Hard Coat vs. Removable Insulation Blankets – which one is right for my application?
Although Firwin is one of North America’s leading manufacturers of removable insulation blankets, we see ourselves as an insulation solution provider, offering our customers the most appropriate insulation solution that meets their needs. That is why we offer tapes and sleeves and is why we introduced our Firwin HCTM “Hard Coat” product last summer. As opposed to insulation blankets, which are designed to be removable and reusable, Firwin HCTM is an insulation coating that is affixed to the product. Both removable insulation blankets and Firwin HCTM have their advantages and disadvantages. What variables need to be considered in order to determine which insulation is right for a given application?
“There are a number of factors to consider,” said Bret Herman, Firwin’s vice president of engineering and customer service. “Does the customer require removable insulation? Are there space constraints? Is the application such that there is the potential of fluid seeping into the insulation material, thereby posing a fire hazard?. These are just some of the factors that need to be taken into account when deciding between Hard Coat and standard removable insulation blankets,” added Brett.
The chart below outlines the various advantages and disadvantages of Firwin HC vs. Removable Insulation Blankets. As always, it is best to let one of Firwin’s customer service representatives help you in choosing the best system for your particular application.
Firwin HCTM Hard Coat vs. Removable Insulation Blankets
Permanently applied to the component – cannot be removed
Blankets can be removed and reused – ideal for equipment that requires periodic maintenance
Solid outer surface – not prone to tearing, ideal for applications under rugged conditions
Standard removable insulation blankets have silicone impregnated outer surface – may tear or puncture under rugged conditions.
The component must be disassembled and shipped to Firwin for HC coating to be applied
Removable insulation blankets are designed remotely from measurements, drawings, and photos. The component remains with the customer, attached to the equipment.
Conforms tightly to part – ideal for limited space applications
Limited space applications can pose a challenge to blanket installation and proper fastening.
Completely encapsulates the part – preventing fluids from igniting on hot engine and exhaust parts
Blankets can act as a shield to prevent fluids for reaching engine and exhaust components, but some seepage under the blanket can occur.
No risk of fluid reaching insulation material and igniting
Can be designed with stainless steel inner liner to prevent fluids from seeping into the insulation material
Non-flammable
Fire retardant
Lead time of 3 weeks
Typical lead time of 2 to 3 weeks; can usually be expedited if necessary
Higher cost (6 to 12 times) than standard removable insulation blankets, but longer life span.
Cost can vary according to material make-up of blanket, but more economical than Hard Coat. Blanket life depends on application, and frequency of removable.
Removable Insulation Blankets vs. Permanent Composite Insulation
Posted by Sidney Tannenbaum on | Comments Off on Choosing the Best Industrial Insulation Supplier 101
Choosing the Best Industrial Insulation Supplier 101
Removable insulation blankets are a simple solution to a big problem. Unprotected heating systems and equipment are energy-inefficient and a source of danger to people and equipment around them. But when they’re wrapped with reliable, removable insulation covers that are easy to install and maintain, you can protect your facility, employees, and utilities budget. Learn more about how to find the best industrial insulation supplier for your project.
How to Choose the Right Insulation Blanket Supplier
Choosing the right insulation blanket supplier doesn’t have to be difficult. By assessing different vendors based on your application’s requirements, you can narrow down the options to get long-lasting blankets you can trust. Follow these steps to choose your supplier:
Research potential vendors: Research their reputation both for product standards and customer service, and learn how long they’ve served your specific industry. Also, get an in-depth understanding of their standard products, premium options, and customization services so you can work with the same supplier for all of your current and future needs.
Evaluate the different vendors: Rank potential companies based on your research. Remove options that don’t meet your standards and zero in on your preferred companies. Some of the criteria that matter most are:
Manufacturing processes and quality management
Materials
Compliance with industry standards
Operating temperatures
Once you’ve determined a small list of final candidates, reach out to them for pricing details, turnaround times, and more information about their ability to fulfill your specific needs.
What to Look For When Sourcing Removable Insulation Blankets
Knowing what you need is a critical first step before you start crossing potential suppliers off your list. Understand what your company or procurement team needs regarding the following elements.
Ability to Meet Project Specifications
Develop a clear list of product specifications, including dimensions, the type of insulation needed, the maximum temperature range it needs to protect against, the durability required, and other environmental factors it needs to withstand.
Customization Options
Industrial equipment comes in a wide range of shapes and dimensions, and standard insulation blankets may not be a perfect fit. Understand your potential customization requests, including:
What fastening mechanisms you need
How well-fitted the insulation needs to be around the equipment
Tailored shapes, lengths, and thicknesses
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Insulation blankets work best when they’re easy to maintain. Easy removability and re-installation facilitates easier equipment inspection, faster repairs, and less downtime. Determine how much of a priority this is for your facility, and add it to your must-have or preferred criteria for prospective suppliers.
