Modular Insulating Bodies for Pipeline Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline insulation systems do not efficiently insulate flanges and fittings, requiring laborious manual insulation and making post-installation insulation of pipelines costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
Modular insulating bodies with nested shells, designed to fit various pipe diameters and fittings, allowing for easy assembly and insulation of entire pipeline systems, including curved pipes, with diffusion-tight and adjustable clamping rings for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pipeline insulation systems are used, then pipelines can be insulated, but flanges and fittings cannot be effectively insulated and require laborious manual insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into separate modular components: pipeline insulating bodies for straight pipes and connection insulating bodies for flanges and fittings. Each component is independently designed and can be assembled separately, enabling comprehensive insulation coverage while simplifying the installation process for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection insulating body is designed as a universal component that can insulate different types of fittings and flanges (e.g., angle pieces, T-pieces, flanged connections) through standardized dimensions and modular design, allowing one component type to serve multiple insulation needs across the pipeline system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pipeline insulation is installed after pipeline installation, then insulation can be added to existing systems, but the process is costly and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system uses segmented modular components that can be independently assembled around existing pipeline components. The pipeline insulating bodies and connection insulating bodies are separate units that can be fitted onto already-installed pipelines without requiring complete disassembly or complex custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating bodies feature adjustable and removable fastening mechanisms (clamping rings, fastening elements) that allow the insulation to be dynamically installed, adjusted, and removed as needed. This dynamic design enables post-installation insulation while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If insulating bodies are designed to fit various pipe diameters and geometries, then comprehensive insulation coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating bodies use a nested shell structure with inner shells and outer shells that can be assembled in layers. This nested design allows the same basic component type to accommodate different pipe diameters by adjusting the number of shells or their thickness, reducing the need for completely different component designs for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating bodies are divided into modular segments (inner shell, outer shell, clamping rings, fastening elements) that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows comprehensive geometry adaptation through standardized modular combinations rather than requiring complex custom-designed components for each specific application.
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 simple, cost-effective insulation of entire pipeline systems, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while allowing for easy maintenance and adaptation to different geometries.
Implementation Method 1
Device for insulating a pipeline system (50) having a pipeline (2, 2') with flanges (3, 3')
Implementation Method 2
diffusion-tight and adjustable clamping rings for secure attachment
Data Source
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AI summary
The system comprises a range of insulating components (19) which join together and can be built-onto the pipework and fittings, which include valves, pipe brackets, screwed joints, flanges and the pipes themselves. The insulating components are designed for complete, continuous insulation along the pipework. Each comprises a shell (25) with an insulating layer (21). At least one external surface (22) of the insulating component is constructed as a protective layer (24).