WO2025056856A1 - Thermal insulation housing with metal sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal insulation housing (10) comprising: two side walls (12, 14), and a plurality of metal sheets (24, 26) each having two opposite edges (28, 30) substantially parallel to each other, the two opposite edges of each of the metal sheets being connected respectively to said two opposing side walls (12, 14) in such a way that said sheets are held parallel to one another and at a distance from one another, defining successive air layers (82). Said two opposing side walls (12, 14) each comprise at least one row (74, 76) of teeth, the teeth of said row being regularly spaced apart from one another, defining gaps for receiving said edges (28, 30) in engagement.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the invention: Thermal insulation box with metal sheets

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal insulation housing comprising a plurality of parallel metal sheets.

[0002] One area of application envisaged is in particular, but not exclusively, that of industrial installations, for example in the nuclear or chemical industry.

[0003] It is known to produce thermal insulation boxes containing a plurality of metal sheets held parallel to each other and equidistant from each other. In this way, a succession of relatively airtight air blades is created inside the box, which make it possible to contain the transmission of thermal energy, in particular by convection.

[0004] In addition, the metal sheets chosen are made of stainless steel, and they have a shiny surface which also makes it possible to attenuate the transmission of thermal energy, by radiation.

[0005] These reflective metal sheets usually have a thickness of less than 1/10 of a millimeter, for example 5/100 of a millimeter, and they are kept spaced apart from each other by a distance of around 10 millimeters.

[0006] To do this, they are welded onto the inner walls of the housing, which is also made of stainless steel.

[0007] Also, they generally have bosses uniformly distributed over their entire surface so that they can be kept at a distance from each other by contact in the areas far from the walls.

[0008] Such insulation boxes have many advantages compared to boxes filled with fibrous insulation such as wool, for example. In fact, fibrous insulation tends to age quickly when subjected to high temperatures and, in addition, the binders they contain, particularly formaldehyde, can be re-emitted to the outside.

[0009] On the other hand, the production of these boxes including metal sheets takes much longer to complete. The sheets must in fact be welded one by one by their edges on the walls of the box. [0010] Also, a problem that arises and that the present invention aims to solve is to produce thermally insulating metal boxes, not only with greater productivity in order to be able to reduce the cost, but also with good reproducibility.

[0011] For this purpose, and according to a first object, a thermal insulation box is proposed comprising: on the one hand, two side walls each having two substantially parallel opposite edges, said two side walls being held in a fixed position facing each other, while the two opposite edges of one of said two side walls are respectively parallel to the two opposite edges of the other of said two side walls; and on the other hand, a plurality of metal sheets each having two substantially parallel opposite edges, the two opposite edges of each of the metal sheets being respectively connected to said two facing side walls substantially parallel to said two edges, so that said sheets are held parallel to each other and at a distance from each other, delimiting successive air blades.

[0012] Said two facing side walls each comprise at least one row of teeth extending substantially perpendicular to said two opposite edges, the teeth of said row being regularly spaced from each other, defining gaps for receiving said edges in engagement.

[0013] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of rows of teeth, separated from each other by gaps, in the side walls of the housing so as to be able to quickly install the metal sheets without needing to weld their edges. The edges of the metal sheets are in fact engaged and wedged in the gaps.

[0014] In addition, the rows of teeth are pre-installed on a support which can be welded into the side walls. In this way, it is easy to produce teeth of the same size, spaced apart from each other by the same distance to obtain gaps of identical width and themselves spaced apart from each other by the same distance.

[0015] Furthermore, several such supports can be installed in the side walls depending on the dimensions of the metal sheets, but also in the other walls of the housing, as will be explained in the remainder of the description. [0016] Furthermore, the side walls are held facing each other, but they are not necessarily parallel to each other. Therefore, the metal sheets can then take on cylindrical shapes.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the teeth of said row of teeth has lateral claws extending respectively in projection into said interstices. In this way, when the edges of metal sheets are engaged in the interstices, the claws can become embedded in the edges so as to better maintain the edges in the interstices.

[0018] Advantageously, said two facing side walls each comprise at least one double row of teeth facing each other. Such a double row is for example obtained from a U-shaped metal profile, having a bottom and two parallel wings and by making slots perpendicular to the profile and simultaneously in the two wings to create gaps. The double slots are then created equidistant from each other to obtain the same tooth width.

[0019] The profile thus split can then be placed against the walls and welded to them as will be explained in the rest of the description.

[0020] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, each of said metal sheet edges has a fold defining a folding edge and a sharp edge opposite said folding edge. Thanks to such an embodiment, the metal sheet edges are trapped between the teeth. To do this, the width of the fold is less than the depth of the gaps. In this way, when the edge is engaged between two contiguous teeth, the sharp edge engages in the claws, and prevents the edge from returning. It is then trapped in the gap as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0021] This provides a method of joining the metal sheet border and the wall that does not require any welding.

[0022] Preferably, the metal sheets of said plurality of metal sheets have uniformly distributed bosses. Also, metal sheets are provided with two different patterns of distribution of the bosses. And the patterns are then alternated so that the bosses of two contiguous sheets do not coincide with each other. [0023] Furthermore, said two side walls are advantageously connected to each other by a front wall and an opposite rear wall, parallel to said metal sheets. The front and rear walls make it possible in particular to keep the side walls facing each other. It will be observed that the front and rear walls can have a cylindrical shape, like the metal sheets which extend between them.

[0024] Furthermore, said two side walls are preferably connected to each other by an upper wall and an opposite lower wall, perpendicular to said metal sheets. The upper and lower walls can also be connected to the front and rear walls so as to form a completely closed housing in which the metal sheets extend parallel to each other. In this way, the air gaps extending between the metal sheets are relatively sealed from each other and from the outside. In this way, good thermal insulation of the wall covered with such a housing is ensured.

[0025] According to another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, one of said two side walls has a rear edge provided with a keying finger, while said rear wall has a keying orifice capable of receiving said keying finger. In this way, when producing the housing, the operator is guided in the adjustment of the rear wall and the two side walls.

[0026] Preferably, said upper wall comprises a first rear edge having a first mark, while said rear wall comprises a first upper edge having a corresponding first mark for connecting said first rear edge and said first upper edge together. The two marks are then carried in accordance with each other to also facilitate the assembly of the housing.

[0027] Furthermore, said upper wall comprises a first lateral edge having a first tab, while one of said lateral walls has a second upper edge having a corresponding upper notch, for connecting together said first lateral edge and said second upper edge. The tab has a width perfectly coinciding with the width of the notch, so that the operator is again guided in the assembly of the different walls. [0028] According to a second object, a thermal protection assembly is proposed comprising a plurality of insulation boxes as described above. Thus, the boxes of said plurality of boxes are juxtaposed and attached to the structure to be insulated. [0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[Fig. 1] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a housing according to the invention;

[Fig. 2] is a schematic detail view of a first element of the object of [Fig. 1];

[Fig. 3A] is a schematic detail view of a second element of the object of [Fig. 1];

[Fig. 3B] is a schematic detail view of the object of [Fig. 2] combined with the object of [Fig. 3A];

[Fig. 4] is a partial schematic top view of a first set of elements of the object of [Fig. 1];

[Fig. 5] is a schematic exploded perspective view of another set of elements shown in [Fig. 1];

[Fig. 6] is a schematic perspective view of the detail of the cooperation of two elements shown in [Fig. 5];

[Fig. 7] is a schematic perspective view of a detail of another element shown in [Fig. 5];

[Fig. 8] is a partial schematic perspective view of two other elements shown in [Fig. 5] cooperating with each other; and,

[Fig. 9] is a partial schematic perspective view of two further elements shown in [Fig. 5] capable of cooperating with each other.

[0030] [Fig. 1] shows in exploded perspective a thermal insulation box 10 according to the invention. It comprises two side walls 12, 14, a front wall 16 opposite a rear wall 18, and a lower wall 20 opposite an upper wall 22. One 12 of the two side walls 12, 14 has a front longitudinal edge 13 and an opposite rear longitudinal edge 15, while the other side wall 14 has another front longitudinal edge 17 and another opposite rear longitudinal edge 19. [0031] The six walls are intended to form a closed housing inside which a plurality of metal sheets 24, 26 regularly spaced from each other will be installed.

[0032] The walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 are made of stainless steel. Also, they advantageously have a thickness of between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, for example 0.6 mm.

[0033] As for the metal sheets 24, 26, they are also made of stainless steel. They have a thickness preferably between 50 μm and 100 μm. In addition, they have a surface finish giving them a high shine. Furthermore, the metal sheets 24, 26 are of cylindrical symmetry. In other words, the metal sheets 24, 26 are not flat and they are defined by a generating curve based on a circular directrix curve. As will be explained below, the curvature of the metal sheets 24, 26 is relatively small and it depends on the radius of the installations which must be thermally insulated.

