U-Type Spiral Pipeline Insulation for Thermal Conduction Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional U-type piping systems in thermal exchangers experience significant thermal energy loss due to thermal conduction between adjacent piping segments with temperature differences, particularly at fluid inlet and outlet terminals.

Innovation Solution

A U-type pipeline with a multiple-route spiral structure and a thermal insulating device installed between the central piping segments and the peripheral piping segments, reducing thermal energy loss by using a thermal insulating structure such as solid, flexible, or vacuum materials to minimize conduction between the central and peripheral piping segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If thermal conductive fluid with temperature difference passes through adjacent piping segments of inlet terminal and outlet terminal, then thermal energy transmission function is achieved, but thermal energy loss occurs due to thermal conduction between adjacent piping segments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal energy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidthermal energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A thermal insulating structure is introduced as an intermediary between the inlet terminal piping segment and outlet terminal piping segment. This insulating structure acts as a mediator that blocks the direct thermal conduction path while allowing both piping segments to maintain their thermal conductive fluid flow functions, thereby reducing thermal energy loss without compromising thermal energy transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal insulating structure is applied locally only to the specific region where inlet and outlet piping segments are adjacent and thermal conduction occurs. This localized insulation approach addresses the thermal energy loss problem at the critical interface without affecting the overall thermal conductivity of the piping system, maintaining efficient heat transfer in other regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If thermal insulating structure is installed between inlet terminal and outlet terminal piping segments, then thermal energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal energy lossVSAvoidpiping structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal insulating structure employs flexible insulating materials or thin film insulation layers that can be easily wrapped around or applied to the piping segments. This approach provides effective thermal insulation without requiring complex structural modifications, maintaining relative simplicity in the overall piping system design while reducing thermal energy loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal insulating structure utilizes composite materials that combine thermal insulation properties with structural integrity. These composite materials provide both insulation functionality and mechanical support, reducing the need for additional separate structural components and thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while effectively reducing thermal energy loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 implementation of a thermal insulating device between the central and peripheral piping segments significantly reduces thermal energy loss caused by conduction, enhancing the efficiency of thermal energy transmission within the U-type pipeline system.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal insulating device, the periphery of the concentrated central piping segments of U-type spiral piping of each route is installed within a thermal insulating device, so that the thermal energy loss caused by thermal conduction between the concentrated central piping segments of U-type spiral piping and the U-type spiral piping structure and the piping segment is substantially reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2505937B1Pipe member equipped with heat insulation core pipeline and u-shaped annularly-distributed pipeline
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 YANG TAI HER
  • EP2505937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a U-type piping capable of thermal energy transmission with each other in a radiate arrangement, wherein the piping segments of the U-type fluid piping inlet end and/or outlet end of the U-type piping capable of thermal energy transmission with each other in the radiate arrangement are directly made of thermal insulating materials, or a thermal insulating structure is installed between the inlet end and the outlet end, and a thermal conductive body made of thermal conductive material is further installed thereof, so as to prevent thermal energy loss because of thermal conduction by temperature difference between adjacent piping segments with temperature difference of the inlet end and the outlet end installed on the same side when fluid with temperature difference passing through.