Patent ID: 6983768

Claim:
A pre-formed insulation module for insulating a process component having opposed longitudinally extending contacting surfaces extending along a length thereof and terminal contacting surfaces at each end thereof comprising: (a) at least one first inner insulation layer being constituted of a flexible insulation material having a capacity to withstand thermal shock under cryogenic conditions and having one surface proximate to a surface of a component to be insulated; (b) at least one second outer insulation layer disposed radially outwardly of said inner insulation layer; (c) at least one water vapour barrier layer; (d) a cladding layer distinct from said at least one water vapour barrier layer; and (e) at least one contraction/expansion joint positioned between the ends of the module, said contraction/expansion joint comprising a recess extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of said module and radially outwardly from said one surface, said recess terminating in spaced apart relation to said cladding layer and providing for longitudinal expansion and contraction of said insulation layers.