Innovative self-drying concept for thermal insulation of cold piping

摘要

In the paper an innovative Self-Drying concept, the Hygro-Wick concept for thermal insulation of cold piping is described. The concept is based on the wicking action of certain fabrics to remove by capillary suction condensed water vapour from the pipe surface to the outer surface of the insulation/jacket, from where it will evaporate/diffuse into the ambient air. Hence the concept will prevent long term accumulation of moisture in the insulation material. Theoretical and experimental results for two different embodiments of the concept is given: The Self-Drying system and the Self-Sealing system.