WO2012078050A1 - Method and apparatus for preparing insulation mats - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for preparing insulation mats Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012078050A1
WO2012078050A1 PCT/NO2011/000340 NO2011000340W WO2012078050A1 WO 2012078050 A1 WO2012078050 A1 WO 2012078050A1 NO 2011000340 W NO2011000340 W NO 2011000340W WO 2012078050 A1 WO2012078050 A1 WO 2012078050A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
insulation
roller
mat
insulation element
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Application number
PCT/NO2011/000340
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bent Pettersen
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Isource As
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Publication of WO2012078050A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012078050A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
    • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
    • E04B1/76—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only
    • E04B1/7654—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only comprising an insulating layer, disposed between two longitudinal supporting elements, e.g. to insulate ceilings
    • E04B1/7658—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only comprising an insulating layer, disposed between two longitudinal supporting elements, e.g. to insulate ceilings comprising fiber insulation, e.g. as panels or loose filled fibres
    • E04B1/7662—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only comprising an insulating layer, disposed between two longitudinal supporting elements, e.g. to insulate ceilings comprising fiber insulation, e.g. as panels or loose filled fibres comprising fiber blankets or batts
    • E04B1/7666—Connection of blankets or batts to the longitudinal supporting elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
    • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
    • E04B1/76—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only
    • E04B1/78—Heat insulating elements
    • E04B1/80—Heat insulating elements slab-shaped
    • E04B1/806—Heat insulating elements slab-shaped with air or gas pockets included in the slab

Definitions

  • the present invention related to production of insulation elements. More particularly, the inventions relates to a method and an apparatus for replacing a first gas volume which is accommodated within an insulation element inside with an fluidly tight encapsulating material, with a second gas volume, for improving insulation properties of the insulation element.
  • the first and second gas volumes can be of the same type of gas, for example normal air, or they can be mutually different gas types or a mixture of mutually different gasses.
  • the first air volume within the insulation element be replaced with another air volume, especially in situations where it is desirous to introduce a gas volume having a different and lower moisture content than originally, for example.
  • insulation mat as a term for an insulation element with a fluid tight surrounding encapsulating material.
  • the present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for replacing an air volume in an insulation mat with a noble gas or a mixture of such gases.
  • the insulation mats that are filled with noble gasses such as Argon
  • the known nobles gases are Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon and Unonoctium. It is also pertinent to utilize other gas types and mixtures of such, in insulation mats, such as Nitrogen N 2 , Carbon Dioxide C0 2 , and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF 6 , for increasing the fire retarding properties of the mats.
  • a feature that an insulation mat is insulated against thermal transmission therethrough has a consequence of both hindering heat transmission, as well as functioning in a fire retarding manner as such.
  • the insulation mat (element) pursuant to the invention is especially suitable for use to prevent heat transmission, for example for thermally insulating walls and floors in buildings and other facilities. It has also use for insulating rooms which are to remain cold, such as cooling- and freezing-facilities.
  • the mat can also, as aforementioned, be used as a fire retarding mat in building construction, by way of it containing fire retarding gasses within the insulation mat, such as defined in the foregoing.
  • the gas volume within the mat can also contribute to retarding air access for maintaining a fire, or for quenching development of a fire.
  • the aforementioned PCT patent application no, W01991/17326, shows an insulation mat including a foam-like or porous insulation material which is inserted into a fluid tight encapsulating material, such as a water and air tight plastics material bag or sack the internal volume of which is filled up with a gas exhibiting low thermal conductivity.
  • the sack comprises an opening through which air can be removed when the mat is squeezed. In respect of the filling method, air is removed or pumped out through the same opening as when the mat is mounted. In this manner, the mat can be produced in a compressed compact form for storage and transport purpose with all air removed.
  • air of another gas in pumped into the sack, such that it is blown up to its desired pillow form and then employed as an insulation mat, such as in frameworks of buildings.
  • air normally air, or noble gases as aforementioned (Argon, Krypton, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide) which from a gas cylinder; can be filled into the mat via a hose which is coupled to the opening. It is normal that such gases are dried and free of moisture.
  • a larger insulation mat which is to be laid into floor structures and where there is introduced via a hose into the mat a gas which has a low thermal conductivity and wherein the mat's encapsulation or outer skin is fabricated from a fluid tight, gas impermeable encapsulation material.
