Multilayer Tape Assembly for Self-Sealing Insulation Jacketing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation jacketing systems for pipes face issues with flap detachment due to adhesive breakdown, leading to delamination and disintegration, especially in damp environments, requiring frequent replacement to maintain protection.
Innovation Solution
A tape assembly with a double release coated carrier and liner, featuring primary and secondary adhesives, is applied to the insulation jacket, allowing for secure attachment and sealing without contaminating the adhesive face, enabling easy transportation, positioning, and repositioning of the jacketing without compromising the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive strip is used to bond the flap to the jacket, then the flap can be sealed to cover the slit, but the adhesive breaks down in damp environments causing flap detachment and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into two distinct components: a first adhesive applied to the flap and a second adhesive applied to the jacket. This segmentation allows each adhesive to be optimized for its specific substrate and environmental exposure, preventing the breakdown that occurs when a single adhesive must bond dissimilar materials with different surface properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap acts as an intermediary element between the two adhesives. The first adhesive bonds the flap to the insulation core, while the second adhesive bonds the flap to the jacket. This intermediary approach distributes the bonding stress and allows each adhesive to form a specialized bond, improving overall reliability in damp environments.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive strip is applied directly to the jacket and flap, then sealing can occur at the job site, but the bonding surfaces must be kept free from dirt and moisture which is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The first adhesive is applied to the flap during manufacturing before the insulation is installed at the job site. This preliminary action ensures the adhesive is already in position and the flap is pre-prepared for sealing, reducing the complexity of the field installation process while maintaining contamination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing process is transformed from a two-sided bonding operation (both surfaces requiring adhesive application) to a one-sided field operation (only the jacket surface requiring adhesive). This dimensional reduction in the sealing process simplifies field operations while maintaining seal integrity.
3Device complexity
If single adhesive system is used for sealing, then the structure is simple, but the seal fails over time due to adhesive breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system uses a composite approach with two different adhesives selected for their complementary properties. The first adhesive is optimized for bonding to the flap material, while the second adhesive is optimized for bonding to the jacket material. This composite adhesive system provides superior long-term reliability compared to a single adhesive system.
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 tape assembly provides a secure, long-lasting seal that prevents flap detachment and maintains insulation integrity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent protection across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive to bond the flap to the insulation jacket
Implementation Method 2
a second adhesive to bond an exposed adhesive face to the insulation jacket
Implementation Method 3
A double release coated carrier and liner are utilized
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer tape assembly is described which can be used with insulation jacketing and particularly for self-sealing lap (SSL) applications. The tape assembly includes two adhesive layers with associated carrier and release layers in conjunction with a differential release system. Various methods of use are also described, including a method of forming a securable insulation jacket.