The invention relates to an insulation product for insulating a conduit, to a method for manufacturing an insulation product, to a method for insulating a condui t and to an assembly of at least one such insulation product and a conduit.

Different conduits have different dimensions. Insulation of such conduits furthermore requires different filling materials and a different thickness, depending on the desired insulating value. It must therefore be possible to provide insulation products with different coverings and with different filling materials. Known insulation products are typically prefabricated having the desired dimensions and the desired material by their manufacturer, and then stored and transported to their destination. Storage and transport have a not inconsiderable ecological impact. As a result, known insulation products have a considerable ecological impact.

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to limit the ecological impact of conduit insulation.

The invention provides for this purpose a method for manufacturing an insulation product for insulating a conduit. The method comprises: arranging an amorphous, insulating filling material against at least one film of a per se amorphous material; and manufacturing a row of enclosing channels in the at least one film. All this is here such that the filling material is enclosed in at least one enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels and, when enclosed, the filling material takes on a form in accordance with the dimensions of the at least one enclosing channel is order to obtain at least one insulation tube in the at least one film.

In this way it is possi ble to make use of only the amount of amorphous material and/or only the amount of filling material found to be needed at the work-site. Material waste can thus be reduced, and an ecological saving is also achieved in the transport of the material which would thus otherwise have been wasted.

Tn this way it is moreover possible to make it more difficult for the filling material to move significantly in the interior of the insulation product, which in the longer term could result in certain parts of the insulation product performing less well. This is because the filling material, since it is enclosed in a row of a plurality of enclosing channels, cannot move freely, or can do so only to limited extent, for instance with a view to a good adjacency of materials. Use is in this way made of various types of filling material, even cumbersome filling material or filling material which is not very cohesive (having little cohesion), so that insulating materials which are less ecologically harmful can also be better utilized to insulate the conduit, which in turn helps limit the ecological impact,

In the context of the invention 'insulation' and 'insulate' can be understood to mean particularly thermal insulation, acoustic insulation or both thermal and acoustic insulation. In addition, 'conduit' can be understood to mean a pipe-like body for transport of all manner of substances, particularly fluids but also solid substances (such as flour, sugar, salt and other bulk materials). The conduit can be linear, but can also be a so-called fitting piece, i.e. a curved, thickened, narrowed and/or branched body. In this context the cross-section of a conduit can be substantially circular, but also elliptical or polygonal, or take yet another form.

According to a determined preferred embodiment, the filling material taking on a form comprises at least a form of the cross-section changing substantially because the or each relevant enclosing channel settles in an energy-efficient manner on the basis of the filling material which is enclosed. The skilled person will particularly appreciate that the fillirig material takes on a form in accordance with the dimensions of the enclosing channel to greater extent than that the enclosing channel itself takes on a form in accordance with the enclosed filling material - although it is of course possible to have a limited deformation of the enclosing channel in accordance with the enclosed filling material take place.

According to a preferred embodiment, the arranging of the filling material comprises arranging a first quantity of filling material in at least one first enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels, which at least one first enclosing channel is associated with a first zone of the conduit. The arranging of the filling material also comprises arranging a second quantity of filling material in at least one second enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels, which at least one second enclosing channel is associated with a second zone of the conduit, which second zone lies at a different position than the first zone. The first quantity differs here from the second quantity in accordance with a difference between the surface area of respectiveiy the first zone and the second zone.

According to another preferred embodiment, the at least one film comprises either the same film for a plurality, preferably all, enclosing channels of the row of enclosing channels, or comprises an individual piece of film for each enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, the or each enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels comprises along its longitudinal direction an open end, and the method comprises closing the open end of the or each enclosing channel.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, the filling material is in bulk state, at least while being arranged. This means that it is in non-packaged state, for instance loose or having little cohesion.

According to another preferred embodiment, the method comprises measuring at least one dimension of the conduit for insulating; and calculating on the basis of the at least one measured dimension at least one dimension of the row of enclosing channels for manufacturing. The amorphous, insulating filling material is here arranged against the at, least one film in accordance with the at least one calculated dimension; and the row of enclosing channels is manufactured in the at least one film in accordance with the at least one calculated dimension.

