Insulating Jacket for Marine Arm Heat Trace Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for maintaining temperature-sensitive viscous products like asphalt during transportation by barge face issues with damage to heat trace wiring at swivel and elbow joints due to friction and the need for frequent maintenance, which interferes with insulation integrity.
Innovation Solution
A removable insulation blanket with internal loops and grommets is designed to support and protect heat trace wiring, allowing for flexibility and easy maintenance, using silicone impregnated fiberglass insulation and Velcro fasteners to secure the wiring and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat trace wiring is directly applied to joints and elbows of marine arm, then the wiring is exposed to friction and rubbing from constant movement, but the wiring integrity deteriorates continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating blanket as an intermediary component between the heat trace wiring and the marine arm joints/elbows. This blanket absorbs the friction and rubbing forces generated by constant movement, protecting the wiring from direct contact and damage while allowing the wiring to maintain its heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating blanket is installed beforehand to cushion and protect the heat trace wiring from the harmful effects of friction and rubbing that occur during marine arm operation. This preventive measure ensures wiring integrity is maintained throughout the service life of the installation.
2Ease of repair
If insulation blanket is removed for annual maintenance of joints and piping, then maintenance access is improved, but the integrity of heat trace wiring and insulation blanket is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system into removable blanket sections that can be easily taken off for maintenance access while leaving the heat trace wiring intact. The wiring remains protected by the blanket structure, allowing maintenance personnel to access joints and piping without compromising wiring or insulation integrity.
3Temperature
If heat trace wiring is taped to exterior of product pipe, then external heating is provided, but friction and rubbing from joint movement cause continuous damage to the wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating blanket serves as a mediator that protects the heat trace wiring from friction and rubbing caused by joint movement. The wiring remains taped to the product pipe for effective heating, while the blanket absorbs the mechanical stresses from marine arm flexing.
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 solution effectively minimizes damage to heat trace wiring and insulation, enabling easy maintenance without compromising the integrity of the wiring or insulation, and supports control wiring, reducing wear and tear and facilitating access for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
silicone impregnated fiberglass insulation
Implementation Method 2
Velcro fasteners to secure the wiring
Data Source
AI summary
A structure is provided that applies support to wiring such as heat trace wiring to the joints and elbows of a marine arm allowing enough flexibility to avoid significant friction in the wiring while accommodating movement of the joints. A removable insulation blanket having internal retention members of wire positioning is wrapped around the joints of the marine arm and the wiring is looped outside the insulation blanket and over the joints to prevent unnecessary friction rubbing of the wiring due to joint movement.