  • the mat is compact during storage and transport, and is "blown ⁇ " in situ, with gases such as air, Argon, Krypton, Carbon Dioxide C0 2 or HF 6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) which is supplied from a gas container.
  • the production method pursuant to the present invention is distinguished in that the first gas G2 within the insulation element is pressed out whilst the pressing body is arranged against the insulation element with a given pressing force, at one edge side of the element, and that the pressing body and the insulation element are displaced relative to one another, and clamps the aforementioned gas G2 within the element before itself, such that the gas streams out of a first opening in a first edge side of the insulation element, and the second gas G1 from a gas source is introduced into the insulation element through a second opening in an opposite end of the insulation element on the downstream side of the pressing body, wherein the element is emptied of the first gas G2.
  • the second gas G1 is introduced through the second opening by way of the insulation material within the element expanding downstream of the pressing body, and/or that the insulating gas is introduced under pressure through a hose from the gas source which is coupled to the element.
  • the displacement is implemented between the body and the insulation element by way of the pressing body being a roller which, with the applied pressure, is laid down over the element and compresses it down along a contact line, and is passed over the elements outer surface with a rolling movement with a given downward pressure.
  • the roller's outer surface is in contact with an outer surface of the mat along a contact line 27 transversely across the mat.
  • the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of a seating region, whereinto the insulation element is arranged, and the holder which bears the roller is respectively adapted to operate along their corresponding guiding rails.
  • the pressing bodies/rollers are driven over the insulation element using a motor.
  • the element/mat is clamped together when it is introduced between two rotating mutually cooperating rollers with a given gap between the rollers, such that the first gas G2 is pressed out of the element on one side, whilst the second gas G1 is introduced to stream in as aforementioned.
  • the gap is so small that the insulation mineral wool between the two plastic materials films is clamped completely together such that all the gas G2 is pushed along towards the outlet, without leaking back to the volume marked G1 on a downstream side of the roller 24.
  • the first gas G2 in the insulation mat is air which is replaced by a second gas G1 selected amongst the gases: noble gases (such as Argon); Nitrogen N 2 , Carbon Dioxide CO 2 and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF 6 ; or a mixture of these gases.
  • noble gases such as Argon
  • Nitrogen N 2 Carbon Dioxide CO 2 and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF 6
  • a mixture of these gases selected amongst the gases: noble gases (such as Argon); Nitrogen N 2 , Carbon Dioxide CO 2 and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF 6 ; or a mixture of these gases.
  • the apparatus pursuant to the present invention is distinguished in that a frame with a seat for arranging for the stretched out insulation mat, and a pressing body in the form of a roller is adapted to be laid down over and is moved over the insulation element arranged in the seat.
  • the roller is adapted to perform a gliding motion or a rolling motion.
  • the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of a seating region and the holders which bear the rollers are respectively adapted to be moved along their associated guide rails on each side, and beneficially the roller rotates and the holders are driven along the aforesaid guide rails by way of assistance of a motor for each roller, or are driven a common motor system.
  • the apparatus includes two cooperating rotatable motor-driven rollers which between themselves form a gap wherethrough the insulation mat is arranged to be moved.
  • the apparatus can further include a holder for a gas cylinder for the second gas (the insulation gas) G1 (Argon) by way of a hose for gas supply to the exit coupler which is coupled in through the plastics material film wall to the insulation mat's inner region.
  • a gas cylinder for the second gas (the insulation gas) G1 (Argon) by way of a hose for gas supply to the exit coupler which is coupled in through the plastics material film wall to the insulation mat's inner region.
  • the invention provides an advantage that the insulation material in the centre (such as mineral wool) is not damaged by this process.
  • the insulation material is only compressed for a short moment, and will thereafter expand again to its original form.
  • the new solution ensures that the insulation gas G1 comprises nearly 100% a clean dry gas (noble gas) in the insulation material. This will ensure enhanced insulation properties, better economy and less Argon release to ambient atmosphere.