According to a further developed embodiment, the method moreover comprises entering the at least one measured dimension into a device for manufacturing an insulation product.

Calculating of the at least one dimension of the row of enclosing channels comprises here calculating thereof on the basis of the at least one dimension entered into the device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises closing at least one and preferably both longitudinal outer ends of the at least one enclosing channel.

According to another preferred embodiment, arranging of the filling material comprises arranging at least one strip of filling material over at most a delimited portion of the length of the or each corresponding enclosing channel. The method moreover comprises closing the boundaries of the delimited portion.

According to a further developed embodiment, the closing comprises joining mutually opposite walls of the relevant enclosing channel.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, the manufacturing comprises arranging the row of enclosing channels substantially parallel to each other; and/or arranging the row of enclosing channels at regular intermediate distances.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, the manufacturing comprises: forming a first sub-row of enclosing channels and a second sub-row of enclosing channels with a form complementary thereto; and having the first sub-row of enclosing channels and the second sub-row of enclosing channels engage in each other aitematingly in order to obtain the row of enclosing channels. In this context 'alternatmgly' can be understood to mean 'alternating from the one element to the other element', for instance in an 'ABABAB... ' structure. In addition, in this context 'sub-row' can be understood to mean a part of a row, for instance a plurality of (not necessarily contiguous) elements of a row.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filling material has a lambda value of a maximum of 0.2 W/m.K, preferably a maximum of 0.1 W/m.K, more preferably a maximum of 0.05 W/m.K, most preferably a maximum of 0.025 W/m.K.

According to another preferred embodiment, the filling material comprises at least one of the following materials: perlite; aerogel; and discarded insulating material: and/or the filling material is made cohesive by means of sodium silicate.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, at least the side of the at least one film to be directed away from the conduit for insulating is manufactured from a material such that the insulation product is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with European standard EN 13501 -1 : European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class si; and European burning droplets class dO. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises fixing a cover foil at a side of the at least one film to be directed away from the conduit for insulating. The cover foil is preferably manufactured here from a material such that the insulation product is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with European standard EN 13501 -1 ; European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class sl; and European burning droplets class dO.

According to a further developed preferred embodiment, the cover foil is fixed at the side of the row of enclosing channels to be directed away from the conduit for insulating by means of at least one of the following processes: adhering, hot-welding, stitching axid/or stapling.

According to another further developed preferred embodiment, the cover foil is manufactured from a material chosen from the following: mineral wool; basalt fiber cloth; fibre- reinforced aluminium; and non-woven basalt.

According to yet another further developed preferred embodiment, the cover foil has a thickness of between 0,5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises coupling a shoulder of at least one enclosing channel of the formed row of enclosing channels, as seen along the cross- section of this at least one enclosing channel, to its other shoulder, preferably by means of at least one of the following processes: adhering, hot-welding, stitching and/or stapling.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, the amorphous material is a thermoplastic material.

According to another preferred embodiment, the amorphous material is a polymer material, preferably polypropylene.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, the method comprises preventing the arranging of filling material in at least one enclosing channel of the formed row of enclosing channels, which at least one enclosing channel is suitable, as indicator channel, for indicating where the insulation product can be cut.

The invention also provides a method for insulating a conduit, which method comprises: manufacturing at least one insulation product according to any of the above described

embodiments; and arranging the manufactured at least one insulation product on the conduit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises securing the arranged at least one insulation product by winding it, at least once around an outer wall of the conduit for in sulating and by closing its winding seam, preferably along its longitudinal direction.

The invention also pro vides an insulation product for insulating a conduit. The insulation product comprises at least one film of a per se amorphous material, in which at least one film a row of enclosing channels is manufactured. An amorphous, insulating filling material is here enclosed in at least one enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels in a manner such that the enclosed filling material lias taken on a fomi in accordance with the dimensions of the at least one enclosing channel, such that at least one insulation hibe is formed in the at least one film.

According to a preferred embodiment, the row of enclosing channels comprises at least one first enclosing channel which is associated with a first zone of the conduit, in which at least one first enclosing channel is arranged a first quantity of filling material. The row of enclosing channels comprises here at least one second enclosing channel which is associated with a second zone of the conduit, which second zone lies at a different position than the first zone, in which at least one second enclosing channel is arranged a second quantity of filling material. The first quantity differs here from the second quantity in accordance with a difference between the surface area of respectively the first zone and the secoud zone.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, the at least one film comprises either the same film for a plurality of, preferably all, enclosing channels of the row of enclosing channels, or comprises an individual piece of film for each enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels.

