Patent ID: 6782922
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A fibrous pipe insulation system, comprising:a tubular core of fibrous insulation having a length and a longitudinal axis; the tubular core having a substantially cylindrical outer surface; the tubular core having a substantially cylindrical inner surface; the tubular core having a wall extending between the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface; the wall of the tubular core having a radially extending thickness; the wall of the tubular core having a first slit extending completely therethrough; the first slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular core for the length of the tubular core; the tubular core having a second slit in the inner surface of the tubular core; the second slit being substantially opposite the first slit; the second slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular core for the length of the tubular core; and the second slit extending only partially through the wall of the tubular core to form a longitudinally extending hinge in the tubular core that permits the tubular core to be opened and closed to place the tubular core about a pipe; a polymer coating layer coextensive with the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the tubular core and forming with the tubular core, a coated tubular core; the polymer coating layer being flexible so that the coated tubular core can be opened, placed about a pipe, and closed without cracking the coating; and the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the core having a first radius; the substantially cylindrical inner surface of the core having a second radius; and for a temperature at the substantially cylindrical inner surface of the core between 35Â° F. and 65Â° F. and a temperature of 90Â° F. and a relative humiditiy of 90% at the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the core, a dew point temperature is attained within the wall of the core at a radial distance less than the first radius and spaced inwardly from the substantially cylindrical outer wall of the core and greater than the second radius and spaced outwardly from the substantially cylindrical inner wall of the core.