  • the invention provides a further advantage in that the apparatus which is used in dismounted form is smaller in size (length/breadth) than for the other solutions. This renders it much more mobile in connection with, for example, transport to a building site. This renders it possible for the mats to be produced to more precise size, length, breadth and thickness at an actual building sire, something which renders it highly flexible. Moreover, it is a major advance in comparison to earlier solutions such that the insulation material is not compressed beforehand. It is first when to be used that it a short second of time in the production process is compressed as the roller is moved over the "glava" element, or the element is pulled in and through the gap between the two rollers pursuant to a beneficial variant of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of an insulation mat 200 which the invention handles and processes pursuant to the production method
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration in cross-section of the apparatus pursuant to the invention, with the insulation mat installed and in a start position, ready to be pressed for replacing the first gas/air with a second insulation gas (Argon);
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of the apparatus seen from above
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration similar to FIG. 2, but wherein the roller is moved a distance of approximately halfway over the mat;
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration of the roller moved completely over to a second side of the mat.
  • FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternative apparatus embodiment of the two rollers, which are operable to pull in the mat therebetween (into a gap 40 between the rollers).
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross-section of an insulation mat 200.
  • a diffusion tight plastics material film or fabric 14 is laid on a support.
  • a normal insulation mat 12 such as one fabricated from mineral wool, is laid onto the fabric 14, and a second corresponding plastics material film 10 is laid onto this again.
  • the two fabrics are bonded together by welding or adhesive in a stripe (not shown) around the periphery.
  • the plastics material is of a suitable thickness, such as for a film or fabric.
  • the first end of the plastics material encapsulation 12/14 comprises one or more openings in the plastics material, namely to the right-hand-side of FIG. 1 , adapted to couple to an exit port 44 in the apparatus 100, whilst the second end comprises a corresponding opening adapted to be coupled to an exit nozzle 30 in the second (left-hand-side) end.
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are illustrations also of an apparatus 100 which can be employed pursuant to the invention for handling the insulation mat 200 such that air (a first gas G2) is pressed out and a second gas (the insulation gas referred to as G1 in the diagrams), such as Argon, is filled in.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a framework with a seat for placement of the insulation mat 200, coupling units 42, 32 at each end with short pipe supports 44, 30 into which aforesaid openings in the mat 200 can be placed.
  • the first end comprises also a holder for placing a gas cylinder 20 for the insulation gas G1 (Argon) by way of a hose 22 for gas supply to the exit pipe 30.
  • each rail 26 there is arranged two lengthwise rails 26, which are mutually parallel, and one to each side.
  • a holder 28 which carries a drum or roller 24 whose rolling surface covers completely the transverse region of the seat into which the insulation mat 200 is to be placed.
  • the axle 27 of a pressing drum or roller 24 is fastened/mounted on each side of the seat in respective holders 28.
  • a motor (not shown) is employed to drive the roller along the frame onto the insulation mat 200, and to move the holder unit along the rails 26.
  • the roller 24 is arranged to roll against the mat with a suitably large force such that the mat 200 is clamped completely together in a contact line 27 across the complete insulation mat 200 in a direction which is orthogonal to the movement direction of the holder unit, and for pushing the air/gas G2 in front towards the exit port 44.
  • the holder 28 with the roller 24 can be permanently mounted, whereas the whole frame with the gas cylinders can be adapted to move, such that the roller passes from the one side to the other side of the mat 200.
  • FIG. 6 there is illustrated where the mat 10 is pulled in between two rollers 24a and 24b which are disposed adjacent of one another and rotate on parallel rotation axles 27a, 27b respectively, in an analogous manner to a clothes roller, with a small gap 40 between the two rollers.
  • the insulation mat is introduced from the right-hand side, and the stationary roller 24a and 24b roll in a coordinated manner, such that they pull the mat in through the gap 40, clamp together and compress the mat in a region of the gap 40, and press the gas G2 out into the end as shown with an arrow G2.
  • the insulation gas G1 is introduced at the second end from a gas cylinder 20 (not shown in Fig. 6) through a connection 22.
  • the two rollers are driven by driving motors (not shown).
  • the insulation mat 10/12 is laid in the holder, and the roller is laid down onto the outer surface on the one side. Thereafter, the roller 24 is roller carefully over the mat and presses air out through the exit port 44, whereas Argon gas G1 is supplied through the pipe 30 and into the back side of the roller 24.
  • the gas G1 is pre-dried, such that it does not contain moisture, and preferably without traces of air or Oxygen.
  • a gas is then pumped in which is a poor heat conductor, especially Argon which additionally is dried such that it does not contain moisture H 2 0.
