Abstract Insulation material capable of providing, for any given thickness thereof, a superior combination of thermal and mechanical damage protection, as well as products incorporating such insulation, are disclosed. The insulation is an intumescent composition made from a particulate mixture of elastomeric polymeric materials, a phenolic or comparable resin, a moistureliberating substance, and certain other additives, and produces a hard porous char of low thermal conductivity when subjected to elevated temperatures. Although the mixture may be used in granular form, it is preferably combined with an elastic or flexible resinous binder to enable the mixture to be bonded and molded to the shape required for its use. Depending on the particular application involved, the insulation may be used with or without additional protective facings. A representative product utilizing a layer of such insulation between metal facings is a container construction designed for the shipment of hazardous materials such as radioactive wastes, the construction being characterized by an inner steel drum within an outer steel drum and having the space between the drums filled with the insulation.
A container according to claim 1, wherein both said receptacles are steel drums.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
A container according to claim 1, wherein said insulation composition is in the form of a lining molded to the inner surface of said second receptacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A container according to claim 1, wherein said insulation composition is in the form of a split, multi-section structure capable of being assembled in closely surrounding relation to said first receptacle prior to insertion into said second receptacle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
99 words
A shipping container providing both thermal and mechanical damage protection, comprising a first receptacle for containing the material being shipped, a second receptacle larger than said first receptacle, said first receptacle being disposed within said second receptacle, and an insulation composition occupying the space between said receptacles, said composition being resistant to high energy impacts and capable of forming a hard, porous char of low thermal conductivity upon being subjecTed to high temperatures, and said composition comprising an intumescent particulate mixture of an elastomeric polymeric material, a thermosetting resinous material compatible with said polymeric material, and a moisture-liberating substance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container according to claim 5, wherein both said receptacles are steel drums.