Until now, industrial plants in high-temperature areas such as heating/steam systems or thermal oil units had to use either mineral wool with sheet metal enclosures or specially manufactured moulded parts for insulation. With the ultra-flexible Conti Thermo-Protect system, thermal insulation is now much easier, more efficient and longer-lasting – even with highly angular line systems.
The author: Hans-Peter Paulsen Head of Business Development and Innovation Management, ContiTech Elastomer Coatings
Piping and tubing systems that convey hot water, steam or hydraulic oils are widespread in industry. Full insulation of fluid systems with various connecting components (e. g. chemical facilities which require a constant, uniform temperature) was previously very difficult. For instance, wherever these piping systems have branches, complex geometries or transitions (such as valves, vees or tees), it is no longer possible – or very expensive – to manufacture thermal insulation using conventional materials. These uninsulated systems suffer substantial heat loss, which equates with financial loss. A single uninsulated valve can end up costing several hundred euros a year.
Flexible material insulates reliably
With its Conti Thermo-Protect silicone material, ContiTech is now able to provide full, continuous insulation for this kind of plant, even in critical or relatively inaccessible areas where conventional solutions fail to seal and insulate adequately. The material is very easy to process thanks to its special, microporous, silicone rubber blend. It can be easily wound or formed around any shape or branch connection, similar to a bandage; it is self-adhesive and will vulcanise permanently due to the heat from the medium.
Once the vulcanisation process is complete, reliable insulation is guaranteed at temperatures up to +250 °C. The material is still flexible at -50 °C. A material thickness of just 10 mm is all it takes to reduce heat loss by 50 %. The product also offers several other benefits: it provides a tight seal and is water-repellent, self-extinguishing and resistant to a wide range of chemicals. What’s more, should a leak develop in the pipe over time, the damage will immediately be visible because the material will bulge – a significant advantage over mineral wool. This damage can be repaired by simply cutting out the affected part and applying more Conti Thermo-Protect to fill the gap. The material bonds with the surrounding surface area, thus forming a new, complete layer of insulation.
Removable and reusable
Conti Thermo-Protect is very user-friendly because it is easy both to apply and, above all, to remove for maintenance. It is not necessary to enlist the help of external specialists because any employee can work with the material. The silicone product can also be reused at any time: it is safe for the environment and human health and at the same time, owing to its high durability, a more economical alternative to conventional insulation solutions. ContiTech Elastomer Coatings has the know-how to insulate all chemical facilities worldwide with this silicone product – an enormous potential that allows the company to make an active contribution towards climate protection.
Online-Info: www.cpp-net.com/0311434
Share:
