Metal silicone hybrid insulating structures and methods therefor

Abstract

A thermally insulated structure comprises a conduit and an end cap that is coupled to the conduit. In especially preferred aspects, the conduit is insulated with a first and second insulation material, wherein the end cap is coupled to the conduit and the second insulation material, and wherein the first insulation material is disposed between the conduit and the second insulation material. It is further preferred that the end cap has a thermal dissipation zone that allows use of the second flexible and fluid resistant isolation material isolation without thermal degradation, even where the temperature in the conduit exceeds 500° F., or more.

1 . A method of thermally insulating a conduit having an outer surface, comprising:
 coupling to the outer surface of the conduit an end cap;   wherein the end cap has a first engagement portion that is configured to allow coupling of the first engagement portion to the conduit, and wherein the end cap has a second engagement portion;   wherein the end cap further comprises a thermal dissipation zone that is located between the first and second engagement portions;   wherein the thermal dissipation zone is configured to allow radiation of heat received from the first engagement portion in an amount sufficient to allow retention of a second insulation material on the second engagement portion without thermal degradation of the second insulation material;   coupling a first insulation material to the outer surface of the conduit; and   coupling the second insulation material to the first insulation material and to the second engagement portion, wherein the second insulation material is a flexible and fluid resistant material.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of coupling the first engagement portion to the conduit comprises resistance welding. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap comprises two independent portions that are separately coupled to the conduit, and wherein the two independent portions are optionally coupled to each other after coupling to the conduit. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of coupling the first engagement portion to the conduit comprises a step of positioning a portion of the first insulation material between the outer surface and the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein first and second engagement portions circumferentially enclose the conduit, and wherein the thermal dissipation zone extends in radial direction from the conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap is manufactured from a metal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first insulation material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a mineral material, a ceramic material, a refractory carbon material, and an organic polymer material, and wherein the second insulation material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a silicon material, a fiberglass material, and a Teflon material. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second insulation material is a composite material and comprises a metal layer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second insulation material comprises a silicone, and further comprising a step of curing the silicone to form a continuous structure. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of curing the second insulation material to form a continuous structure. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second engagement surface and the second insulation material are coupled together via an adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit conveys a high-temperature fluid having a temperature of at least 700° F. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal dissipation zone comprises at least one of a corrugated shape, a curved shape, a straight shape, and a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         14 . A thermally insulated conduit made by the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A thermally insulated structure, comprising:
 a conduit having an outer surface, and an end cap coupled to the conduit;   wherein the end cap has a first engagement portion that is configured to allow coupling of the first engagement portion to the conduit, and wherein the end cap has a second engagement portion;   wherein the end cap further comprises a thermal dissipation zone that is located between the first and second engagement portions;   wherein the thermal dissipation zone is configured to allow radiation of heat received from the first engagement portion in an amount sufficient to allow retention of a second insulation material on the second engagement portion without thermal degradation of the second insulation material;   a first insulation material coupled to the outer surface of the conduit;   wherein the second insulation material is coupled to the first insulation material and to the second engagement portion; and   wherein the second insulation material is a flexible and fluid resistant material.   
     
     
         16 . The thermally insulated structure of  claim 15 , further comprising a spot weld or seam weld between the outer surface and the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         17 . The thermally insulated structure of  claim 15 , wherein the second insulation material is a composite material and comprises a metal layer. 
     
     
         18 . The thermally insulated structure of  claim 15 , wherein the second insulation material comprises silicone. 
     
     
         19 . The thermally insulated structure of  claim 15 , further comprising an adhesive between the second engagement portion and the second insulation material. 
     
     
         20 . The thermally insulated structure of  claim 15 , wherein the thermal dissipation zone comprises at least one of a corrugated shape, a curved shape, a straight shape, and a plurality of protrusions.