Pre-Insulated Pipe Assembly Using Overpressure Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing pre-insulated pipes are limited in length and flexibility, with co-extrusion methods resulting in pipes with restricted bending radius and pull-through methods only applicable for shorter lengths.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a guide channel, fixing means, and pressure generating means to insert and compress insulation material within a jacket pipe, allowing for longer, flexible pre-insulated pipes by applying overpressure to radially compress the insulation material, thereby preventing damage and enabling pipes over 70 meters in length with adaptable diameters and insulation types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If co-extrusion method is used to produce pre-insulated pipes, then the production process is continuous and efficient, but the resulting pipes have limited bending radius and reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The production process is divided into separate stages: first the jacket pipe is formed, then the insulated inner piping is inserted into it. This separation allows the insulated inner piping to be pulled through the jacket pipe using a pull-through mechanism, enabling the final assembly to achieve small bending radius while maintaining production efficiency through modular processing.
2Ease of manufacture
If pull-through method is used to arrange insulated inner piping in jacket pipe, then the pipes can be assembled, but the method is only applicable for pipes with limited length
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated inner piping is nested within the jacket pipe through a controlled pull-through process. The guide channel provides a structured pathway that accommodates long lengths of insulated inner piping as it is pulled through the jacket pipe, enabling assembly of pipes exceeding 70 meters in length while maintaining proper alignment and positioning throughout the process.
3Reliability
If insulation material is compressed radially during insertion, then the insulation material prevents damage and maintains quality, but the compression force may damage the insulation material
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel is designed with a smooth inner surface that acts as a cushioning pathway, reducing friction and preventing damage to the insulation material during the pull-through process. The gradual compression and smooth guiding surfaces protect the insulation material from mechanical damage while still achieving the necessary radial compression for proper fitting and thermal performance.
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 method enables the production of long, flexible pre-insulated pipes with improved bending radius and adaptability, ensuring high-quality manufacturing without damaging the insulation material, and allowing for pipes of varying diameters and insulation types.
Implementation Method 1
applying an overpressure at least around the inserted first end of the length of insulated inner piping, in an interior of said length of jacket pipe; moving said first end of said length of insulated inner piping to said rear end of said guide channel; and removing said overpressure to fix said length of insulated inner piping in said length of jacket pipe
Implementation Method 2
The insulation material is radially elastically compressed and it in contact with the jacket pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a pre-insulated pipe, comprising inserting a length of jacket pipe (10) into a guide channel (110) having a front end (111) and a rear end (112); fixing said length of jacket pipe (10) in said guide channel (110); providing a first end (21) of a length of insulated inner piping (20), said length of insulated inner piping comprising a length of inner pipe surrounded by at least one layer of compressible insulation material (26); inserting, at said front end of said guide channel, into said length of jacket pipe, said first end of said length of insulated inner piping (20); applying an overpressure at least in an interior of said length of jacket pipe (10), around the inserted first end of the length of insulated inner piping (20); and moving said first end of said length of insulated inner piping (20) to said rear end of said guide channel (110); wherein said overpressure is such that said at least one layer of insulation material (26) is radially compressed; removing said overpressure to fix said length of insulated inner piping (20) in said length of jacket pipe (10) in order to form a pre-insulated pipe.