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When it comes to insulating your engine and exhaust components, many choices are available - insulation blankets, tapes, sleeves, ... . How can you determine which method of insulation is best for your particular application?
"Each method of insulation has its advantages and disadvantages ", said Brett Herman, Firwin's vice-president of sales & customer service. "Tapes and sleeves are off-the-shelf, stocked items, and have the flexibility of being used in different scenarios. So for someone who needs to insulate many different parts, and needs quick access to insulation, tapes or sleeves may be the best solution”, noted Brett.
"However, once you get into a situation where the parts are somewhat larger, or thicker insulation is required, tapes become less economical and less practical - wrapping tape around a large exhaust pipe is quite labor intensive", said Brett. "This is where blankets are clearly the better option. Blankets can be manufactured to various thicknesses, and easily install around engine and exhaust components", added Brett.
 
The chart below gives an overview of the pros and cons of tapes, sleeving, and insulation blankets:
| |
Insulation Blankets |
Tapes |
Sleeves |
| Off the Shelf |
no |
yes |
yes |
| Custom Fitted |
yes - conforms to part |
no |
no |
| Easy to Install |
yes |
yes - for small parts
no - for larger parts (time consuming & uneconomical) |
yes, but parts must be accessible, with no protrusions |
| Fluid Resistant Coating |
yes |
yes, if coated with silicone
(silicone may begin to break down at high (>500°F) temperatures)
|
yes, if coated with silicone
(silicone may begin to break down at high (>500°F) temperatures) |
| Adaptable |
no, designed for specific part. |
yes, can be wrapped around components of various lengths and diameters |
no, needs to match diameter of pipe. |
| Requires dimensions, drawings, photos |
yes |
no |
just diameter |
| Delivery time |
typically 2 to 3 weeks |
next day if in stock
2 days if not in stock |
next day if in stock
5 to 8 days if not in stock |
| Removable / Reusable |
yes |
no |
yes, but may require part disassembly to remove. |
| Available in various thicknesses |
yes (standard thickness are 1/2",1", and 2", but blanket can be designed at other thicknesses if required) |
yes - 1/16", 1/8", 1/2" |
no (1/8" only) |
"Tapes, and to a certain extent sleeves, are more of a band-aid solution", concluded Brett."Like band-aids, they are great to have in your cupboard, and good if you need a quick fix. But they won't necessarily last long, nor help you in complex situations."
For more information on our tapes and sleeves, please visit our web page, www.firwin.com/tapes. Pricing and ordering information can be obtained by contacting the company directly.
Other articles: New Languages . Spiral Hose Wrap . Firwinie Returns
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