Thermal Insulation

The concept behind a heat exchanger is the use of pipes or other containment vessels to heat or cool one fluid by transferring heat between it and another fluid. In most cases, the exchanger consists of a coiled pipe containing one fluid that passes through a chamber containing another fluid. The walls of the pipe are usually made of metal, or another substance with a high thermal conductivity, to facilitate the interchange, whereas the outer casing of the larger chamber is made of a plastic or coated with thermal insulation, to discourage heat from escaping from the exchanger… More

Aerogels are a diverse class of porous, solid materials that exhibit an uncanny array of extreme materials properties. Most notably aerogels are known for their extreme low densities (which range from 0.0011 to ~0.5 g cm-3) and thermal insulating properties. Silica aerogel is the most common type of aerogel, most frequently seen in photographs and what people generally refer to when using the word “aerogel” without an adjective in front (although there are many other types of aerogel). Read more.

Chiller insulation blankets are becoming the standard replacement insulation for factory applied chiller insulation. The factory applies insulation to the low temperature surfaces such as the evaporator, water boxes and suction elbow. The insulation is usually ¾” thick rubber insulation with a K factor of 0.3 Btu-in./hr.-ft²-°F. If maintenance is required on any of the low temperature areas of the chiller and the insulation is affected, it must be removed… Read more!

Thermaxx Jackets has worked with many clients who are trying to make their food processing plant more energy efficient, safer, and cleaner (such as Calabro Cheese). The USDA recommends insulating pipes in food processing facilities, providing a layer of protection between the piping and your product. The insulation blankets used should be food grade or food safe. “Food grade” or “food safe” means that the insulation jacket designers consider the particular needs of the food processing plant. Read more…

Insulating in an airtight or clean room application can be extremely difficult. Good clean room design has the mechanical insulation out of the airtight or clean room environment to avoid the possibility of fibers being introduced into the air. At the sasme time, there can be equipment in the clean room that must be used in a production situation and has an elevated temperature that can cause an employee to get severely burned. Read more.

Everyday insulating materials are not sufficient for hot applications. Traditional materials used in insulating blankets, covers and jackets (silicone/fiberglass) start to falter when approaching 600°F. Cover materials start failing, threads start degrading, and insulation starts burning… More

Thermal insulation is a great way to minimize energy loss in ducts. Insulating ducts helps the air within stay at the desired temperature. It also prevents the ducts from leaking air. Ducts which leak air can result in greater energy consumption and expensive utility bills. Read more.

When it comes to insulating your pipes, there are any factors to take into consideration. Take temperature, for instance. How hot are your pipes? Imagine your thermos of coffee – it does a great job of keeping your java piping hot all day long. But pour in some super-heated liquid at 1,000 degrees F and watch your thermos melt away into a puddle of plastic. Different insulation materials are made for different temperatures, both for the covering material and the insulation material itself…More