Patent Publication Number: US-2020290292-A1

Title: Method of using rolled connecting systems for adjacent ends of insulation tubing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/467,437, filed Mar. 23, 2017, the entire content of which is herein incorporated. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to systems and methods for joining adjacent ends of sections of insulation tubing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Insulation tubing is used for pipes and fittings that convey steam, hot materials, condensate, lubricants, cryogenic fluids and cold materials typically used in heating and air conditioning, power facilities, food processing facilities and petrochemical facilities. Thus, insulation tubing is used in a wide array of industrial applications, such as boilers and petrochemical plants, and for a variety of purposes, including, for example, condensation control and energy conservation (e.g., minimizing thermal leakage). 
     Insulation tubing generally is applied in sections to the exterior of the pipe before or after the pipe itself is joined. A problem arises of how to ensure a stable connection between two adjacent sections of insulation tubing placed around the exterior of the pipe. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,784, issued to Princell et al., discloses a pressure-sensitive adhesive insulation structure for joining two adjacent insulation structures. The pressure-sensitive insulation comprises a carrier having a first side and second side. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is in communication with the first side and in communication with the second side for adhering an insulation structure, such as those used to insulate piping. When used for joining two adjacent insulation structures, the carrier remains in place between the adjacent insulation structures. 
     SUMMARY 
     A method of applying a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive to at least two end faces of insulation tubing, using a rolled connection system for adjacent ends of insulated tubing sections having a substrate roll of continuous release liner. Pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members configured to conform with the ends of insulated tubing sections to be joined are spaced at selected distances from each other along the length of the continuous release liner. A second release liner covers each pressure sensitive adhesive material member and includes a tab to facilitate removal of the second release liner from the adhesive material members to facilitate joining juxtaposed face portion of the ends of the insulated tubing to be connected. 
     In some aspects, the present general inventive concept includes a method of applying a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive to at least two end faces of insulation tubing, the method including fitting a first section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to a pipe; peeling a release liner from a continuous substrate roll by holding the substrate, holding a release liner tab of the release liner, and applying a force opposite the substrate to the release liner tab until an exposed pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material release liner detaches from the continuous substrate roll; contacting the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing with the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material of the exposed pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material release liner; applying pressure to the release liner to adhere the exposed pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material to the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing; peeling the release liner from the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material by holding the release liner tab and applying a force opposite the end face of the first section of insulation tubing to expose the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material; and fitting a second section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to the pipe and contacting the at least one end face of the second section of insulation tubing with the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material previously adhered to the first section of insulation tubing. 
     In some aspects, a method of applying a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive to at least two end faces of insulation tubing includes fitting a first section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to a pipe; peeling a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member and attached release liner from a continuous substrate roll that includes multiple pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members configured to conform with end faces of insulation tubing sections, said multiple pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members being spaced at selected distances from each other along the continuous substrate roll&#39;s length, each said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member being covered by a release liner, whereby peeling said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member and attached release liner from said continuous substrate roll exposes one face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member; contacting the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing with the exposed face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member; applying pressure to the release liner to adhere the exposed face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member to the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing; peeling the release liner from said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member; and fitting a second section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to the pipe and contacting the at least one end face of the second section of insulation tubing with the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member previously adhered to the first section of insulation tubing. 
