Patent ID: 6994822
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: B29C,B29L,F25D

Abstract:
1. A method of thermally insulating a hollow metal structure having a plurality of wall surfaces that are interconnected in such a manner as to be susceptible to leakage therebetween, comprising the steps of: forming a hollow liner composed of a thermoplastic material, said liner having wall shapes corresponding to those of the wall surfaces of the hollow metal structure; placing said hollow liner over the hollow metal structure with its wall shapes being in substantial registry with the corresponding wall surfaces of the hollow metal structure; pressurizing said hollow liner so as to cause it to expand outwardly against the wall surface of the hollow metal structure; heating said hollow liner so as to cause it to partially liquify and flow more closely against, and adhere to, the wall surfaces of the hollow metal structure; allowing said hollow liner to cool so as to thereby increase its viscosity and; depressurizing said hollow liner and sealing it to create a dead air space therein.