Why Firwin Should Be Your Trusted Insulation Blanket Supplier
Firwin specializes in high-quality insulation blankets for protecting heated equipment—and the people and equipment around them. For over 40 years, we’ve been a trusted supplier of standard and customized insulation blankets for engines, exhaust systems, heating process equipment, and more. In addition to ISO 9001:2015 certification, our company offers UL2200-certified products and can meet various military, marine, and other industry-specific standards. We work closely with each of our clients to develop the right solution for every unique setup, and we’re committed to continually improving the quality of our products and services.
We offer a wide range of products and materials that can accommodate extreme temperature ranges, from sub-zero to over 2,000 °F:
Removable insulation blankets
T-wrap insulation systems
Fire blankets
Heat shields
High-temperature sleeves and tapes
Sound attenuation solutions
Hard coat permanent insulation
Firwin’s extensive experience in diverse industries means we already have a large material inventory and resource library of specifications for components from major manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and Detroit Diesel. This helps streamline the specification process for our customers. Our team also uses advanced CAD and 3D modeling software to create solutions for even the most complex insulation configurations.
Contact Us for Custom Industrial Insulation Solutions
Start protecting your equipment and personnel today with reliable blankets and covers from an insulation supplier you trust. Firwin’s in-house design and development team creates custom solutions for even the most intricate systems, and our customer service team is here to help during every step of the journey. Reach out to us today to learn more about our innovative solutions, or request a quote to start your order.
Posted by RPM Developers on | Comments Off on Exhaust Pipe Insulation 101: Best Heat Shield Types
Exhaust pipe heat shields are integral to safe, efficient machine operations and maximizing equipment’s longevity. However, it’s important to choose the right heat shield exhaust pipe insulation for your equipment to best protect your exhaust system and secure the optimal benefits for your workers and facility. At Firwin Corporation, we offer custom, high-performance exhaust pipe insulation solutions for diverse applications.
Importance & Benefits of Exhaust Pipe Insulation
High-heat machinery must maintain specific operating temperatures based on its applications to function as intended. Doing so also means managing internally generated heat to protect such machines from degradation. Exhaust pipes serve to safely and effectively release that heat or steam from a system. Improper exhaust can otherwise lead to hazardous buildup or other issues that are costly to repair.
Heat shields provide insulation for the exhaust pipes and tubes, ensuring peak equipment performance, elongating machinery’s life cycles, and helping to keep workers from making direct contact with hot surfaces. Ideally, these thermal barriers should be capable of:
Expanding and contracting with exhaust piping
Withstanding constant vibration
Fitting around unique configurations and mounting components
Allowing accessibility for future system maintenance and repairs
Best Heat Shield Types for Exhaust Pipe Insulation
Firwin specializes in several innovative, customizable exhaust pipe insulation solutions for maintaining proper operating temperatures, protecting staff and surrounding equipment, and optimizing machine functionality.
Our UL2200-certified removable insulation blankets accommodate exhaust pipes and elbows while allowing for clamps, brackets, hangers, flanges, bellows, expansion joints, flex connectors, and more. These fully reusable heat shield solutions are ideal for machinery that necessitates frequent maintenance as they’re simple to remove and replace.
We carefully match our materials and designs to your system requirements, including temperature thresholds, expansion/contraction needs, vibration, and more. Firwin’s removable insulation blankets are available with 1200° F and 2100° F maximum heat limits for the insulation media, with a three-layer construction that consists of:
An outer protective cover typically made of silicone-impregnated or aluminized fiberglass that safeguards the insulation against its environment
An insulation mat of fiberglass or CMS wool media (other materials are available) that prevents heat from escaping into the environment
An inner liner made up of stainless steel mesh or a high-temperature material that holds the blanket in place
We also offer a range of alternatives for both construction and materials, as needed, to best suit your needs.
Firwin’s T-Wrap™ combines the advantages of removable insulation blankets with the flexibility of tape. It’s an ideal insulation solution for smaller tubes, pipes, and valves, as well as instrumentation, glycol, and electrically traced lines. T-Wrap features:
An outer cover of silicone-coated fiberglass
A 0.25- or 0.50-inch fiberglass insulation layer
Hook and loop strips on the sides for simplified fastening and removal
Available in cuttable 20-foot lengths, T-Wrap comes in widths of 4 inches to 17 inches. Its standard service temperature range is -67° F to 200° F. However, as with our removable insulation blankets, we can custom-design our T-Wrap product to handle higher temperature limits.
