Insulation system with condensate wicking for vertical applications
US7308803B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2013/225
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided is an assembly for insulating substantially vertical runs of cooled surfaces that are continuously or periodically exposed to air or another gas that has a dewpoint temperature above that of the cooled surface, thereby resulting in condensation water vapor on or adjacent the cooled surface. One embodiment of the insulating assembly provides a wicking material layer adjacent the cooled surface that, in combination with transporting and evaporating structures, removes the condensate from the vicinity of the cooled surface and allows for its evaporation into the ambient gas surrounding the exterior surface of the insulating assembly. Another embodiment provides for exposing the condensate to an internal conditioned gas stream to provide for evaporation that does not necessarily utilize an exterior surface. Both embodiments remove condensate from the insulating structure and thereby tend to avoid any substantial condensate accumulation and maintain the insulating performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.