Multilayer Composite Thermal Insulation for Ambient Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal insulation systems for cryogenic and sub-ambient applications face challenges in maintaining low thermal conductivity and stability in ambient pressure environments, particularly due to moisture ingress and environmental degradation, and are difficult to install on complex geometries with obstacles like pipes, valves, and flanges.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered composite thermal insulation system that includes hydrophobic thermal insulation and compressible barrier layers with reflective films, designed to be breathable and not requiring glues or sealants, allowing for easy installation and effective moisture management, and featuring compressibility for optimal contact and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Multilayer Insulation (MLI) is used in evacuated environments, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to mechanical compression and difficult to install on complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from vacuum to ambient pressure, which fundamentally alters the heat transfer mechanisms. This allows the use of flexible foam materials instead of rigid MLI, enabling easy installation on complex geometries while maintaining effective thermal insulation through the foam's cellular structure that resists both conduction and convection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite insulation systems combining foam materials with reflective barriers. The foam provides bulk insulation resistance to conduction and convection, while reflective layers address radiation heat transfer. This composite approach achieves comprehensive thermal protection with flexible, installable materials suitable for complex geometries
2Ease of operation
If conventional foam insulation is used in ambient pressure environments, then ease of installation is improved, but moisture ingress and environmental degradation increase thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible foam materials with closed-cell structures that act as inherent moisture barriers. The foam's cellular architecture provides both mechanical flexibility for easy installation and moisture resistance by preventing water vapor penetration, eliminating the need for separate vapor barriers while maintaining reliability in ambient environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflective barrier layers as intermediaries between the foam insulation and the external environment. These reflective layers provide an additional moisture and thermal radiation barrier, enhancing the system's overall resistance to environmental degradation while maintaining installation simplicity
3Loss of energy
If MLI layers are stacked closely to reduce heat transfer, then thermal performance is improved, but the system becomes anisotropic and difficult to apply to complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from a layered anisotropic structure to a homogeneous isotropic foam structure. The foam material provides uniform thermal properties in all directions and can be easily conform ed to any geometry through cutting and shaping, while maintaining effective thermal insulation through its cellular structure that resists conduction and convection
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 system provides superior thermal performance, mechanical robustness, and long-term stability, capable of withstanding environmental exposure and mechanical stress, with improved ease of installation and reduced maintenance costs, while maintaining effective thermal insulation across a wide range of temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective film provided on at least one of the surfaces of the thermal insulation and/or compressible barrier layers
Implementation Method 2
Both thermal insulation and compressible barrier layers should be hydrophobic or otherwise substantially waterproof
Implementation Method 3
The compressible barrier layer is easily compressible by normal manual means to enable the fit-up of each respective thermal insulation layer underneath
Data Source
AI summary
The thermal insulation system of the present invention is for non-vacuum applications and is specifically tailored to the ambient pressure environment with any level of humidity or moisture. The thermal insulation system includes a multilayered composite including i) at least one thermal insulation layer and at least one compressible barrier layer provided as alternating, successive layers, and ii) at least one reflective film provided on at least one surface of the thermal insulation layer and/or said compressible barrier layer. The different layers and materials and their combinations are designed to provide low effective thermal conductivity for the system by managing all modes of heat transfer. The thermal insulation system includes an optional outer casing surrounding the multilayered composite. The thermal insulation system is particularly suited for use in any sub-ambient temperature environment where moisture or its adverse effects are a concern. The thermal insulation system provides physical resilience against damaging mechanical effects including compression, flexure, impact, vibration, and thermal expansion/contraction.