초록 ▼

A new process for insulating the void in a thermal distance piece in a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank uses a vacuum source to draw insulation into the TDP. Two remotely spaced openings to the void are provided. A strainer is temporarily mounted in one of the openings. The other opening is

A new process for insulating the void in a thermal distance piece in a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank uses a vacuum source to draw insulation into the TDP. Two remotely spaced openings to the void are provided. A strainer is temporarily mounted in one of the openings. The other opening is connected to a suction wand. The wand has an inner cylinder that extends through an outer cylinder and projects outwardly from a proximal end of the outer cylinder. Distal air vents are provided on the inner cylinder, near a distal cap that connects distal ends of the cylinders. Proximal air vents are provided on a proximal cap that connects a portion of the inner cylinder to a proximal end of the outer cylinder. The distal end of the wand is inserted into a container of insulation. When a vacuum is drawn through the opening with the strainer, the insulation is drawn through the wand and into the void.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method that is used to insulate a void in a component of a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank, and includes the steps of: providing a first opening to the void; providing a second opening to the void;providing a strainer on the first opening;connecting one end of a pipe or tube to the se

1. A method that is used to insulate a void in a component of a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank, and includes the steps of: providing a first opening to the void; providing a second opening to the void;providing a strainer on the first opening;connecting one end of a pipe or tube to the second opening;drawing a vacuum through the first opening; andinserting another end of the pipe or tube into a container of insulation, resulting in the insulation being drawn by the vacuum through the pipe or tube and into the void;wherein the pipe or tube is part of a wand, the wand comprising:an outer cylinder;an inner cylinder that extends through the outer cylinder;a proximal cap that connects proximal ends of the inner and outer cylinders;a distal cap that connects a portion of the inner cylinder to a distal end of the outer cylinder;an air vent on the inner cylinder, near the distal cap; andan air vent on or near the proximal cap. 2. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the component is a thermal distance piece. 3. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the first and second openings each have a diameter of between ¾″ and 2″. 4. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the openings are provided by removing a plug from a pipe coupling or threadolet. 5. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the strainer is removed after the insulation is drawn into the void. 6. A method as recited in claim 1, that also includes the step of: sealing a portion of the component prior to drawing the vacuum. 7. A method as recited in claim 1, that also includes the steps of: wrapping a portion of the component with plastic sheeting prior to drawing the vacuum. 8. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the vacuum is drawn to at least 2″ of HG. 9. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the insulation is perlite insulation or granular insulation. 10. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the container of insulation is a bag of perlite insulation or granular insulation. 11. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the second opening is spaced remotely from the first opening. 12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer cylinder is between 1″ and 3″ in diameter and is at least 10″ long.