According to specific embodiment, the or each enclosing channel of the row of enclosing channels comprises along its longitudinal direction a closable open end (i.e. an open end which can be closed).

According to another specific embodiment, at least one and preferably both longitudinal outer ends of the at least one enclosing channel are closed.

According to yet another specific embodiment, the at least one enclosing channel has at least one enclosing channel in which filling material is enclosed over at most a delimited portion of its length, and wherein the boundaries of the delimited portion are closed.

According to a further developed preferred embodiment, mutually opposite walls of the relevant enclosing channel are joined.

According to another preferred embodiment, the filling material is in bulk state.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, ihe row of enclosing channels is arranged substantially mutually parallel; and/or the row of enclosing channels is arranged at regular intermediate distances.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, the row of enclosing channels comprises a first sub-row of enclosing channels and a second sub-row of enclosing channels with a form complementary thereto. The first and the second sub-row of enclosing channels here engage in each other alteraatingly.

Acco rding to a preferred embodiment, the filling material has a lambda value of a maximum of 0.2 W/m.K, preferably a maximum of 0.1 W/m.K, more preferably a maximum of 0.05 W/m.K, most preferably a maximum of 0.025 W/m.K. According a specific embodiment, the filling material comprises at least one of the following materiais: perliie; aerogel; and discarded insulating material; and/or the filling material is made cohesive by means of sodium silicate.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least the side of the at least one film to be directed away from the conduit for insulating is manufactured from a material such that the insulation product is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with European standard EN 13501-1 : European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class si ; and European burning droplets class dO.

According to yet, another preferred embodiment, the insulation product comprises a cover foil fixed at a side of the at least one film to be directed away from the conduit for insulating. The cover foil is preferably manufactured here from a material such that the insulation product is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with European standard EN 13501-1 : European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class sl; and European burning droplets class dO.

According to a further developed preferred embodiment, the cover foil is fixed at the side of the row of enclosing channels to be directed away from the conduit for insulating by means of at least one of the following processes: adhering, hot-welding, stitching and/or stapling.

According to another further developed preferred embodiment, the cover foil is manufactured from a material chosen from the following: mineral wool; basalt fiber cloth; fibre- reinforced aluminium; and non-woven basalt.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, the cover foil has a thickness of between 0,5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between I mm and 5 mm.

According to a particular preferred embodiment, a shoulder of at least one enclosing channel of the formed row of enclosing channels, as seen along the cross-section of this at least one enclosing channel, is coupled to its other shoulder, preferably by means of at least one of the following processes: adhering, hot-welding, stitching and/or stapling.

According to another preferred embodiment, the amorphous material is a thermoplastic material.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the amorphous material is a polymer material, preferably polypropylene.

According to a specific preferred embodiment, the row of enclosing channels comprises at least one indicator channel in which essentially no filling material is enclosed.

The invention also provides an assembly of at least one insulation product according to any of the above described embodiments and a conduit for insulating, wherein the or each insulation product is arranged on the conduit for insulating. According to a preferred embodiment, the or each arranged insulation product is wound at least once around an outer wall of the conduit for insulating. Its winding seam is here preferably closed along its longitudinal direction. The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention:

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment;

Figures 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of a conduit, insulated with an exemplary embodiment of the insulation product according to the invention, for instance such as the embodiments shown in any of the Figures 1-9;

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a part of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing an insulation product, for instance an insulation product as shown in any of the Figures 1-9;

Figures 12A-12B and 13A-13B are perspective views (of respectively the front side and the rear side) of a respective conduit for insulating with a fitting piece and said conduit, insulated with an exemplary embodiment of the insulation product according to the invention, for instance such as the embodiments shown in any of the Figures 1 -9; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention; and

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product according to the invention.

