a) covering the outer wall (11b) of the second insulation device (1b) along the first circumferential end (111b) of the second insulation device (1b), the cover strip (60b) of the second insulation device (1b) covering the outer wall (11a) of the first insulation device (1a) along the first circumferential end (111a) of the first insulation device (1a), the first and second insulation devices (1a; 1b) being fixed to each other around the pipe section by fastening means (80).; Thermally insulated piping system according to the preceding claim, the thermally insulated piping portion further comprising a third thermal insulation device (1c) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the third thermal insulation device (1c) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) of the piping portion, a longitudinal end (12c) of the third thermal insulation device (1c) and a longitudinal end (12a) of the first thermal insulation device (1a) being positioned opposite each other, the thermally insulated piping portion further comprising a fixing belt (90), the fixing belt being closed around the longitudinal ends (12a; 12c). A manufacturing method for manufacturing a thermal insulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - providing (101) a metal frame (10) of generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the thermal insulation device; the metal frame (10) comprising an outer wall (11) extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (L) between a first circumferential end (111) and a second circumferential end (112); - positioning (106) at least one flange (50) at at least one longitudinal end of the outer wall and fixing the at least one flange (50) along an internal surface of the outer wall, - providing (102) at least one support (20) extending in a transverse direction (T) of the thermal insulation device (1);the support comprising, successively in the transverse direction, a first fixing lug (201), a first radial portion (202), a circumferential wall (203) extending around the longitudinal axis (L), a second radial portion (204) and a second fixing lug (205); - fix (103) the first fixing lug (201) to an internal surface of the external wall so as to connect the first radial portion (202) to the first circumferential end (111) of the external wall; then - stack (104) successively metal sheets in a radial direction of the metal reinforcement inside the external wall;then- fix (105) the second fixing lug (205) to the inner surface of the outer wall so as to connect the second radial portion (204) at a distance from the second circumferential end (112) of the outer wall, so that the metal sheets are retained within the metal frame (10) by at least one support and at least one flange (50).; Method of manufacturing a thermal insulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second fixing tab (205) is fixed, from the second radial portion, in the circumferential direction, along the internal surface of the cover strip.

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