Insulation systems employing expansion features to insulate elongated containers subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, and related components and methods

摘要

Insulation systems employing expansion features to insulate elongated containers subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, and related components and methods are disclosed. Elongated containers, such as pipes, tanks, vessels may have contents that need to be insulated to prevent heat exchange with the outside environment. Insulation systems are disposed along the perimeter of the elongated containers to prevent the heat exchange. In cases where the insulation systems are subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, components of the insulation may thermally expand and/or contract, and may form gaps between the components. Alternatively, damaging stresses may be formed as the thermal dimensional changes may be restricted as part of the installation. The insulation system comprises expansion features to better enable the gaps to be filled and relieve damaging stresses. In this manner, the elongated containers may be efficiently insulated even while subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.

主权项

1. An insulation system for an exterior of an elongated container, comprising:
a foam expansion joint configured to be disposed around an elongated container, extending in a longitudinal direction, the foam expansion joint having a latitudinal dimension extending from a first longitudinal side to a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side, and the foam expansion joint having a longitudinal dimension extending from a first latitudinal side to a second latitudinal side opposite the first latitudinal side; at least one channel extending from the first longitudinal side to the second longitudinal side; and at least one longitudinal fastener configured to fasten the first longitudinal side proximate to the second longitudinal side to secure the foam expansion joint in a shape or substantially the shape of a cross-sectional perimeter of the elongated container such that the longitudinal dimension of the expansion joint is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated container, wherein the at least one channel is configured to change shape to allow the longitudinal dimension of the foam expansion joint to change and thereby enable the first latitudinal side of the foam expansion joint to abut against a first insulation member extending in the longitudinal direction and the second latitudinal side of the foam expansion joint to abut against a second insulation member extending in the longitudinal direction as a thermally-sensitive distance changes between the first insulation member and the second insulation member.