[0034] Also, it will be observed that the two side walls 12, 14 are rectangular and flat. And, they have the same width and a height advantageously between four and eight times said width.

[0035] On the other hand, the front 16 and rear 18 walls are rectangular, but cylindrical in shape, like the metal sheets 24, 26.

[0036] They have the same height as the side walls 12, 14, while the rear wall 18 is substantially wider than the front wall 16. The width of the lower 20 and upper 22 walls is here substantially equal to their height.

[0037] As regards the lower 20 and upper 22 walls, they are flat and in the form of annular segments. Their width is equal to that of the side walls 12, 14, and their two curved longitudinal edges respectively have lengths equal to the width of the front 16 and rear 18 walls, so as to be able to form a sealed closed housing.

[0038] Also, the metal sheets 24, 26 have a constant height close to the height of the side walls 12, 14, while their width is substantially progressive, from the front wall 16 towards the rear wall 18.

[0039] Therefore, the stack of cylindrical metal sheets 24, 26 is able to be housed in the housing 10, itself of cylindrical shape. [0040] A difficulty that can be overcome by the subject of the invention lies in the connection between the metal sheets 24, 26 and the walls of the housing 10.

[0041] Thus, the metal sheets 24, 26 each have two opposite lateral edges 28, 30, which will be engaged between the teeth of rows of teeth. In addition, the metal sheets 24, 26 respectively have a lower edge 27 opposite an upper edge 29. These two edges 27, 29 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] We will now refer to [Fig. 2] showing a section of U-shaped profile 32 making it possible to produce two rows 34, 36 of teeth 38, 40 respectively facing each other.

[0043] The U-shaped profile 32 has a bottom 42 and two facing wings 44, 46. Thus, by making transverse slots along transverse planes Pt, in the two facing wings 44, 46 and equidistant from each other, the two rows 34, 36 of teeth 38, 40 are formed. The transverse slots are here made every 10 mm. They can be every 8 mm or every 6 mm, or even every 12 mm. These values are in no way limiting. The teeth 38, 40 of the two rows 34, 36 are respectively separated from each other by gaps 48, 50 corresponding to the transverse slots.

[0044] The teeth 38, 40 thus have a free edge 52. In addition, the two opposite corners 54, 56 of each of the teeth 38, 40 are chamfered. In this way, the gaps 48, 50 are flared at the free end 52 of the teeth 38, 40.

[0045] As will be explained in more detail below, the lateral edges 58, 60 of each of the teeth 38, 40 have claws located in the upper part, towards the free end 52.

[0046] [Fig. 3A] partially shows one 24 of the metal sheets 24, 26. We find one 28 of its two edges 28, 30. It has a fold 64 which defines a crease 66 and a fold edge 68. Also, the fold 64 has a sharp edge opposite the fold edge 68.

[0047] Given the metallic nature of the sheets 24, 26, the fold 64 remains substantially inclined relative to the mean plane of the sheet 24. And in addition, when the edge 28 is pinched, the fold 64 comes to rest flat against the rest of the sheet, then it returns to its inclined position when it is released. [0048] Each of the edges 28, 30 of each of the metal sheets 24, 26 has a fold 64 as illustrated in [Fig. 3A],

[0049] The advantage of this will be explained with regard to [Fig. 3B]. On the latter, we find a partial side view according to arrow IIIB of the U-shaped profile 32 shown in [Fig. 2]. Also, we find the teeth 40 of one of the rows 36, regularly spaced from each other, which mask those 38 of the other row 34. We also find the interstices 50, 48 regularly spaced from each other as well, and lateral claws 72, extending laterally from the teeth 38, 40, in the interstices 48, 50.

[0050] Also, it will be observed that the lateral claws 72 extend into the interstices 48, 50 towards the bottom 42 of the U-shaped profile 32, forming anti-return hooks.

[0051] And we also find the edges 28 of three metal sheets 24, 26, 24, engaged respectively in three times two interstices 50, 48, so that the folding edge 68 is in abutment against the bottom 42 of the profile 32, while the sharp edge 70 of the fold 64 is engaged in the claws 72. It is understood that the chamfered corners 54, 56 and the resulting widening of the interstices 48, 50, make it easier to engage the edges 28 of the metal sheets 24, 26 across the interstices 50, 48.

[0052] When the edges 28 are engaged in translation according to the arrow F in the interstices 50, 48, the folds 64 tend to flatten to penetrate therein. And they release elastically to engage in the claws 72.

