Cellular Glass Sealant Interface for Corrosion Under Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insulation systems for pipes and vessels face issues with corrosion under insulation (CUI) due to moisture infiltration between the insulation and metal surfaces, particularly in temperature ranges where liquid water is trapped, leading to thermal breaks and degradation of insulating properties.

Innovation Solution

A cellular glass insulation system utilizing a low viscosity sealant applied at the interface between the pipe or vessel and the insulation, which is compressed to create a tighter seal, preventing water and moisture migration, and ensuring a strong mechanical bond to inhibit corrosion and maintain thermal conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional higher viscosity sealants are used, then the sealant provides initial sealing, but the sealant does not compress properly to eliminate space between pipe and insulation, allowing water infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the sealant from conventional higher viscosity to lower viscosity (e.g., 100-500 cP range). This parameter change enables the sealant to be properly compressed during installation to eliminate gaps between the pipe and insulation, while still providing effective sealing to prevent water infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If higher viscosity sealants are used, then the sealant maintains its position, but the sealant does not create sufficient surface area coverage, reducing sealing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture barrier effectivenessVSAvoidsealant surface area coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a parameter change to the viscosity of the sealant material, reducing it to enable better compression and surface area coverage. The lower viscosity allows the sealant to spread more effectively during compression, creating greater surface area contact between the pipe and insulation without sacrificing sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by stationary object

If conventional sealants are used, then the insulation system provides thermal insulation, but moisture migration occurs at the insulation-pipe interface causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidcorrosion under insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lower viscosity sealant as an intermediary material at the interface between the pipe and insulation. This intermediary provides both thermal insulation continuity and effective moisture barrier properties, preventing corrosion while maintaining thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the sealant to enable proper compression and elimination of gaps. This parameter change ensures that the sealant creates an effective moisture barrier while maintaining thermal insulation performance by eliminating thermal bridges caused by gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the sealant is applied at the interface, then the sealant prevents moisture ingress, but the sealant must be low viscosity to be forced into the pipe bore interface effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface sealingVSAvoidsealant viscosity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a parameter change to reduce the viscosity of the sealant, enabling it to be forced into the pipe bore interface during installation. This lower viscosity allows the sealant to penetrate and seal the interface effectively, creating a reliable moisture barrier where conventional higher viscosity sealants would fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The low viscosity sealant effectively seals the interface between the pipe and insulation, preventing moisture ingress and corrosion, while maintaining consistent thermal conductivity, even in high moisture environments, thus addressing the issue of corrosion under insulation and enhancing the durability of the insulation system.

Implementation Method 1

the sealant is compressed in a fashion to efficiently reduce or eliminate the space between the pipe or vessel and the insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the lower viscosity sealant is forced into the pipe bore interface, creating additional sealing between the pipe and the cellular glass insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

cellular glass insulation segments... maintaining its shape under strenuous conditions... closed-cell makeup, making it impermeable to vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

maintain thermal conductivity, even in high moisture environments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20220275901A1Low viscosity sealant to prevent corrosion under insulation

Publication Date: 2022.09.01 OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL LLC

AI summary

A cellular glass system for an outer surface of a pipe or vessel. The insulation system has an outer surface and an inner surface and comprised of segments of cellular glass. A sealant is provided at the interface between the individual cellular glass segments and is configured to limit water intrusion and prevent corrosion.