The same or similar elements are designated in, the accompanying drawing with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. Insulation product 1 has a side 9 A to be directed toward the conduit for insulating (not shown), so away from the surrounding area, and a side 9B to be directed away from the conduit for insulating, so toward the surrounding area. Insulation product 1 comprises a row of enclosing channels, a first enclosing channel 10 of which is shown in cross-section in this figure. The figure shows a flexible film 2 (i.e. a pliable, soft yet still strong film, for instance of polypropylene or another suitable plastic; such a film can be obtained by manufacturing it in situ in or close to the work-site where the conduit for insulating is situated, or by manufacturing it elsewhere and winding it onto a roll or a reel and then unwinding it in situ in or close to the worksite - an element is 'flexible" if it does not break or crack when it is deformed, particularly folded), preferably of a per se amorphous material, and a cover foil 8 (for instance a basalt fleece or a fibre- reinforced aluminium foil), which is attached to amorphous material 2 by means of an attachment 7 (for instance art adhesion or a hot weld, although stitching or staples or the like could for instance also be used). In the variant shown here the first enclosing channel 10 comprises a wall 5 manufactured from the film 2 of the amorphous material. The embodiment shown here shows shoulders 1 1 and 12, which designate in this example the transition between wall 5 of the actual channel and Ihe rest of film 2. In the embodiment drawn here filling material 4 is enclosed in the first enclosing channel 10. Filling material 4 preferably has a lambda value of a maximum of 0.2 W,½.K, preferably a maximum of 0.1 W/m.K, more preferably a maximum of 0.05 W/HLK, most preferably a maximum of 0.025 W/m.K - filling material 4 can for instance be chosen from the following: perlite, aerogel and/or discarded insulating material. Filling material 4 is preferably chosen so that it was in bulk state at least during filling of enclosing channel 10, meaning that filling material 4 was then not form-retaining, and was for instance able to be dispensed or poured into first enclosing channel 10 in the form of loose particles or particles having little cohesion, wherein filling material 4 takes on a form in accordance with the dimensions of first enclosing channel 10. By filling first enclosing channel 10 with sufficient filling material 4, the cross-section of this first enclosing channel 10 takes on a slightly round form - in a theoretical idealization even spherically round - because the assembly of filling material 4 and enclosing channel 10 settles in an energy-efficient manner. By taking on this form in accordance with the dimensions of the first enclosing channel 10 an insulation tube (i.e. an at least approximately cylindrical insulating ridge) is obtained in film 2. In this embodiment it is advantageous for cover foil 8 to preferably be manufactured from a material such that insulation product 1 is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with the European standard EN 13501 -1 known to the skilled person: European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class si; and European burning droplets class dO.