  • the insulation mat 200 appears as illustrated in FIG. 5, where it is released from the apparatus 100. The mat is ready for use as insulation in buildings and similar.
  • the mats can be adapted for studwork in buildings.
  • the mats encapsulated in plastics material can then simply be inserted between the studs.
  • the loose tabs around each mat cell for example as illustrated in FIG. 1 , can be employed to fasten the mats to the studs, in an event that it is necessary by way of adhesive stapling or nailing.
  • a basic layer can be of thermally reflecting metal foil, whereas an overlay can be of plastics material film.
  • the insulating middle layer can be normal air-filled porous insulating material, such as mineral wool or stone- or glass fibre (for example of type Glava).
  • the size is defined for the finished insulation mat that is to be produced:
  • the insulation layer 12 is implemented in the machine, over a plastics material- or metal foil-layer 14 which forms the bottom;
  • an overlay plastic material film 10 is laid over the insulation and is adhesive bonded or welded firmly to the underlay (plastics material or foil) around a side periphery.
  • the rollers 24 are moved over the insulation, such that the air G2 is pressed out on the opposite side, wherein the air is replaced by a noble gas G1 (Argon or Krypton) from the other end.
  • G1 Argon or Krypton
  • the opening ends are adhesively bonded or welded.
  • the end product is an insulation mat (for example including mineral wool) which is encapsulated in a plastic material encapsulation, for example a thermally reflecting foil, with a few centimetres plastic (tab) which sticks out around for rendering it easier to attach the mat to studs.
  • a plastic material encapsulation for example a thermally reflecting foil

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Insulation (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a method of replacing a first gas volume G2 within an insulation element (200) including a fluid tight encapsulation material, with a second gas volume G1, for improving insulation properties of the insulation element (200), wherein the method is characterized by the first gas G2 within the insulation element being pressed out by using a pressing body (24) which is arranged to be applied against the insulation element (200) with a given force, at a first edge side of the element (200), that the pressing body (24) and the insulation element (200) are moved relative to one another, and clamp said gas G2 within the element (200) therebefore such that the gas streams out of a first opening (44) in a first edge side of the insulation element (200), and the second opening (30) in the opposite end of the insulation element (200) on the downstream side of the passing body (24), whereby the element (200) is emptied of the first gas G2. There is also provided an apparatus for producing the insulation element (200).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATIS FOR PREPARING INSULATION MATS
The present invention related to production of insulation elements. More particularly, the inventions relates to a method and an apparatus for replacing a first gas volume which is accommodated within an insulation element inside with an fluidly tight encapsulating material, with a second gas volume, for improving insulation properties of the insulation element.
Pursuant to the present invention, the first and second gas volumes can be of the same type of gas, for example normal air, or they can be mutually different gas types or a mixture of mutually different gasses. There can arise situations where it is desirous that the first air volume within the insulation element be replaced with another air volume, especially in situations where it is desirous to introduce a gas volume having a different and lower moisture content than originally, for example.
In this description, there is employed a general expression "insulation mat" as a term for an insulation element with a fluid tight surrounding encapsulating material.
More specifically, the present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for replacing an air volume in an insulation mat with a noble gas or a mixture of such gases. Generally, the insulation mats that are filled with noble gasses, such as Argon, have a lower thermal conductivity than air and insulate therefore better against warmth transmission in comparison to the insulation mats filled with air. The known nobles gases are Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon and Unonoctium. It is also pertinent to utilize other gas types and mixtures of such, in insulation mats, such as Nitrogen N2, Carbon Dioxide C02, and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF6, for increasing the fire retarding properties of the mats. A feature that an insulation mat is insulated against thermal transmission therethrough has a consequence of both hindering heat transmission, as well as functioning in a fire retarding manner as such. The insulation mat (element) pursuant to the invention is especially suitable for use to prevent heat transmission, for example for thermally insulating walls and floors in buildings and other facilities. It has also use for insulating rooms which are to remain cold, such as cooling- and freezing-facilities. The mat can also, as aforementioned, be used as a fire retarding mat in building construction, by way of it containing fire retarding gasses within the insulation mat, such as defined in the foregoing. The gas volume within the mat can also contribute to retarding air access for maintaining a fire, or for quenching development of a fire.
Known technology
It is well known that noble gases and other gases have a lower thermal conductivity than air, and can thereby provide insulation mats having better insulation properties. It is also known to incorporate such gases in insulation mats and -pillows which are inserted for insulating buildings and other installations.