     In some aspects, a method of applying a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive to at least two end faces of insulation tubing includes fitting a first section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to a pipe; peeling a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member and attached release liner from a continuous substrate roll that includes at least three pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members configured to conform with end faces of insulation tubing sections, said continuous substrate roll including a paper-based web and a release coating on the paper-based web, said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material members being spaced at selected distances from each other along the continuous substrate roll&#39;s length, each said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member being covered by a release liner, each said release liner including an inner concentric circle and an outer concentric circle, with the outer concentric circle including a release liner tab protruding tangentially from the outer concentric circle, whereby peeling said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member and attached release liner from said continuous substrate roll exposes one face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive member; contacting the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing with the exposed face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member; applying pressure to the release liner to adhere the exposed face of said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member to the at least one end face of the first section of insulation tubing; peeling the release liner from said pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material member by holding the release liner tab and applying a force opposite the end face of the first section of insulation tubing to expose the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material; and fitting a second section of insulation tubing having at least one end face to the pipe and contacting the at least one end face of the second section of insulation tubing with the pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material previously adhered to the first section of insulation tubing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1A  represents a continuous unperforated substrate roll including spaced pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material (“PSTAM”) each having a release liner; 
         FIG. 1A-1  represents a PSTAM removed from the roll and independent of its associated release liner; 
         FIG. 1A-2  represents a PSTAM including a reinforcement scrim; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a continuous perforated substrate roll having release liners on each PSTAM; 
         FIG. 2  represents an interleaved stack of multiple release liners on spaced PSTAMs; 
         FIG. 3A, 3B and 3C  show PSTAMs and associated release liners; 
         FIG. 4A  represents an exposed PSTAM having been removed from the substrate and covered on one face with a release liner; 
         FIG. 4B  represents the exposed PSTAM being attached with pressure to an end face of insulating tube; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a release liner being pulled away from the PSTAM by the release liner tab; 
         FIG. 5  represents the face of a second of insulating tubing being pressed against the PSTAM adhering to the face of the first section of insulating tubing; 
         FIG. 6A  represents an exposed PSTAM being attached with pressure to an end face of a section of insulating tubing; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a release liner being removed in the direction of the arrows by the tab to leave the PSTAM exposed on the insulation tubing face; 
         FIG. 6C  represents the PSTAM exposed on the first section of insulation tubing and ready for adhesion to the second section of tubing; 
         FIG. 6D  represents an installer about to remove the release liner from the adhesive PSTAM with the assistance of the tab; 
         FIG. 6E  represents an installer fitting a second section of insulation tubing around a continuous pipe; and 
         FIG. 6F  represents the installer pressing the second section of tubing against the previously exposed PSTAM to form a continuously insulated pipe. 
         FIG. 7  represents a generally rectangular release liner tab. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Continuous rolls of adhesive elements configured to join the faces of two congruent sections of insulation tubing around pipe are disclosed. The continuous rolls include multiple release liners with the associated pressure sensitive transfer material. The roll may be perforated to allow individual release liners or a subset of release liners with the associated pressure sensitive transfer material to be removed from the roll. The release liners include a tab to facilitate removal of the release liner from the adhesive before joining the faces of insulation tubing. The substrate of the roll may include a substrate tab to facilitate removal of the substrate from the adhesive before applying the adhesive to one face of the insulation tubing. 
       FIG. 1A  represents a continuous unperforated substrate roll  100  including multiple release liners  110  on a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive material (“PSTAM”)  120 . Thus, the multiple release liners  110  are on the PSTAM  120  and the PSTAM  120  is on the continuous unperforated substrate roll  130 . The continuous unperforated substrate roll  130  is formed from a paper-based web  140  with a release coating  150  on the paper-based web  140  to facilitate release of the PSTAM  120 . The web  140  may be a siliconized liner, and the like. The release coating  150  may be made from glassine and the like. 
       FIG. 1A-1  represents the PSTAM  120  independent from the release liners  110  and the substrate roll  130 . The PSTAM  120  has a thickness  122  compatible with joining the desired insulation tubing. The thickness  122  of the PSTAM  120  may be from 0.038 to 0.13 mm., from 0.05 to 0.10 mm., from 0.06 to 0.09 mm., and from 0.07 to 0.08 mm., for example. Different thicknesses of the PSTAM  120  may be used based on the insulation tubing. 
     The PSTAM  120  is a pressure sensitive transfer adhesive that adheres to a surface that the adhesive is pressed against after contact. Thus, the PSTAM does not adhere or does not adhere well to a surface unless pressure is applied to “activate” the adhesive. The PSTAM  120  may be made from adhesives including acrylic-based, water emulsion acrylics, and the like. Other pressure sensitive transfer adhesives that release from the substrate roll  130  and the release liners  110 , but adhere to the desired insulation tubing may be used as the PSTAM  120 . 
       FIG. 1A-2  represents the PSTAM  120  as including a reinforcement scrim  125 . The PSTAM  120  may include a “scrim” or open web of reinforcing threads. The reinforcement scrim  125  reinforces the physical structure of the PSTAM  120  to remain intact as a single body or layer during and after application between two adjacent sections of insulation tubing. The scrim may include a fine, lightweight material worked in a crisscrossed pattern internal to and surrounded by the adhesive material. Generally, the crisscrossed pattern of the scrim leaves substantial apertures allowing the free through-penetration of the adhesive material, while still providing structural reinforcement to maintain the adhesive material as a single body. While referred to as a “scrim”, the threads that form the reinforcement may be cotton, nylon, polyester, and other materials that provide the desired reinforcement to the PSTAM  120 . The reinforcement function provided by the reinforcement scrim  125 , also may be provided in forms other than by a thread, thus by a polymer having higher density and thus less flexibility than the polymer/s that form the adhesive material of the PSTAM  120 , or by a glass filler, for example. 
