Cold-insulated Pipe Support with Segmented Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold-insulated pipe supports for low-temperature pipelines face damage under extreme temperature-induced expansion conditions due to excessive loading of the heat insulating layer, leading to relative movement between the support shells and the vapor barrier, which can result in a torn vapor barrier and failure to transmit necessary forces.
Innovation Solution
The support shells are configured to be shorter at both ends, with free support portions that include contact elements fixed by radially screwed-in headed screws anchored through the protective casing and vapor barrier into the solid heat insulating layer, reducing the load on the heat insulating layer and maintaining a hermetically closed vapor barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat insulating layer is used to transmit forces from the pipeline to the support shells, then the pipe support can function under temperature-induced expansion, but the heat insulating layer becomes heavily loaded and may cause relative movement between the support shells and vapor barrier, leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into distinct functional segments: support shells for force transmission, a reduced heat insulating layer for thermal insulation, and a separate vapor barrier layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without being overloaded, preventing the heat insulating layer from bearing excessive mechanical loads that would compromise its integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor barrier serves as an intermediary element between the heat insulating layer and the support shells, providing a dedicated interface for force transmission and structural support. This intermediary structure protects the heat insulating layer from direct mechanical loading while maintaining the necessary force transmission path from the pipeline to the support shells.
2Force
If high contact pressing forces are applied to transmit necessary forces through friction, then force transmission is improved, but the screw means require very high forces that are insufficient under extreme temperature expansion conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The design replaces the friction-based mechanical force transmission system with a direct structural support system. Instead of relying on friction between the heat insulating layer and support shells, the vapor barrier and support shell structure provide direct mechanical support paths that can transmit forces reliably under extreme temperature expansion conditions without depending on friction coefficients or contact pressures.
3Force
If the heat insulating layer is heavily loaded to transmit forces, then force transmission is achieved, but relative movement occurs between the support shells and heat insulating layer, causing the vapor barrier to tear
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor barrier acts as a protective intermediary layer that prevents direct contact and relative movement between the support shells and the heat insulating layer. This intermediary structure absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing the tearing of the vapor barrier while maintaining effective force transmission from the pipeline through the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor barrier is installed as a protective cushioning layer before the support shells are assembled around the pipeline. This pre-installed protective layer cushions against potential relative movements and stress concentrations, preventing damage to both the vapor barrier and heat insulating layer under extreme temperature expansion conditions.
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
This configuration minimizes relative movement between the support shells and the heat insulating layer, ensuring the vapor barrier remains intact and the pipe support functions effectively even under extreme conditions, with enhanced stability and secure anchoring of screws within the insulating layer.
Implementation Method 1
the contact elements are fixed by means of radially screwed-in headed screws which are anchored through the protective casing and the vapor barrier in the solid heat insulating layer
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulating layer of solid insulating material, that surrounds the receiving space
Implementation Method 3
under extreme conditions, in particular when very great temperature expansion effects are involved
Data Source
AI summary
A cold-insulated pipe support for a pipeline comprising a receiving space for a pipe portion, a heat insulating layer of solid insulating material, that surrounds the receiving space, an outer protective casing, a vapor barrier arranged between the heat insulating layer and the outer protective casing, two part-circular support shells The support shells are of a shorter configuration at both support ends in the axial direction than the other support portions, wherein there remains a free support portion. Provided in the region of the free support portions at the two ends are contact elements which bear directly against the ends of the support shells. The contact elements are fixed by means of radially screwed-in headed screws which are anchored through the protective casing and the vapor barrier in the solid heat insulating layer.