When the known technology is to be considered, reference is made to international PCT patent application no. W01991/17326, United Kingdom patents GB-865,391 , GB-2,273,722 and US patent no. US 4,399,645.
The aforementioned PCT patent application no, W01991/17326, shows an insulation mat including a foam-like or porous insulation material which is inserted into a fluid tight encapsulating material, such as a water and air tight plastics material bag or sack the internal volume of which is filled up with a gas exhibiting low thermal conductivity. The sack comprises an opening through which air can be removed when the mat is squeezed. In respect of the filling method, air is removed or pumped out through the same opening as when the mat is mounted. In this manner, the mat can be produced in a compressed compact form for storage and transport purpose with all air removed. When the mat is ready to be mounted in a building construction, air of another gas in pumped into the sack, such that it is blown up to its desired pillow form and then employed as an insulation mat, such as in frameworks of buildings. For gas, there is utilized normally air, or noble gases as aforementioned (Argon, Krypton, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide) which from a gas cylinder; can be filled into the mat via a hose which is coupled to the opening. It is normal that such gases are dried and free of moisture.
A corresponding solution is known from the aforementioned United Kingdom patent no.
GB-2, 273,722. There is disclosed therein, amongst other things, a larger insulation mat which is to be laid into floor structures and where there is introduced via a hose into the mat a gas which has a low thermal conductivity and wherein the mat's encapsulation or outer skin is fabricated from a fluid tight, gas impermeable encapsulation material. Moreover, also here it is intended that the mat is compact during storage and transport, and is "blown ίιρ" in situ, with gases such as air, Argon, Krypton, Carbon Dioxide C02 or HF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) which is supplied from a gas container.
There is a feature which is common to these aforementioned solutions, namely that the gas that is removed with help of evacuation passes through the same line path that the new gas is pumped in through.
A disadvantage of these solutions is that the insulating properties of the physical material (for example mineral wool) can be damaged by being pressed together over a longer period of time. In addition, it is uncertain whether or not there is only clean noble gas, such as Argon, in the material. Some air will most probably remain, something which can reduce the insulation effect provided.
It is an object of the present invention to eliminate disadvantages associated with the earlier known production methods.
It is an object of the invention to provide an entirely new production method to replace the first gas volume within an insulation mat with a second gas volume as defined herewith. It is a further an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for undertaken the method.
It is further an object of the invention to provide two variants of an apparatus for implementing the production.
The production method pursuant to the present invention is distinguished in that the first gas G2 within the insulation element is pressed out whilst the pressing body is arranged against the insulation element with a given pressing force, at one edge side of the element, and that the pressing body and the insulation element are displaced relative to one another, and clamps the aforementioned gas G2 within the element before itself, such that the gas streams out of a first opening in a first edge side of the insulation element, and the second gas G1 from a gas source is introduced into the insulation element through a second opening in an opposite end of the insulation element on the downstream side of the pressing body, wherein the element is emptied of the first gas G2.
Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the second gas G1 is introduced through the second opening by way of the insulation material within the element expanding downstream of the pressing body, and/or that the insulating gas is introduced under pressure through a hose from the gas source which is coupled to the element.
Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement is implemented between the body and the insulation element by way of the pressing body being a roller which, with the applied pressure, is laid down over the element and compresses it down along a contact line, and is passed over the elements outer surface with a rolling movement with a given downward pressure. According to the example shown in the appended diagrams, see later, the roller's outer surface is in contact with an outer surface of the mat along a contact line 27 transversely across the mat. Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of a seating region, whereinto the insulation element is arranged, and the holder which bears the roller is respectively adapted to operate along their corresponding guiding rails. Beneficially, the pressing bodies/rollers are driven over the insulation element using a motor.
Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the element/mat is clamped together when it is introduced between two rotating mutually cooperating rollers with a given gap between the rollers, such that the first gas G2 is pressed out of the element on one side, whilst the second gas G1 is introduced to stream in as aforementioned. The gap is so small that the insulation mineral wool between the two plastic materials films is clamped completely together such that all the gas G2 is pushed along towards the outlet, without leaking back to the volume marked G1 on a downstream side of the roller 24.