In an alternative embodiment it is possible that filling material 4 is arranged not directly against film 2, but with interposing of one or more other elements (not shown), such as for instance one or more intermediate material layers, for instance in order to improve the resistance to tearing, the form-retention and/or the heat resistance.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 , but without the cover foil 8 and attachment 7 shown there. Instead, the at least one film 2 is coupled at the position of shoulders 1 1 and 12 of first enclosing channel 10 by means of attachment 6, which can comprise for instance for instance stitching, sewing yam, staples or the like (but could for instance also comprise adhesive or a heat weld or the like), so as to thus manufacture the enclosing channel 10 solely from the af least one film 2. In this second embodiment it is advantageous to embody particularly the side 9B of insulation product 1 to be directed toward the surrounding area in a material or with a finish such that insulation product 1 is manufactured in at least one of the following classes in accordance with the European standard EN 13501-1 known to the skilled person: European fire class B or less combustible; European smoke class si ; and European burning droplets class dO.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This third embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with the understanding that the distance between shoulders 1 1 and 12 of first enclosing channel 10 takes a relatively greater fonn in this third embodiment, so that the cross-section of first enclosing channel 10 is hers more lens-shaped than spherical as in Figure 1 , although it will nevertheless be understood thai the enclosing channel 10 in which the filling material 4 is thus enclosed can for this embodiment also be referred to as an insulation tube.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This fourth embodiment corresponds to the third embodiment of Figure 3, with the understanding that in this fourth embodiment the film 2 is formed such that the cross- section of the first enclosing channel 10 is more rounded and polygonal, here rectangular, than lens-shaped, as in Figure 3. This is for instance possible by making use of filling material 4 with more compression strength.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This fifth embodiment comprises both an attachment 7 between film 2 and cover foil 8, as in Figure 1. and attachment 6, as in Figure 2, to couple shoulders 11 and 12. This fifth embodiment otherwise corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This figure shows a plurality of enclosing channels 10-40 of the row of enclosing channels, wherein it becomes apparent (by respective hatching and non-hatching of the cross-section) whether an enclosing channel is respectively filled or conversely not filled with filling material 4. In this embodiment enclosing channels 10, 20 and 40 are filled with filling material, and enclosing channel 30 is prevented from being filled with filling material so that enclosing channel 30 is empty (i.e. without or almost without filling material). Enclosing channel 30 can in this way for instance be used as indicator channel, as will be further described below with reference to Figure 11. In this sixth embodiment an optional cover layer 13 is also coupled on the side 9A of insulation product 1 to be directed toward the conduit for insulating, for instance in order to better hold the row of enclosing channels in place and/or in order to make insulation product 1 easier to handle. Moreover formed in each case between the enclosing channels 10-40 of the row of enclosing channels is an intermediate space, which can for instance be emptied, in order to allow the enclosing channels space to settle in efficient manner around a conduit for insulating (not shown). Air pockets can thus moreover result, in which gas, such as air, is contained between the enclosing channels (and amorphous material 2 and cover layer 13), which air pockets can contribute to the insulation of the conduit. This advantage can also apply to other embodiments described above or below.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This seventh embodiment corresponds to the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 6, with the understanding that the row of enclosing channels comprises a first sub-row of enclosing channels 10, 30, 50 and a second sub-row of enclosing channels 20, 40 with a form complementary thereto. As shown, the first sub-row of enclosing channels 10, 30, 50 and the second sub-row of enclosing channels 20, 40 engage in each other altematingly herein.

"Altematingly" can be understood here to mean "alternating from the one to the other, for instance just as a series of tongue and groove connections", in the embodiment shown here a cover foil 8 can be fixed on the upper side 9B of insulation product 1 (i.e. the side to be directed away from the conduit for insulating), just as for the embodiment of Figure 4. A cover layer 13, similar to cover foil 8, can be fixed on the underside 9 A of the insulation product (i.e. the side to be directed toward the conduit for insulating). An additional difference of this seventh embodiment relative to the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 6 is that it has optionally been chosen here to use different filling materials 4A and 4B for filling respectively the first and the second row of enclosing channels - this is shown in the figure by the use of hatching at different angles. Alternatively, the same filling material can of course be used.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This eighth embodiment corresponds to the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, with the understanding that, in addition to attachment 6A (for instance similar to attachment 6 of Figure 2), it has here also been chosen to additionally fix the rest of film 2 to wall 5 (which is formed from the remaining shown part of film 2) by means of attachment 6B, which can comprise for instance stitching, staples, yarn or the like (although attachment by means of adhesion or hot -welding or the like could for instance also be opted for here). A more compact form for insulation product 1 is thus achieved.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1. Also visible in this figure are several other enclosing channels of the row of enclosing channels, particularly enclosing channels 20-50, and the shoulders 21 -22, 31 -32, 41 -42 and 51 -52 in film 2, where film 2 in each case transitions between the respective walls 5. In this figure the side 9A to be directed toward the conduit for insulating is more easily visible. In the shown embodiment it can be seen that the row of enclosing channels is formed at (at least essentially) regular intermediate distances, and moreover mutually parallel.

