Pipe heat transfer assembly and method of making same

Abstract

Pipe heat transfer assembly and method of making same, wherein a strip of heat transfer material is pre-shaped to a solid flexible form for closely .[.comforming.]. .Iadd.conforming .Iaddend.with a heat transfer element for either heating or cooling and which is also pre-shaped to fit closely within an external channel member, whereby the entire assembly may be more easily and rapidly installed with unskilled labor in the field on a pipe to be heated or cooled, using retaining band means as the holding means for the assembly, with the assurance of complete coverage of the heat transfer element by said heat transfer material so as to eliminate air gaps. The heat transfer material may be pre-shaped by molding or extruding, with the heat transfer element embedded therein during such pre-shaping, or with a preformed space for the heat transfer element. The heat transfer material is solid, capable of retaining its shape, and remains flexible, after pre-shaping, within the normal temperature range to which the material is subjected, preferably within a range of from about 10° F. to about 120° F.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of making a pipe heat transfer assembly adapted for mounting on a pipe or the like having a channel member with heat transfer material and a heat transfer element in the channel member, the improvement comprising the steps of: preshaping heat transfer material to a solid flexible shape-retaining elongated strip prior to mounting said heat transfer material on a pipe or the like;   embedding a heat transfer element in said heat transfer material prior to mounting said heat transfer material on such pipe or the like; and,   said preshaping including shaping the external surface of said strip to closely conform to the interior of the channel member and to such pipe or the like to which the assembly is to be applied.   
     
     
       2. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein said embedding includes the steps of: preforming said heat transfer material with a cavity for said heat transfer element; and   inserting said heat transfer element into said cavity after the preforming thereof.   
     
     
       3. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein said heating element includes: a plurality of electric resistance heating wires extending longitudinally of the strip and completely surrounded by said heat transfer material.   
     
     
       4. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein said heating element includes: a tube for a heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough.   
     
     
       5. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: said heat transfer material, after said preshaping, remains flexible without any significant flow within a temperature range of from about 10° F. to about 120° F.   
     
     
       6. The method set forth in claim 1, including: positioning the channel member over said preshaped heat transfer material with the heat transfer element therewith; mounting said pipe heat transfer assembly on such pipe or the like; and   thereafter placing clamping bands around the channel member and such pipe or the like on which the assembly is disposed to secure the assembly to the pipe.   
     
     
       7. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein: said heat transfer element is embedded in said heat transfer material during the preshaping thereof. .Iadd. 8. A method of making a pipe heat transfer assembly adapted for mounting on a pipe or the like having a channel member with heat transfer material and a heat transfer element in the channel material, the improvement comprising the steps of:   preshaping heat transfer material to a solid, flexible shape-retaining elongated strip prior to mounting said heat transfer material on a pipe or the like;   preforming said heat transfer material with a cavity for a heat transfer element;   inserting said heat transfer element into said cavity after the preforming thereof; and   said preshaping including shaping the external surface of said strip to closely conform to the interior of the channel member and to said pipe or   
     
     
        the like..Iaddend..Iadd. 9.  The method set forth in claim 8, wherein said heating element includes: a tube for a heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough..Iaddend..Iadd. 10. A method of insulating a heat transfer element which is mounted on a pipe or the like for more effective heating or cooling of said pipe, comprising the steps of:   preshaping heat transfer material to a solid shape-retaining elongated strip having a preformed space conforming to the shape of a heat transfer element;   preshaping the external surface of said strip to conform to the interior of a channel member;   mounting said preshaped heat transfer material over said heat transfer element so that said heat transfer element is positioned in said preformed space; and   positioning said channel member over said heat transfer material..Iaddend..Iadd. 11. A method of making a heat transfer assembly adapted for mounting on a pipe or the like having a channel member with heat transfer material and a heat transfer element in the channel member, the improvement comprising the steps of:   preshaping heat transfer material to a solid, flexible shape-retaining elongated strip prior to mounting said heat transfer material on a pipe or the like;   embedding a heat transfer element in said heat transfer material; and   said preshaping including shaping the external surface of said strip to closely conform to the interior of the channel member and to said pipe or the like..Iaddend.