Beneficially, the first gas G2 in the insulation mat is air which is replaced by a second gas G1 selected amongst the gases: noble gases (such as Argon); Nitrogen N2, Carbon Dioxide CO2 and Sulphur Hexafluoride SF6; or a mixture of these gases.
The apparatus pursuant to the present invention is distinguished in that a frame with a seat for arranging for the stretched out insulation mat, and a pressing body in the form of a roller is adapted to be laid down over and is moved over the insulation element arranged in the seat.
Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the roller is adapted to perform a gliding motion or a rolling motion.
Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment, the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of a seating region and the holders which bear the rollers are respectively adapted to be moved along their associated guide rails on each side, and beneficially the roller rotates and the holders are driven along the aforesaid guide rails by way of assistance of a motor for each roller, or are driven a common motor system.
Pursuant to a yet further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes two cooperating rotatable motor-driven rollers which between themselves form a gap wherethrough the insulation mat is arranged to be moved.
The apparatus can further include a holder for a gas cylinder for the second gas (the insulation gas) G1 (Argon) by way of a hose for gas supply to the exit coupler which is coupled in through the plastics material film wall to the insulation mat's inner region.
The invention provides an advantage that the insulation material in the centre (such as mineral wool) is not damaged by this process. The insulation material is only compressed for a short moment, and will thereafter expand again to its original form. In addition, the new solution ensures that the insulation gas G1 comprises nearly 100% a clean dry gas (noble gas) in the insulation material. This will ensure enhanced insulation properties, better economy and less Argon release to ambient atmosphere.
The invention provides a further advantage in that the apparatus which is used in dismounted form is smaller in size (length/breadth) than for the other solutions. This renders it much more mobile in connection with, for example, transport to a building site. This renders it possible for the mats to be produced to more precise size, length, breadth and thickness at an actual building sire, something which renders it highly flexible. Moreover, it is a major advance in comparison to earlier solutions such that the insulation material is not compressed beforehand. It is first when to be used that it a short second of time in the production process is compressed as the roller is moved over the "glava" element, or the element is pulled in and through the gap between the two rollers pursuant to a beneficial variant of the invention.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended diagrams, wherein: FIG. 1 is an illustration of an insulation mat 200 which the invention handles and processes pursuant to the production method;
FIG. 2 is an illustration in cross-section of the apparatus pursuant to the invention, with the insulation mat installed and in a start position, ready to be pressed for replacing the first gas/air with a second insulation gas (Argon);
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the apparatus seen from above;
FIG. 4 is an illustration similar to FIG. 2, but wherein the roller is moved a distance of approximately halfway over the mat;
FIG. 5 is an illustration of the roller moved completely over to a second side of the mat; and
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternative apparatus embodiment of the two rollers, which are operable to pull in the mat therebetween (into a gap 40 between the rollers).
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross-section of an insulation mat 200. Firstly, a diffusion tight plastics material film or fabric 14 is laid on a support. A normal insulation mat 12, such as one fabricated from mineral wool, is laid onto the fabric 14, and a second corresponding plastics material film 10 is laid onto this again. Around the mat 12, the two fabrics are bonded together by welding or adhesive in a stripe (not shown) around the periphery. The plastics material is of a suitable thickness, such as for a film or fabric.
The first end of the plastics material encapsulation 12/14 comprises one or more openings in the plastics material, namely to the right-hand-side of FIG. 1 , adapted to couple to an exit port 44 in the apparatus 100, whilst the second end comprises a corresponding opening adapted to be coupled to an exit nozzle 30 in the second (left-hand-side) end. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are illustrations also of an apparatus 100 which can be employed pursuant to the invention for handling the insulation mat 200 such that air (a first gas G2) is pressed out and a second gas (the insulation gas referred to as G1 in the diagrams), such as Argon, is filled in.
The apparatus 100 comprises a framework with a seat for placement of the insulation mat 200, coupling units 42, 32 at each end with short pipe supports 44, 30 into which aforesaid openings in the mat 200 can be placed. The first end comprises also a holder for placing a gas cylinder 20 for the insulation gas G1 (Argon) by way of a hose 22 for gas supply to the exit pipe 30.
Along the frame 100, there is arranged two lengthwise rails 26, which are mutually parallel, and one to each side. To each rail, there is mounted a holder 28 which carries a drum or roller 24 whose rolling surface covers completely the transverse region of the seat into which the insulation mat 200 is to be placed. The axle 27 of a pressing drum or roller 24 is fastened/mounted on each side of the seat in respective holders 28.
