Pipes and tubular conduits – Combined – With indicating means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-23
2001-06-12
Hook, James (Department: 3752)
Pipes and tubular conduits
Combined
With indicating means
C138S149000, C138S177000, C138S178000, C062S285000, C062S290000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244302
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a method and device for drawing off humidity, such as condensed humidity (condensation fluid), from insulation layers around apparatuses, pipe conduits and the like, as are indicated in the introduction to the subsequent claims
1
and
8
, respectively. The invention thus has to do with a novel construction of an insulation system for draining or drawing off condensation fluid.
The method and device are especially intended for application for draining any moisture/condensation from insulation materials which are arranged around apparatuses and pipe lines in which fluids, such as liquids and gas are conveyed or stored, or in apparatus where processes occur which involve being able to form condensation on the surface of the apparatus or the pipe line. Such condensation is formed on the hot side of a boundary surface between a cold fluid and a hot gas fluid when the latter includes a condensable gas. In the present instance, when a colder fluid is conveyed through a pipe line while the surroundings represent the hotter fluid, the pipe outer wall constitutes said boundary surface (the hot side).
It is usual to arrange a mantle of insulation around pipe lines which convey fluids. In addition to the insulating effect, the insulation layer also provides protection against mechanical damage. Usually the mantle of insulation comprises a sleeve-shaped layer of the insulation material itself which surrounds the pipe. The outer side of the insulation material is usually covered by a thinner cover layer in the form of weather-protecting cover cloth, that is to say a metal or plastic layer. The cover layer can be water-tight so that water, from rain and the like, does not penetrate into the insulation itself. The drawback with the sealed cover layer is however that it also involves condensation being able to be simultaneously locked inside the insulation, which can entail the occurrence of corrosion on the pipe surfaces. Furthermore the insulating effect of the insulating material is reduced as a result of the accumulated moisture.
GB patent application No. 2.220.459 discloses a pipe surrounded by a water repellant insulation material and an outer cover. The insulation material includes profiles on its outer surface, thus forming a pattern of cavities beneath the cover. Water entering the cover may evaporate due to the heat from inside the pipe, and may return outwards through the cover. Thus this patent publication does not relate to the solving of the same problem as the present invention, where cold fluids being transfered through pipes resulting in the formation of liquid water condensation, and where a need exist to remove the humidity from the insulation by ventilation.
If the fluid has a higher temperature than the surrounding air the insulation contributes to prevent heat losses from the pipe line. And correspondingly, if the fluid has a lower temperature, the insulation prevents a rise in temperature of the pipe fluid. When air having a temperature higher than the temperature of the pipe fluid comes into contact with the pipe wall, a portion of the air humidity will condense against the colder pipe surface. This problem with condensation which is confined within the insulation material applies of course not only in connection with pipe lines, but also in connection with fluid-carrying apparatuses, such as tanks, containers and the like (for example in connection with refrigerating plants) where these are insulated in a similar fashion so as to prevent heat transfer between the fluid within the tank or the container and the surroundings.
In the following the expression drain is employed so as to cover being able to vent the insulation of moisture-containing air, and being able to draw off liquid state condensation water, by employing the device according to the invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device which can prevent or reduce the problems which arise in connection with such condensation within pipe line insulations.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device which can also contribute to a lower venting of any humidity (such as steam-formed humidity) in the insulation itself. This means that condensation, both in liquid and steam form can escape the insulation.
The method according to the present invention is characterised by the features which are evident from the characterised portion of the following claim
1
, and preferred embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims
2
-
7
.
The device according to the present invention is characterised by the features which are evident from the characterised portion of the following claim
8
, and preferred embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims
9
-
13
.
The device according to the present invention is defined as a hollow space-forming body, and according to the most preferred embodiment this body is designed as a sleeve having a through duct. The duct itself thus constitutes the above-defined hollow space, while the one of the duct openings of the sleeve constitutes the said at least one opening which forms a connection between the hollow space and the surroundings outside the insulation layer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3120111 (1964-02-01), Simmons
patent: 3217093 (1965-11-01), Colarato
patent: 3354742 (1967-11-01), Tschanz et al.
patent: 3804438 (1974-04-01), Humphries et al.
patent: 4673652 (1987-06-01), McStravick et al.
patent: 4700751 (1987-10-01), Fedrick
patent: 5520009 (1996-05-01), Jepsen et al.
patent: 5520220 (1996-05-01), Barton
patent: 5975797 (1999-11-01), Thomas et al.
patent: 5996637 (1999-12-01), Larsson
patent: 3446435 (1986-07-01), None
patent: 0391177 (1990-10-01), None
patent: 2220459 (1990-01-01), None
Abel Christian D.
Hook James
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