       FIG. 1B  represents a continuous perforated substrate roll  160  including the multiple release liners  110  on the PSTAM  120 . Unlike the continuous unperforated substrate roll  100  of  FIG. 1A , the perforated substrate roll  160  of  FIG. 1B  includes perforations  170  through perforated substrate  135  of the roll surrounding the multiple release liners  110 . However, the perforations  170  do not completely surround the multiple release liners  110 . Instead, the perforations  170  stop tracking the circumference of the multiple release liners  110  to form a substrate tab  180 . While  FIG. 1B  represents the tangential protrusion angle of the substrate tab  180  at approximately 90° in relation to the perforation circumference, other tangential protrusion angles may be used for the substrate tab  180 . The substrate tab  180  allows for each of the release liners  110 , with the associated PSTAM  120  and perforated substrate  135 , to be individually removed from the continuous perforated substrate roll  160 . Thus, unlike for the continuous unperforated substrate roll  100  of  FIG. 1A , the continuous perforated substrate roll  160  of  FIG. 1B  allows individual release liners  110  with the associated PSTAM  120  and the associated perforated substrate  135  to be removed and individually carried. 
     The continuous perforated substrate roll  160  also may have additional lateral perforations  175  through the perforated substrate  135  providing for a rectangular section of the perforated substrate  135  with the one or multiple release liners  110  to be separated from the continuous perforated substrate roll  160 . In this way, one or more rectangular sections of the continuous perforated substrate roll  160  may be separated at the lateral perforations  175  and carried without the need to transport the continuous perforated substrate roll  160 . 
       FIG. 2  represents an interleaved stack  200  of the multiple release liners  110 . While  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  represent the multiple release liners  110  on continuous rolls  100 ,  160 , the rolls can take the form of the interleaved stack  200 . Thus, as used herein, the term “roll” also applies to an interleaved stack. In the case of the continuous unperforated substrate roll  100 , creases may be placed in the substrate  130  to facilitate folding. In the case of the continuous perforated substrate roll  160  creases may be used if the continuous perforated substrate roll  160  lacks the additional lateral perforations  175 . When the additional lateral perforations  175  are present, folding is facilitated along the additional lateral perforations  175 . 
     In  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C  each release liner  310 , and thus the associated PSTAM  320 , on which each of the release liners  310  resides, forms outer  312  and inner  314  concentric circles with a central opening, as commonly observed in a doughnut. The outer concentric circle  312  includes a release liner tab  316  protruding tangentially from the outer concentric circle  312  of the release liner  310 . The release liner tab  316  may be formed from the same material that forms the release liner  310  or a separate part adhered, fused, and the like to the release liner  310 . While  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C  represent the tangential protrusion angle of the release liner tab  316  as approximately 90°, other tangential protrusion angles may be used for the release liner tab  316 . The PSTAM  320  may reside under the release liner tab  316 , but the release liner tab  316  may not be on the PSTAM  320 . In addition to rounded, the release liner tab  316  may take other shapes, such as generally rectangular release liner tab  716  of FIG. 7 . Other release liner tab shapes may be used that are consistent with pealing the release liner from the PSTAM. 
     In  FIG. 3A , the inner concentric circle  314  of the release liner  310  has an inner diameter  340  that is slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the pipe to be insulated. While other inner concentric circle diameters may be used, inner concentric circle diameters that are slightly larger than 6 millimeters (mm.) to 105 mm. may be used. A distance  350  between the inner concentric circle  314  and an outer concentric circle diameter  360  of the release liner  310  determines the thickness of the insulation tubing that may be joined with the PSTAM  320  when released from the substrate  330 ,  335  and the associated release liner  310 . While other outer concentric circle diameters may be used, outer concentric circle diameters from 12 mm. to 80 mm. may be used. 
     A cut  376  may be placed along the distance  350  through the release liner  310  and the PSTAM  320 . Thus, the cut  376  may run from the outer concentric circle  312  to the inner concentric circle  314  of the release liner  310 . While the cut  376  may extend through the substrate  330 ,  335 , this is not required. The cut  376  allows for the release liner  310  and the associated PSTAM  320  when separated from the substrate  330 ,  335  to be placed around a pipe that is continuous, thus joined at both ends with other pipe. The cut  376  is used to slip the release liner  310  including the PSTAM  320  around the pipe to be insulated. If the cut  376  is omitted, the release liner  310  and the associated PSTAM  320  are configured for placement around pipes having at least one un-joined end. 
