High-performance pipe insulation works to provide thermal insulation, thereby improving energy efficiency, and cutting CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this type of insulation also protects workers from accidentally touching extremely hot or cold surfaces. From all this, it is obvious that pipe and tubing insulation is key to your working operations. Maintaining it properly with jacketing will extend the insulation’s lifespan significantly and help keep costs low. In this week’s article, we are going to explore why insulation jacketing is so important in industrial applications, as well as what types are available on the market today.
Industrial Jacketing Challenges
Commercial and residential structures mostly use pipes and tubing in HVAC applications. Temperatures and environments here aren’t typically as extreme as in industrial facilities. Chemical processing plants, water treatment facilities, manufacturing companies, and more all depend on pipes and tubing to function. These applications often involve corrosive materials, high process temperatures, exposure to inclement weather, or even being stepped on. Because of this, proper jacketing can serve to act as a weather barrier, vapour retarders, mechanical abuse coverings, hygienic coverings, or even a piece as simple as just making the piping look neat and tidy.
Jacketing Materials
The multitude of uses demands a plethora of materials to meet specific needs. The most common types of jacketing materials are:
- Metal Jacketing. This type of jacketing is manufactured from metal sheets. Aluminum, stainless steel, coated steel, aluminized steel, galvanized steel, and zinc galvanized steel are all used. Typically these are lightweight options with great resistance to corrosion.
- Plastic Jacketing. PVC is a common jacketing material used for weather proofing outdoor pipes. It offers resistance to vapour, rain, wind, snow, and even damage from the sun.
- Foil-Film Laminates. This type of jacketing combines metal and plastic materials for maximum resistance to mechanical, vapour, and chemical abuse.
- Fiberglass Jacketing. Fiberglass is primarily used in applications that require extreme sanitation and hygiene.
- Fabric Jacketing. Even fabric can be used as insulation jacketing. They are a flexible and reusable option for pipes and tubing in complicated shapes.
Industrial insulation systems are not complete without proper pipe jacketing. As is evident above, there are many options for multiple industrial applications. Our team at Westcal Insulation can help you determine which would be best for your needs. Contact us today to get started!