Figures lOA-lOC show cross-sectional views of a conduit L which is i nsulated with an exemplary embodiment of the insulation product 1 according to the invention, for instance such as the embodiments shown hi any of the Figures 1-9, by arranging this insulation product 1 against conduit L. it can be seen in all three figures how the dimensions of insulation product 1 can depend on the dimensions of conduit L. At least one dimension of the conduit for insulating is preferably measured for this purpose, and at least one dimension of the row of enclosing channels is calculated on the basis of the at least one measured dimension. In this example the inner periphery of placed insulation product 1 (i.e. the periphery of insulation product 1 where it touches the conduit L around which it is placed) depends in each case on the periphery of the conduit L, and thus mathematically also on the diameter D of the conduit L. In order to achieve that at least one layer of insulation product 1 can be wound around the conduit L (for instance in order to prevent the creation of cold bridges) a whole number of multiples of this periphery can preferably be opted for for the inner periphery of placed insulation product 1 , for instance once as in Figure iOA or twice as in Figures 10B and IOC. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10B the two layers of insulation product 1 are placed on each other as discrete layers 1 A and IB, while the layers in the embodiment shown in Figure 10C are formed by winding insulation product I as a spiral. In the variants of figures 10B and 10C the winding seam created thereby (i.e. the seam along the length of conduit L, where the layers of the wound insula tion product meet) can prefes'ably be closed, preferably along the longitudinal direction. This is for instance possible in thai the winding seam is stapled along the longitudinal direction, or for instance in that a metal wire is wound round the insulation product and is tied up, or for instance in that an adhesive tape is arranged over the winding seam.

Figure 11 shows a schematic view of a part of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing an insulation product 1 , for instance an insulation product as shown in any of the Figures 1-9. The figure shows particularly the manufacture of four insulation products 1A, IB, IC and ID for four (parts of) conduits, (here) each with different dimensions, by means of a device 100 for manufacturing such an insulation product. The embodiment shown here of the method for manufacturing the insulation products optionally comprises measuring at least one dimension of the conduit for insulating, preferably the outer periphery, the outer diameter and/or a dimension equivalent thereto, after which at least one dimension of the row of enclosing channels for manufacturing is calculated on the basis of the at least one measured dimension. This calculation can for instance produce as a result, among other things, a pitch distance for the row of enclosing channels, a pattern of enclosing channels or the like. This calculation can preferably indicate thai a minimum of 4 enclosing channels, preferably 6 enclosing channels, more preferably a minimum of 12 enclosing channels, most preferably a minimum of 18 enclosing channels are required, for instance proportional to the outer periphery of the conduit for insulating, and for instance set the pitch distance between the individual enclosing channels in accordance therewith. The enclosing channels in this way take a sufficiently small form to prevent much movement of filling material 4 in the relevant insulation product. An amorphous material, preferably at least one flexible film, for instance a polymer film, is then unwound by device 100 and the row of enclosing channels is manufactured therein, preferably in accordance with the at least one calculated dimension. At least one enclosing channel of the formed row of enclosing channels is then at least partially filled with an insulating filling material, for instance by means of filling tubes 101 and 102 which can fill through both inlets of the enclosing channels such that at least one insulation tube is obtained. The filling material can alternatively be arranged as at least one strip of filling material, preferably in accordance with the at least one calculated dimension. The figure particularly shows that in the third insulation product IC the whole manufactured lenglh of the row of enclosing channels is filled with filling material, wherein the outer ends of the relevant enclosing channels are closed (i.e. shut), for instance by stapling, adhering, hot-welding or stitching them shut. In the fourth insulation product ID the manufactured length of the row of enclosing channels is not wholly filled, but is filled only partially by arranging the filling material over at most a dslimited portion of the length of the respective enclosing channels so that an empty space 14D remains, for instance because (a part of) a conduit has a length shorter than the whole manufactured length of the row of enclosing channels. The separation between insulation product ID and empty space I4D can for instance be ensured by closing the boundaries of the delimited portion in which the row of enclosing channels of insulation product ID is filled, for instance by stapling, adhering, hot -welding or stitching them shut. An empty indicator channel {i.e. enclosing channel not filled with filling material, or hardly so) can be provided between the different insulation products 1 A- ID, or a plurality of adjoining such empty indicator channels, along which a worker can easily cut the film on the work-site in order to separate the different insulation products 1A-1D from each other without having to waste too much material. The first and second insulation product 1 A and IB serve to insulate fitting pieces (i.e. bends or other curved parts the length of which has a certain curvature, narrowed portions and/or thickened portions, T-pieces and so on) of a conduit (for which purpose empty spaces 14 A and 14C have been left) and are partially filled in complementary manner using the same row of enclosing cliarmeis, wherein material waste is limited, by providing an intermediate space 14B between the two.