     When the release liner  310  is peeled from the substrate  330 ,  335  of the roll, the PSTAM  320  associated with the release liner  310  has a greater affinity for the release liner  310  than for the substrate  330 ,  335 . Peeling is preferably facilitated by holding the substrate  330  or substrate tab  380  with a downward force while holding and applying an upward force to the release liner tab  316 . Peeling the release liner  310  from the substrate  330 ,  335  breaks adhesion of the PSTAM  320  with the substrate  330 ,  335  to expose the face of the PSTAM  320  opposite the release liner  310 . 
       FIG. 4A  represents an exposed PSTAM  400  that may be used to join adjacent ends of sections of insulation tubing. The exposed PSTAM release liner  400  includes a release liner  410  and an exposed PSTAM  420 .  FIG. 4B  represents the exposed PSTAM release liner  400  being attached with pressure to an end face  455  of a first section of insulation tubing  450 .  FIG. 4C  represents the release liner  410  being pulled away from the PSTAM  420  by release liner tab  416 , so the PSTAM  420  remains adhered to the end face  455  of the first section of insulation tubing  450 . Thus, after pressure is applied to the release liner  410 , the PSTAM  420  has a greater affinity for the end face  455  of the first section of insulation tubing  450  than for the release liner  410 . 
       FIG. 5  represents an end face  556  of a second section of insulation tubing  552  being pressed against the PSTAM  420  previously adhered to the end face  455  of the first section of insulation tubing  450 . The pressure applied to the PSTAM  420  by the first and second sections of insulation tubing  450 ,  552  results in the end face  455  of the first section of insulation tubing  450  being adhered to the end face  556  of the second section of insulation tubing  552  by the PSTAM  420 . 
       FIG. 6A  represents an exposed PSTAM  600  being attached with pressure to an end face  655  of a first section of insulation tubing  650 . The first section of insulation tubing  650  is placed around a continuous pipe  625 . Unlike previously depicted with regard to  FIG. 4B , as the continuous pipe  625  is being insulated in  FIG. 6A , a cut  676  in the exposed PSTAM release liner  600  is used to place the exposed PSTAM release liner  600  around the continuous pipe  625 . Pressure is applied to the release liner  610  so the exposed PSTAM  620  is adhered to the end face  655  of the first section of insulation tubing  650  and wraps around the exterior circumference of the continuous pipe  625 . The inner concentric circle  614  of the exposed PSTAM release liner  600  uses the exterior circumference of the continuous pipe  625  as a positioning guide to press the exposed PSTAM release liner  600  against and contact the end face  655  of the first section of insulation tubing  650  and to adhere the PSTAM  620  to the end face  655  of the first section of insulation tubing  650 . 
       FIG. 6B  represents the release liner  610  being removed from the PSTAM  620  by the release liner tab  616  to leave the PSTAM  620  exposed on the end face  655  of the first section of insulation tubing  650 .  FIG. 6C  represents the PSTAM  620  exposed on the end face  655  of the first section of insulation tubing  650 , and thus ready for adhesion to a second section of insulation tubing (not shown). 
       FIG. 6D  represents a human operator about to remove the release liner  610  from the adhered PSTAM  620  with the assistance of the release liner tab  616 .  FIG. 6E  represents the human operator fitting a second section of insulation tubing  652  around the continuous pipe  625 . The operator is about to adhere the second section of insulation tubing  652  to the previously exposed PSTAM  620  by moving the second section of insulation tubing  652  along the continuous pipe  625 .  FIG. 6F  represents the human operator pressing the second section of insulation tubing  652  against the previously exposed PSTAM  620 , which also is in contact with the first section of insulation tubing  650 , to form a continuously insulated pipe. In this way, the first section of insulation tubing  650  and the second section of insulation tubing  652  are joined, with the PSTAM  620  between and adhering to both sections of insulation tubing. 
     To provide a clear and more consistent understanding of the specification and claims of this application, the following definitions are provided. 
     The term “on” is defined as “above” and is relative to the orientation being described. For example, if a first element is deposited over at least a portion of a second element, the first element is said to be “deposited on” the second. In another example, if a first element is present above at least a portion of a second element, the first element is said to be “on” the second. The use of the term “on” does not exclude the presence of substances between the upper and lower elements being described. For example, a first element may have a material over its top surface, yet a second element over at least a portion of the first element and its top material can be described as “on” the first element. Thus, the use of the term “on” may or may not mean that the two elements being related are in physical contact with each other. 
     While various aspects of the invention are described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.