Method and apparatus for insulating a component of a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank
View Patent ↗A 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.
1. A wand that is used for placing insulation and has:
an outer cylinder that is between 1″ and 3″ in diameter and is at least 10″ long;
an inner cylinder that extends through the outer cylinder;
a proximal cap that connects a proximal end of the outer cylinder to the inner cylinder;
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; and
an air vent on or near the proximal cap that leads to a space between the inner and outer cylinders.
2. The wand as recited in claim 1 , in which the inner and outer cylinders are made of PVC pipe.
3. The wand as recited in claim 1 , in which the air vent on or near the proximal cap comprises at least 2 holes drilled around a central opening of the proximal cap.
4. The wand as recited in claim 1 , in which the air vent on the inner cylinder comprises at least 2 holes drilled about ¾″ from a distal end of the inner cylinder.
5. The wand as recited in claim 1 , in which the inner cylinder projects approximately 2-3″ upwardly from the proximal cap on the proximal end of the outer cylinder.