Featuring pre-installation with an exterior foil cover that’s joined to a component with a permanent weld, or available in a removable configuration (similar to our blankets), our MFI product is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. This durable insulation solution and fluid barrier comes in customizable thicknesses and various material options to best address your unique needs. MFI is an optimal choice for pipes, tubes, elbows, and related exhaust system parts in complex shapes, as well as OEMs requiring low or average quantities. The cover and the insulation media it encapsulates can maintain their integrity even under exposure to solvents or steam washing.
Distinctive for its permanent application, our Hard Coat™ insulation consists of a high-alumina ceramic fiber with a high-temperature, durable outer coating. The insulation can support a maximum temperature of 2192° F but typically operates at 1200° F or below. Available in 0.5- and 1.0-inch thicknesses, it’s rated for continuous use at 1300° F and 1800° F, respectively. Hard Coat is long-lasting, oil- and moisture-resistant, and non-flammable, meeting FAR part 25.853 self-extinguishing standards. Because Hard Coat adheres permanently to structures or components, it’s not recommended for exhaust parts requiring direct-contact servicing.
Contact the Experts at Firwin for Premium Exhaust Pipe Insulation Solutions
Specializing in custom-manufactured insulation solutions for exhaust systems as well as gas and diesel engines, Firwin offers both removable and permanent heat shield products for varied industries. Backed by over 40 years of experience, an in-house design team, and an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system, Firwin provides an innovative line of cost-effective products that we can tailor to your exact specifications.
Contact us to ask our experienced insulation specialists about your exhaust pipe heat shielding needs, or request a quote today to get started.
Posted by RPM Developers on | Comments Off on Mechanical Insulation 101 – All You Need to Know
Mechanical insulation provides thermal and acoustic protection in industrial, mechanical, and construction applications by creating a barrier between piping, ductwork, structures, and other components and their environments. Mechanical insulation’s primary job is to minimize the consequences of differing temperatures on processes and their materials as well as their effect on the people, facilities, and objects around them. Mechanical insulation also works to muffle sound in multiple applications but most importantly in HVAC uses. Quality mechanical insulation benefits numerous industries by improving efficiency, quality, safety, comfort, and consistency.
What Is Mechanical Insulation
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Insulation’s job is, at its most basic level, to create a barrier against temperature, electricity, noise, impacts, and more. In the case of mechanical insulation, it most commonly provides temperature regulation and noise reduction.
To be effective, any insulation, including mechanical insulation, needs to be a poor conductor of the environmental condition it protects against. Materials used to manufacture mechanical insulation typically incorporate numerous air pockets which effectively slow the spread of heat, cold, and noise, and include a variety of polymer foams, fiberglass, inorganic mineral wools, foils, and others.
To accommodate a wide range of temporary and permanent installations, mechanical insulation is available in multiple formats including rolls or blankets, sprayable products, panels and tiles, and customized systems to meet individual use requirements.
Main Benefits
Mechanical insulation offers solutions for improved performance and safety in multiple ways, including the following:
Better Temperature Regulation: Mechanical insulation acts as a barrier between heat and cold, ensuring pipe, duct, and conduit contents maintain desired temperatures. This protection also helps to minimize the risk of water and other materials freezing or overheating.
Energy Savings: By providing better temperature control, less energy is needed for controlling process temperatures as well as in addressing thermal energy emitted by a system as contents move through it.
Improved Efficiency: More temperature regulation results in greater efficiency through any insulated systems.
Reduced Emissions: With energy conservation and improved efficiency, emissions due to these expenditures are typically reduced, too.
Resource Conservation: Less time, money, and materials are expended when temperature and other factors are better regulated.
Personal Safety: Because mechanical insulation is such an effective barrier against heat, cold, and noise, workers and others around insulated components are better protected from potentially hazardous contact with excessively hot or cold surfaces and materials and harmful noise levels.
Noise Reduction: Mechanical insulation often has excellent acoustic muffling capabilities, making it an ideal solution for reducing sound in mechanical processes, industrial settings, and in HVAC systems.
Industrial Applications of Mechanical Insulation
Nearly every industry benefits from the improved performance and safety that mechanical insulation provides. In industrial settings, mechanical insulation usually furnishes protection for processing materials and equipment. This includes such uses as the following:
Hot and cold water supplies, including plumbing, circulation, and service lines
HVAC applications such as ductwork and chilled water lines
Piping for hot and cold processes
Food processing conveyances and piping
Contact Firwin for Premium Industrial Insulation Solutions
At Firwin, we have decades of experience delivering quality products and innovative insulation solutions for industries as varied as oil and gas, mining, forestry, plastics, and manufacturing. We provide an extensive line of stock and custom insulation products for industrial insulation applications, including our ThermoWrap insulation blankets. Contact us today to learn more about our full product line or request a quote for your mechanical insulation needs.
