Insulation for Maximum Performance in Facilities
Insulation Uses:
- Thermal control: Prevents heat gain or loss. Keeps processes at a controlled regulated temperature.
- Freeze Protection: For water systems susceptible to below-freezing temperatures, insulation in combination with electric heat tracing is a technique used to prevent ruptured pipes and equipment.
- Condensation control: Prevents sweating or water buildup on the surface or other areas of a facility
- Fireproofing and protection of mechanical systems from corrosion, ultraviolet light, impact, heat, dust and debris
- Personnel Protection: Protects those working around these systems from burns, extreme cold and caustic and acidic environments.
- Energy efficiency and cost savings: Prevents wasted energy from leaving the system and added cost to replace that energy. Easy to calculate investment payback and savings from year to year.
- Acoustics: Reduction in facility noise levels from circulation of fluids in piping, air velocity in ductwork and vibration caused noises in a system.
Types of Insulation
Fibrous
Fiberglass and Mineral wool are produced by taking glass or basalt type rocks, melting them and spinning the fibers into a mat or board or pipe shape. Fibrous insulations have a wide temperature range making them useful for multiple applications in a facility. They have moderate to good R-values per inch and are easily fabricated using knives or scissors.
Closed Cell Foams
These insulations can be flexible and rubber-like, such as Armaflex and K-flex, for use on piping,and curved surfaces of ducts and equipment. They can also be rigid foams such as Foamglas ( cellular Glass), Polyisocyanurate, phenolic foam or extruded polystyrene foam-boards. Typically these foams have a better R-value than fibrous insulation and maintain that characteristic by not retaining moisture in their unique cell structure. They are typically not suitable for higher temperatures.
Open Cell Foams
These can be spray applied foams which can fill large cavities, or polyimide foams which are flexible/bendable and have excellent fire protection capabilities. Open-cell foams can absorb and retain some moisture so protection is required to avoid this issue. They typically have good R-values per inch. and are easily fabricated.
Reflective
These insulations rely on reflecting radiant heat either away from the source or directing it to the source. They are usually very flexible and have applications on piping, ductwork and building insulation. They are clean and easy to fabricate, with moderate R-values per inch.
Aerogels
These insulations are often dusty and difficult to fabricate or bend, however, they maintain the highest R-value levels per inch and therefore can be readily used in tight areas where there is limited space for thicker insulations.
Cryogenic Systems
Cryogenic insulation involves maintaining extremely low temperatures for storing or transporting cryogenic liquids like liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquid nitrogen. Materials like foams, aerogels, and multilayer insulation are employed to minimize heat transfer and prevent temperature fluctuations. This approach ensures the safe operation of industrial processes involving the handling of cryogenic fluids.
Insulation Jacketing
Insulation jacketing covers insulation materials with protective jackets or wraps, typically made from metal, PVC, or other durable materials. These jackets provide mechanical protection against physical damage, weathering, corrosion, and UV exposure, extending the lifespan of insulation systems.
Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)
VIPs comprise a core material enclosed in a gas-tight envelope, with the air evacuated to create a vacuum. This reduces heat transfer through conduction and convection. Despite their thin profile, VIPs offer high thermal resistance, making them ideal for space-constrained industrial projects, appliances, equipment and areas with limited insulation thickness allowances.
Facilities that Use Insulation
Paper mills, Power Generation, Chemical Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Hospitals, Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Choose Waco, Inc. for High-Quality Insulation Solutions
Waco, Inc.specializes in providing insulation solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our many clients! Waco has over 60 years of experience and expertise . We understand the importance of insulation in optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring workplace safety. Our team of professionals is committed to delivering high-quality products and services that exceed industry standards.
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