[0053] It is thus understood that the edges 28 are trapped in the interstices. Because in fact, if conversely one attempts to remove the metal sheets 24, 26, 24, the sharp edge 70 comes back, in abutment against the claws 72 and prevents this extraction.

[0054] We will refer again to [Fig. 1], on which we find an upper U-shaped profile 74 and a lower U-shaped profile 76, which are completely analogous to the U-shaped profile 32 as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. They thus constitute two double rows of teeth.

[0055] Thus, the edges 28 of all the metal sheets 24, 26 are successively engaged in the interstices of the U-shaped profiles. Also, only the bottom 42 appears in [Fig. 1]. It will be observed that the metal sheets 24, 26 are identified and ordered, since their width varies substantially from the front wall 16 to the rear wall 18. Advantageously, the interstices 50, 48 are themselves identified and ordered to facilitate the engagement of the metal sheets 24, 26.

[0056] Conversely, the other edges 30 of the metal sheets 24, 26 have upper and lower U-shaped profiles at the same level.

[0057] However, the U-shaped profiles 74, 76 are shown in [Fig. 1] integral with the edges 28 of the metal sheets 24, 26, for the purpose of explanation. Because in fact, the U-shaped profiles 74, 76 are first welded transversely by their bottom 42, inside the side walls 12, 14.

[0058] Then, advantageously, the two side walls 12, 14 are connected respectively edge to edge to the front wall 16.

[0059] And then, the two edges 28, 30 of each of the metal sheets 24, 26 are engaged respectively and successively from the front wall 16, in the interstices of the two double rows of teeth 74, 76, of one 12 and the other 14 of the side walls. [Fig. 4] thus illustrates, seen from above, the plurality of metal sheets 24, 26.

[0060] Also, it will be observed that the metal sheets 24, 26 have two different boss patterns, a first distribution of bosses 78 for the odd metal sheets 24, and a second distribution of bosses 80 offset relative to the first, for the odd metal sheets 26. In this way, all the bosses 78, 80 come to bear against the contiguous metal sheets outside the imprint of the bosses of the sheet on which they bear.

[0061] Consequently, the metal sheets 24, 26 remain in a fixed position spaced from each other, delimiting a plurality of air blades 82.

[0062] Also, it will be observed in [Fig. 4] that the plurality of metal sheets 24, 26 is provided, substantially equidistant from the two opposite side walls 12, 14, with a type of U-shaped profile 84 mounted on the upper edges 28 of the metal sheets 24, 26 in order to connect these metal sheets together to the upper wall 22 of the housing 10.

[0063] The U-shaped profile 84 also has a double row of teeth and the same number of teeth providing the same number of gaps. On the other hand, the teeth here are devoid of claws.

[0064] Just as for the side walls 12, 14, shown in [Fig. 1], the U-shaped profile 84 is pre-installed inside the upper wall 22. Consequently, the upper wall 22 equipped with the U-shaped profile 84 is attached to the plurality of metal sheets 24, 26 so that each of the edges 29 of the metal sheets 24, 26 engages in a gap, while the upper wall 22 joins edge to edge, the two side walls 12, 14 and the front wall 16.

[0065] Such a type of U-shaped profile 84 is similarly installed inside the lower wall 20, so as to be able to connect the lower edges 27 of the metal sheets 24, 26 to the lower wall 20. It also joins edge to edge the two side walls 12, 14 and the front wall 16.

[0066] The side walls 12, 14 and the lower 20 and upper 22 walls can be respectively connected together using a spot welding method. To do this, the edges of these walls are provided with suitable tabs. In the same way, the front wall 18 is also connected to the side walls 12, 14, lower 20 and upper 22 by welding.

[0067] On the other hand, the rear wall 18 is connected to the side walls 12, 14, lower 20 and upper 22, in a removable manner. In this way, it is possible to easily access the interior of the housing 10.

[0068] We will now refer, first of all, to [Fig. 5] on which we find the housing 10 in exploded perspective and only the side walls 12, 14, lower 20, upper 22, front 16 and rear 18, then subsequently to [Fig. 6], [Fig. 7], [Fig. 6], [Fig. 6], to illustrate a keying system aimed at the rapid assembly of the housing 10.

[0069] Thus, the prior assembly of the two side walls 12, 14 and the front wall 16 does not cause any difficulty, because the front wall 16 has a plane of transverse symmetry.

