Mineral Wool Pipe Insulation Splitting During Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing mineral wool pipe insulation require a separate process for splitting, which increases throughput time and energy consumption, as the splitting is performed after the insulation pipe section is cured.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that pleats a web of mineral wool into a mat, which is then bent around a core with a lengthwise split and internal slit, allowing for simultaneous formation and curing of the insulation section, reducing the need for a separate splitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate splitting process is used after curing the insulation pipe section, then the splitting can be performed with dedicated splitting means, but the throughput time increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the splitting function with the curing process by integrating a blade into the curing apparatus. The blade is positioned to cut the insulation pipe section while it is being cured in the oven, thereby merging two separate operations (curing and splitting) into one simultaneous process, eliminating the need for a dedicated post-curing splitting step
Solution Approach 2:
The split is created during the curing process itself, before the insulation pipe section is completely cured and removed from the oven. This preliminary action allows the split to be formed while the material is still pliable and being processed, avoiding the need for a separate subsequent splitting operation
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate splitting process is used after curing the insulation pipe section, then the splitting can be performed with dedicated splitting means, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the splitting function with the curing process by integrating a blade into the curing apparatus. The blade is positioned to cut the insulation pipe section while it is being cured in the oven, thereby merging two separate operations (curing and splitting) into one simultaneous process, eliminating the need for a dedicated post-curing splitting step
Solution Approach 2:
The curing and splitting operations are performed continuously in one uninterrupted process. The insulation pipe section is cured and split simultaneously within the oven without being removed or requiring additional energy input for a separate splitting operation, thereby maintaining continuous useful action and reducing total energy consumption
3Productivity
If the split is provided simultaneously with other process steps, then the throughput time is reduced and energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the splitting function with the curing process by integrating a blade into the curing apparatus. The blade is positioned to cut the insulation pipe section while it is being cured in the oven, thereby merging two separate operations (curing and splitting) into one simultaneous process, eliminating the need for a dedicated post-curing splitting step
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
Enables continuous production of mineral wool pipe insulation with a lengthwise split and internal slit, reducing production time and energy consumption by integrating the splitting process into the manufacturing steps, thus improving efficiency and reducing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
heating the core at least over its external surface and the first blade over its two main faces for curing the pipe insulation's internal bore and split
Implementation Method 2
heating the core at least over its external surface and the first blade over its two main faces for curing the pipe insulation's internal bore and split
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Certain objects of the invention include an arrangement and method for continuous making of a pipe insulation section of mineral wool. The arrangement comprises: - a core having an external surface (7) for defining a shape for the internal surface of a pipe insulation section (1) to be made - curing means with a capability of curing the pipe insulation section (1) to be made - pleating means (8, 9, 10 or 8', 9', 10') with a capability of pleating a web of mineral wool (11) into a mat (12) - a first blade (4) present on the external surface (7) of a core (2) and extending in the direction of its center axis and in its radial direction - bending means (18, 20; 13, 33, 23; 44, 14, 34, 24, 54; 45, 15, 35, 25, 55; 47, 46, 16, 36, 26, 56, 57; tai 118, 120; 113, 133, 123; 144, 114, 134, 124, 154; 145, 115, 135, 125, 155; 147, 146, 116, 136, 126, 156, 157) with a capability of bending and advancing the mat (12), produced by pleating, against and along the external surface (7) of the core (2) and each main face of the first blade (4) over at least a part of the length of the external surface (7) of the core and each main face of the first blade (4).