Thermal Insulation

Besides thermal conductivity, density and heat capacity are also important properties of insulating materials. Specially engineered methods or processes, and appropriate object shapes and materials are needed to achieve thermal insulation.

For Thermal Insulation, the flow of heat through the insulation material needs to be resisted. Therefore, the insulation material working as an insulator should inhibit the flow of heat between the adjacent surfaces of contacting materials by any heat transfer mechanism.

Thermal Insulation Materials, known as “Insulators”, are installed in commercial buildings to improve the energy consumption of the buildings’ cooling and heating systems. They are also installed in industrial systems to control heat gain or heat loss on process piping and equipment, steam and condensate distribution systems, boilers, and other process equipment

In Petrochemical Industries, corrosion of steel is caused by the thermal insulation of pipes and other equipment. It is considered severe because it eventually causes plant failure and accidents. Corrosion under thermal insulation is serious and remains hidden under the jacket until it gets aggravated and causes plant shutdown.

The Rusting (Oxidation) of Carbon Steel and Chloride Stress-Corrosion Cracking are two common types of corrosion that occur under thermal insulation.

The presence of water or moisture and chloride ion causes this corrosion. This corrosion can be controlled with an appropriately designed and installed jacket, using a high-quality vapor retarder and quality painting where needed.