[0070] The upper wall 22 has a keying tab 86, while one 14 of the two side walls 12, 14 has a keying notch 88 adapted to receive the keying tab 86. Thus, in [Fig. 8] we see in detail the keying tab 86 of the upper wall 22 engaged in the keying notch 88 of the side wall 14.

[0071] Therefore, the lower wall 20 can only be adjusted in the opposite direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the upper wall 22 has a first first median notch 90, while the lower wall 20 has two second first notches 90. notches 92, 94 symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane of the posterior wall 18. The two second first notches 92, 94, formed in the edge of the lower wall 20, are illustrated more precisely in [Fig. 7]

[0073] Also, in order to orient the rear wall 18, in its predetermined position, it has a first second median notch 96 in its upper edge, and two second second lower notches 98, 100 in its lower edge.

[0074] Thus, the rear wall 18 is applied edge to edge, against the edges of the other walls 12, 14, 20 and 22, so that the first second median notch 96 coincides with the first first median notch 90, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], while the two second lower notches 98, 100 coincide respectively with the two second first notches 92, 94.

[0075] In addition, one of the lateral edges of the rear wall 18 has a keying hole 102, while the free edge of the side wall 14 has a keying finger 104. The keying finger 104 and the keying hole 102 are illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 9]. And the keying finger 104 is adapted to be engaged through the keying hole 102 when the rear wall 18 is applied against the edge of the other walls.

[0076] Thus, thanks to these keying means, the assembly of the housing 10 can be carried out quickly without risk of error.

[0077] The invention also relates to a thermal protection assembly comprising a plurality of housings 10 as described above. The housings 10 are then juxtaposed around a cylindrical tank or a cylindrical reactor for example in order to limit thermal losses.

Claims

[Claim 1] i Thermal insulation housing (10) comprising: - two side walls (12, 14) each having two opposite edges (13, 15; 17, 19) which are substantially parallel, said two side walls being held in a fixed position opposite one another, while the two opposite edges (13, 15) of one (12) of said two side walls are respectively parallel to the two opposite edges (17, 19) of the other (14) of said two side walls; - a plurality of metal sheets (24, 26) each having two opposite edges (28, 30) substantially parallel to each other, the two opposite edges of each of the metal sheets being respectively connected to said two facing side walls (12, 14) substantially parallel to said two edges (13, 15; 17, 19), so that said sheets are held parallel to each other and at a distance from each other, delimiting successive air blades (82); characterized in that said two facing side walls (12, 14) each comprise at least one row (34, 36) of teeth (38, 40) extending substantially perpendicular to said two opposite edges (13, 15; 17, 19), the teeth of said row being regularly spaced from each other by defining gaps (48, 50) for receiving said edges (28, 30) in engagement. [Claim 2] Thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the teeth (38, 40) of said row (34, 36) of teeth has lateral claws (72) extending respectively in projection into said interstices (48, 50). [Claim 3] Thermal insulation box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said two facing side walls (12, 14) each comprise at least one double row (34, 36) of teeth (38, 40) respectively facing each other. [Claim 4] Thermal insulation box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of said edges (28, 30) of metal sheet has a fold (64) defining a folding edge (68) and a clean edge (70) opposite said folding edge. [Claim 5] Thermal insulation box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the metal sheets (24, 26) of said plurality of metal sheets have uniformly distributed bosses (78, 80). [Claim 6] Thermal insulation box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said two side walls (12, 14) are connected to each other by a front wall (16) and an opposite rear wall (18), parallel to said metal sheets (24, 26). [Claim 7] Thermal insulation box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said two side walls (12, 14) are connected to each other by an upper wall (22) and an opposite lower wall (20), perpendicular to said metal sheets (24, 26). [Claim 8] Thermal insulation box according to claim 6 or 6 and 7, characterized in that one (14) of said two side walls has a rear edge provided with a keying finger (104), while said rear wall (18) has a keying orifice (102) capable of receiving said keying finger. [Claim 9] Thermal insulation box according to claim 6 and 7 or 7 and 8, characterized in that said upper wall (22) comprises a first rear edge having a first mark (90), while said rear wall (18) comprises a first upper edge having a corresponding first mark (96) for connecting together said first rear edge and said first upper edge. [Claim 10] Thermal insulation box according to claim 6 and 7 or 7 and 8 or 9, characterized in that said upper wall (22) comprises a first lateral edge having a first tab (86), while one of said lateral walls has a second upper edge having a corresponding upper notch (88), for connecting together said first lateral edge and said second upper edge. [Claim 11] A thermal protection assembly comprising a plurality of insulation housings (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.