Corrosion Detection Methods for Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes
Stainless steel is resistant, but certainly not immune, to corrosion. In a previous article, we examined the need for inspecting stainless steel pipes further, including a discussion of conditions which encourage corrosion. When corrosion does occur in stainless steel, the corrosion often manifests in a very localized manner rather than uniform (or “general”) corrosion. Two forms of corrosion particularly troublesome to stainless steel are pitting and stress corrosion cracking, and both can cause very bad problems. Thus, for stainless steel piping systems, corrosion is an issue worthy of the attention of plant managers…More
The Lonely Uninsulated Steam Valve
Around the world, hundreds of thousands of steam valves are leaking or malfunctioning. Mechanical contractors are fixing, replacing or just simply attempting to help their client maintain the valve to keep it going. Valve failures vary. Some of these failed valves have a buildup of tuberculation or debris, or the operating nut will not turn in either direction. Perhaps your gate valve is leaking between the body and the bonnet, which is usually a pretty quick fix by tightening the bonnet bolts and nuts. What is the one thing that all these valves have in common? The insulation is missing… More
Color-Coded Insulation Blankets
Thermaxx Jackets has expanded our available color schemes for your next removable insulation blankets! Color-coded insulation jackets can bring school spirit to your boiler room with insulation jackets that match your school colors or simply indicate operating temperatures. Typically, there are three main colors used in a steam room: Yellow, Orange and Blue. Read more…
Chiller Insulation Blankets
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!
Spray Dryer Insulation Blankets
Spray drying is the process of converting a mixture in its liquid form to a powder. This is done by removing the moisture component from the liquid solution. The solution, sometimes called an emulsion, is sprayed through a nozzle into a chamber that simultaneously has hot air being blown into it. This is the preferred method of drying of many thermally-sensitive materials such as foods and pharmaceuticals.
Insulating Steam Traps & Other Commonly Overlooked Systems
Although OSHA has strong requirements for overly hot pipes and fittings to be insulated, we often find that some systems are just overlooked. The common offenders are listed below – if you’re not insulating these systems, not only are you losing money, but you may be setting yourself up for legal actions down the road…More
Food Grade Insulation Blankets
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…
Insulation Test: Are You An Insulation Expert?
To be considered an expert in the insulation industry, there’s a lot you have to know. From understanding steam systems inside and out to being a master of physics, it takes a lot to be able to call yourself an expert. Think you can make the cut? Take our insulation test for experts to find out! More
Process Piping Insulation vs Insulation Jackets for Pipes
There are slight differences between process piping insulation and insulation jackets for piping. When a removable, reusable insulation jacket is used on a pipe, whether that pipe is overhead on a steam main or located 3’ AFF (above finished floor), it is still a removable insulation jacket on a pipe. Read more.
Life Expectancy of Indoor & Outdoor Removable Insulation Blankets
A question that we are commonly asked is, “How long will these insulation jackets last?” That is a good question with several answers! Materials play a huge part in the life cycle of an insulation jacket. Choosing the correct hot and cold side cover is key in getting the optimal lifespan of an insulation jacket. The first thing we need to look at is the location: is it in a chemical plant, power plant, high acidity area, or an isolated area in the middle of nowhere? Read more!