A motor (not shown) is employed to drive the roller along the frame onto the insulation mat 200, and to move the holder unit along the rails 26. The roller 24 is arranged to roll against the mat with a suitably large force such that the mat 200 is clamped completely together in a contact line 27 across the complete insulation mat 200 in a direction which is orthogonal to the movement direction of the holder unit, and for pushing the air/gas G2 in front towards the exit port 44.
At the first end, there is space for a gas cylinder 20 with a hose 22 for supplying gas G1 into the insulation mat 200 as the roller moves forward.
Pursuant to a variant, the holder 28 with the roller 24 can be permanently mounted, whereas the whole frame with the gas cylinders can be adapted to move, such that the roller passes from the one side to the other side of the mat 200. Variant of the invention
In FIG. 6, there is illustrated where the mat 10 is pulled in between two rollers 24a and 24b which are disposed adjacent of one another and rotate on parallel rotation axles 27a, 27b respectively, in an analogous manner to a clothes roller, with a small gap 40 between the two rollers. The insulation mat is introduced from the right-hand side, and the stationary roller 24a and 24b roll in a coordinated manner, such that they pull the mat in through the gap 40, clamp together and compress the mat in a region of the gap 40, and press the gas G2 out into the end as shown with an arrow G2. The insulation gas G1 is introduced at the second end from a gas cylinder 20 (not shown in Fig. 6) through a connection 22. The two rollers are driven by driving motors (not shown).
Use of the invention
The insulation mat 10/12 is laid in the holder, and the roller is laid down onto the outer surface on the one side. Thereafter, the roller 24 is roller carefully over the mat and presses air out through the exit port 44, whereas Argon gas G1 is supplied through the pipe 30 and into the back side of the roller 24. The gas G1 is pre-dried, such that it does not contain moisture, and preferably without traces of air or Oxygen.
In a next step as illustrated in FIG. 4, a gas is then pumped in which is a poor heat conductor, especially Argon which additionally is dried such that it does not contain moisture H20. In a finished state, the insulation mat 200 appears as illustrated in FIG. 5, where it is released from the apparatus 100. The mat is ready for use as insulation in buildings and similar.
In size, thickness and breadth, the mats can be adapted for studwork in buildings. The mats encapsulated in plastics material can then simply be inserted between the studs. The loose tabs around each mat cell, for example as illustrated in FIG. 1 , can be employed to fasten the mats to the studs, in an event that it is necessary by way of adhesive stapling or nailing. Pursuant to a real preparation, it is possible to employ the following construction of the plastics material encapsulation. A basic layer can be of thermally reflecting metal foil, whereas an overlay can be of plastics material film. The insulating middle layer can be normal air-filled porous insulating material, such as mineral wool or stone- or glass fibre (for example of type Glava).
As a first step, the size is defined for the finished insulation mat that is to be produced:
the insulation layer 12 is implemented in the machine, over a plastics material- or metal foil-layer 14 which forms the bottom;
an overlay plastic material film 10 is laid over the insulation and is adhesive bonded or welded firmly to the underlay (plastics material or foil) around a side periphery.
From the first end, the rollers 24 are moved over the insulation, such that the air G2 is pressed out on the opposite side, wherein the air is replaced by a noble gas G1 (Argon or Krypton) from the other end.
After the air is replaced by noble gas and the rollers are rolled over the other side, the opening ends are adhesively bonded or welded.
The end product is an insulation mat (for example including mineral wool) which is encapsulated in a plastic material encapsulation, for example a thermally reflecting foil, with a few centimetres plastic (tab) which sticks out around for rendering it easier to attach the mat to studs.

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S
1 . A method of replacing a first gas volume G2 which is present within an insulation element (200) including a fluid tight encapsulation material, with a second gas volume G1 , for improving insulation characteristics of the insulation element (200), characterized in that
the first gas G2 within the insulation element is pressed out by way of a pressing body (24) being arranged towards the insulation element (200) with a given force, at a first side of the element (200);
the pressing body (24) and the insulation element (200) are moved relative to one another, and clamp said gas G2 within the element in front of the pressing body (24), such that the gas streams out of a first opening (44) in a first edge side of the insulation element (200): and
the second gas G1 from a gas source (20) is introduced into the insulation element through a second opening (30) in the opposite end of the insulation element (200) on a downstream side of the pressing body (24), whereby the element (200) is emptied of the first gas G2.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the second gas G1 is introduced through the second opening (44) by way of the insulation material (12) within the element (200) expanding downstream from the pressing body (24), and/or that the insulation gas is introduced under pressure through a hose (22) from the gas source (20) which is coupled to the element (200).
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mutual movement between the body (24) and the insulation element (200) is implemented by the pressing body being a roller which, with given pressure, is laid down over the element (200) and presses down the element (200) along a contact line (27), and is moved over the element's (200) surface with a rolling movement with a given downwards force.
4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of a seat region, into which the insulation element (200) is arranged, and the holders which bear the roller are respectively adapted to be moved along their associated guide rails.
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the roller is driven over the insulation element with assistance of a motor.
6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element/mat is clamped together by being introduced between two rotating cooperating rollers (24a, 24b) with a given gap (49) between the rollers, wherein the first gas G2 is pressed out of the element (200) on one side, whilst the second gas G1 is brought to stream in as defined in claims 1 to 5.
7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas G2 in the insulation mat (200) is air which is replaced by a second gas G1 in the form of one or more of the following gases: a noble gas (such as Argon); Nitrogen N2, Carbon Dioxide C02 and Sulphur Dioxide SF6, or a mixture of these.
8. An apparatus for replacing a first gas volume G2 within an insulation element (200) including a fluid tight encapsulation material, with a second gas volume G1 , for improving insulation properties of the insulation element (200), characterized in that the apparatus includes a frame with a seat for processing the insulation mat (200), and a pressing body in a form of a roller (24) which is adapted to be laid down over and moved over the insulation element (200) arranged in the seat.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the roller (24) is adapted to execute a gliding movement or a rolling movement.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the roller is mounted in a holder on each side of the seat region and the holders bear the roller are respectively adapted to be moved along their associated guide rails (26) on each side, and beneficially the roller is rotated and the holders are driven along said guiding rails (26) with help of each holder's corresponding motor, or they are driven by a motor system which is common thereto.
1 1. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the apparatus comprises two mutually cooperating rotatable rollers (24a, 24b) which therebetween form a gap wherethrough the insulation mat (200) is arranged to be moved.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the apparatus includes a holder (28) for a gas cylinder (20) for the second gas (insulation gas) G1 (Argon) with a hose (22) for supplying gas to an exit pipe (30) into an inner portion of the insulation mat (200).
PCT/NO2011/000340 2010-12-10 2011-12-09 Method and apparatus for preparing insulation mats WO2012078050A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20101729A NO333630B1 (en) 2010-12-10 2010-12-10 Method and apparatus for replacing a first gas volume contained inside an insulating element with a second gas volume.
NO20101729 2010-12-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012078050A1 true WO2012078050A1 (en) 2012-06-14

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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NO (1) NO333630B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012078050A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991017326A1 (en) * 1990-04-30 1991-11-14 Walter Lindal Compressible thermal insulation batts sealed in waterproof bags for building construction
US5270092A (en) * 1991-08-08 1993-12-14 The Regents, University Of California Gas filled panel insulation
GB2273722A (en) * 1992-12-22 1994-06-29 Boc Group Plc Inflatable insulation member
US5454642A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-10-03 Novus Packaging Corporation Inflatable flat bag packaging cushion and methods of operating and making the same
US20090061147A1 (en) * 2007-08-28 2009-03-05 Lippy William A System and method for insulating items using a reflective or inflatable insulation panel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991017326A1 (en) * 1990-04-30 1991-11-14 Walter Lindal Compressible thermal insulation batts sealed in waterproof bags for building construction
US5270092A (en) * 1991-08-08 1993-12-14 The Regents, University Of California Gas filled panel insulation
GB2273722A (en) * 1992-12-22 1994-06-29 Boc Group Plc Inflatable insulation member
US5454642A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-10-03 Novus Packaging Corporation Inflatable flat bag packaging cushion and methods of operating and making the same
US20090061147A1 (en) * 2007-08-28 2009-03-05 Lippy William A System and method for insulating items using a reflective or inflatable insulation panel

Also Published As

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NO333630B1 (en) 2013-07-29

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