In the first and second insulation product 1 A and IB the fitting piece of the conduit for insulating has been taken into consideration in the partial filling, such thai a different quantity of filling material is arranged in different enclosing channels of the row of enclosing channels associated with different zones, lying at different positions, of the conduit for insulating, in accordance with a difference between the surface areas of these respective different zones. This will be further described hereinbelow on the basis of insulation product IB, with reference to Figures 12A-12B and OA- LIB. Determined enclosing channels are for this purpose only partially filled (i.e. only over a delimited portion of their length), in accordance with their intended position more on the inner side or on the outer side of the fitting piece, as will be elucidated with reference to Figures 12A-12B and 13A-13B, Designated in particular here for the second insulation product IB are zone ZA with a limited degree of filling (this meaning in this embodiment: over a relatively shorter length), zones ZB and ZD with a moderate degree of filling and zone ZC with a relatively high degree of filling (this meaning in this embodiment: over a relatively longer length), which loop around in the sense that zone ZA is adjacent to both zone ZB and zone ZD when the insulation product is wound around the conduit. In addition to or instead of filling over a relatively shorter or relatively longer length of the enclosing channel, in an alternative embodiment a filling over an equal length of the enclosing channel can be opted for, but with a relatively larger or relatively smaller amount of filling material. This can be particularly useful for fitting pieces comprising a narrowed portion and/or a thickened portion.

Figures 12A-12B and 13A-13B show perspective views (of respectively the front side and the rear side) of a respective conduit L for insulating with a fitting piece (in this case a bend, i.e. a curved part of the conduit L) and said conduit L, insulated with an exemplary embodiment of the insulation product according to the invention, for instance such as the embodiments shown in any of the Figures 1-9. The two shown condui ts L have a shorter inner side 16 of the fitting piece and a longer outer side 17 of the fitting piece, is accordance with the curvature of the bend. When an embodimeni of an insulation product according to the invention, particularly the second insulation product IB of Figure 11, is wound round this part of the conduit L, zone ZA can be allocated to this shorter inner side 16 as zone ZA' and zone ZC can be allocated to this longer outer side 17 as zone ZC. Zone ZB can for instance be allocated to a part between inner side 16 and outer side 17 as zone ZB' and, similarly, zone ZD to the opposite side thereof as zone ZD' (not visible in the figure). In other words, a first, relatively larger, quantity of filling material can be arranged in the enclosing channels associated with zone ZC', while a second, relatively smaller, quantity of filling material can be arranged in the enclosing channels associated with zone ZA', which lies somewhere else (on conduit L) than zone ZC. This takes place such that the first, relatively greater, quantity differs from the second, relatively smaller, quantity in accordance with a difference between the surface area of respectively the first zone and the second zone. This is because the enclosing channels of the second insulation product IB which are filled over a relatively longer length (and are thus filled more) are provided for zone ZC on the longer outer side 17 of the bend, while enclosing channels of the second insulation product IB which are filled over a relatively shorter length (and are thus filled less) are provided for zone ZA' on the shorter inner side 16 of the bend. For zone ZB' and zone ZD' a quantity lying between the first and the second quantity can for instance be arranged in the enclosing channels associated with zones ZB and ZD,

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This preferred embodiment can be manufactured by arranging (for instance spreading) amorphous filling material 4 on a cover foil 8, for instance a similar cover foil as already described above, preferably mutually parallel and at regular intermediate distances. This filling material 4 is preferably arranged (or the row of enclosing channels 10, 20 is manufactured) in accordance with at least one dimension calculated on the basis of at least one measured dimension of the conduit for insulating. A film 2, for instance a film similar to the one already described above, can then be provided against filling material 4. The skilled person will understand that tins represents ihe mechanical reversal of the above described steps of arranging the filling material against the film. A row of enclosing channels 10, 20 can then be manufactured in film 2, for instance by delimiting the row of enclosing channels 10, 20 individually. Enclosing channels 10, 20 can be delimited from each other by means of an attachment 6, for instance stitching, adhesion, a hot weld or staples. Enclosing channels 10, 20 are manufactured in this way. Insulating filling material 4 can be enclosed in enclosing channels 10, 20. Manufacturing enclosing channels 10, 20 in this way enables filling material 4 to take on a form in accordance with (i.e. be forced into the form of) the dimensions of the thus formed enclosing channels 10, 20, Because filling material 14 is amorphous and is preferably in hulk state, at least during the arranging and manufacturing, film 2 and filling material 4 can settle in an energy-efficient manner relative to each other in order to obtain at least one insulation tube in film 2.

Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This other preferred embodiment comprises a row of enclosing channels 10, 20 which are manufactured seperately of each other. This m eans that each enclosing channel 10, 20 is manufactured separately from an individual piece of film, respectively 2A and 2B, against which separate filling material 4 is arranged (for instance by separately filling each individual piece of film 2A and 2B with filling material 4 and then joining each of them individually). The thus manufactured enclosing channels 10, 20 can then be attached to a cover foil 8 so as to couple them next to each other, preferably mutually parallel and at regular intermediate distances, in the exemplary embodiment shown here attachment 6 can be stitching, adhesion, a hot weld, a staple or the like, arranged at one relatively narrow contact point between the respective enclosing channel 10, 20 and cover foil 8. Prefabricated enclosing channels can in this way be coupled quickly and easily in order to manufacture the insulation product.

Figure 36 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This preferred embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, with the difference that the attachment 6 is arranged at two relatively narrow contact points instead of at only one. The contact surface area between the two thus increases, whereby enclosing channels 10, 20 will be anchored more firmly in insulation product 1.

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. The figure also shows a step of a possible embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing an insulation product 1. The figure sho w s a mould 70 (in cross-section) in which one or preferably a plurality of recesses 71 , 72, 73 are pro vided. The recesses 71-73 can for instance be approximately semi-cylindrical over their length (transversely of the plane of the figure). Partitions 70', 71 ', 72', 73' which separate recesses 71 -73 from each other can be provided between recesses 71 -73. The tops of partitions 70'- 73' are preferably substantially flat.

According to the embodiment of the method, in mould 70 individual pieces of film 2A, 2B, 2C of a per se amorphous material are each placed in a respective recess 71 -73 so that they cover the inner wall of the corresponding recess, preferably at least from the one adjoining partition to the other adjoining partition. In this sense it can be stated that a row of enclosing channels 10, 20, 30 is manufactured in the individual pieces of film 2A-2C. Insulating filling material 4 is then preferably arranged against each individual piece of film 2A-2C. In an alternative embodiment at least one indicator channel can optionally be left as described above. A length of each respective individual piece of film 2A-2C which has been left can then be folded back over the arranged filling material 4 so as to thus enclose the filling material 4 in each respective enclosing channel 10-30. In this sense it can be stated that at least one insulation tube (three are shown in the figure) is obtained. The outer ends of the respective folded-back lengths of each individual piece of film 2A-2C are preferably attached on the one hand to the respective other outer ends of this individual piece of film 2A-2C in question and on the other hand to a cover foil 8 by means of attachments 6, such as staples, stitches, hot-welding or adhesion. The attaching preferably takes place at the position of the tops of the partitions 70'-73' of mould 70, which can preferably be substantially flat particularly for this purpose in order to facilitate the attaching.

According to the invention, it is thus possible to manufacture an insulation product for insulating a conduit in particularly simple manner.

Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of an insulation product 1 according to the invention. This preferred embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, with the difference thai more intermediate space is left between the two successive enclosing channels 10 and 20 of Figure 15 (corresponding to enclosing channels 20 and 40 of Figure 18), and that this intermediate space is filled by placing therein the enclosing channels 10 and 30 of an identical insulation product which has however been rotated through 180°, such thai; the enclosing channels 20, 40 of the one insulation product engage altematingly as first sub-row 20, 40 in the enclosing channels 10, 30 of the other insulation product as second sub- row 10, 30 so as to thus form an assembled insulation product 1. For the sake of clarity the attachments are designated with reference numerals 61 for enclosing channel 10, 62 for enclosing channel 20, 63 for enclosing channel 30 and 64 for enclosing channel 40, and the cover foil 8A of the one insulation product is designated with reference numeral 8 A and that of the other insulation product with reference numeral SB, In practical use one of the two cover foils 8A and 8B - for instance cover foil 8A - can be situated on the side directed away from the conduit for insulating, and the other - for instance cover foil 8B - can be situated on the side directed toward the conduit for insulating,

The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above described exemplary embodiments, and that many variants can be en visaged within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.