Before the Industrial Revolution, insulation mostly referred to the clothing people wore to stay warm. Even residential insulations, used to help keep homes a tolerable temperature, were considered luxuries well into the 1950s. However, industry couldn’t afford to wait as long as homeowners, so by 1906, the earliest insulation companies were forming in Canada. These companies mostly served steam-driven industries, such as steam-driven trans-Atlantic freighters.
However, as industry continued to grow and mechanical systems became more complicated, the need for industrial insulation also grew. By 1910, a power grid utilizing hydro energy helped provide electricity to residents in Ontario. Between the 1960s-1970s, many provinces were investing in massive hydroelectric projects, and where there are industrial mega-projects, there is insulation performing many necessary tasks to keep everything running smoothly for longer.
Condensation Control
Pipes carrying fluids at below-ambient temperatures often cause water vapour in the air to condense onto the pipe where it can freeze or oxidize the metal. Insulation prevents water droplets from ever condensing onto the metal and reduces corrosion while extending the lifespan of the pipe.
Preventing Freezing
In Canada, more than half the year is spent with below freezing temperatures. Pipes transporting fluids outside or in unheated areas had to be protected to prevent the fluids inside the pipe from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, destroying the pipe, and freezing can also prevent fluid from being transported even if leaks do not occur.
Saving Energy & Preventing Accidents
One of the best benefits granted by insulation historically and today is the prevention of heat flow. When the fluids in pipes are significantly warmer than the ambient temperature, heat flow from the pipes into the air can be considerable. Energy lost must be replaced in order to keep fluids warm, so adequate insulation limiting heat flow contributes to the bottom line considerably. However, this insulation also helps to protect personnel from preventable injuries such as touching a hot pipe.
Throughout Canadian history, technology and industry have constantly been developing and maturing. From the no-longer-used asbestos to the modern aerogel, insulation has been growing and changing alongside these industries. To learn more about how insulation has improved and how it can help your company to save money, contact the experts at Westcal today.