Posted by RPM Developers on | Comments Off on What Is K, U, R, and C-Value? | Thermal Insulation
The performance of an insulation material is primarily determined by its ability to reduce the exchange of heat energy from a surface to the environment or between two surfaces. An insulation’s ability to insulate is typically determined by its thermal conductivity, operating conditions, and material thickness.
This blog will explore how to rate the performance of industrial thermal insulation. We will discuss how K, U, R, and C-value ratings apply to an insulation material’s performance and help you determine the optimal insulation product for your application.
Rating the Performance of Industrial Thermal Insulation
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Thermal insulation’s primary purpose is reducing the exchange of heat between two distinct environments. When you are selecting an insulation for your application, K, U, R, and C-value ratings are crucial considerations, each representing a factor in thermal insulation performance. The values are determined by the type of material and can be affected by its thickness. Here’s what each value means:
K-Value: This represents a material’s thermal conductivity, measuring its ability to conduct heat energy. A low K-value insulation delivers good insulation performance, and most insulation products have a K-value lower than 1. Specifically, the K-value measures the heat in BTUs (British thermal units) per hour that passes through one square foot of one-inch-thick insulation, thus decreasing or increasing the temperature by 1 °F on the other side of the material. K-value is important in applications with extreme temperature differences, such as exhaust systems and engines.
R-Value: R-value is a material’s thermal resistance, describing its effectiveness at preventing heat escape. An insulation’s R-value increases with its thickness and density, so the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. R-value calculations are most useful in residential or building applications, where there are few large temperature fluctuations.
U-Value: Also known as thermal transmittance, U-value refers to the rate of heat transfer through a material. A low U-value insulation transmits thermal energy more slowly, providing better insulation properties.
C-Value: A measurement of conductivity similar to the K-value, the C-value is the thermal conductance factor measuring the amount of heat that passes through one foot of the insulation material. The lower the C-value, the better the insulation performance.
In Summary
If you are looking for the ideal insulation for your facility, here are some key takeaways:
A low U-value delivers better insulation to a system. The ideal insulation for a given application will often have a low U-value.
Insulation materials with a higher R-value and lower C-value provide improved insulating performance.
If a particular material has a low K-value, it offers good insulation for that material’s thickness and a given set of operating conditions.
Facility managers depend on these properties to give them the information they need to select the thermal insulation materials that will optimize energy savings, worker protection, process control, and condensation control.
Contact Firwin for Your Industrial Insulation Needs
When selecting thermal insulation, it is critical to understand U, R, C, and K-value ratings to determine the type of insulation your application requires. It is also essential to consider the insulation’s installation environment and operating conditions like moisture, compression, temperature, and other factors that could affect insulation performance.
Firwin Corporation produces various custom insulation solutions to meet the requirements of our clients and their highly challenging applications. Our team can provide you with expert guidance on choosing the right thermal insulation product based on its K, U, R, and C-values, matching it to your specific application. Firwin offers reusable and removable insulation blankets, spray shields, sleeves, high-temperature tapes, and more.
Contact us or request a quote to speak with an insulation specialist about the ideal solution for your application.
Posted by Sidney Tannenbaum on | Comments Off on Industrial Pipe Insulation 101: Main Benefits
Industrial pipe insulation is a crucial component in piping systems, as it provides a barrier between the contents of a pipe and the outside environment. This is especially important in buildings where pipes reach high temperatures. Having adequate pipe insulation not only protects personnel but also plays a critical role in a facility’s durability, efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
The Importance of Pipe Insulation for Your Business
Pipe insulation offers a wide range of benefits that make it important for your business. These benefits include:
Energy Conservation
Industrial pipe insulation prevents heat transfer, resulting in improved energy efficiency for the piping system. By lowering the risk of heat loss or gain, pipe insulation helps to maintain the proper process temperatures while saving money on energy costs.
Freeze Protection
In some applications, pipes are installed in below-freezing environments. Proper insulation will reduce the likelihood of ruptures or blockages caused by frozen fluids that could otherwise lead to costly pipe and building damage.
Condensation Control
Pipes with fluids frequently running through them can develop condensation. When left unchecked, this can cause pipes to rust, corrode, or develop mold. Pipe insulation forms a barrier that stops condensation and moisture build-up to ensure longer-lasting piping systems and safer working environments.
Noise Control
Piping systems can generate a lot of noise and their conductive nature makes them especially adept at carrying sound from one place to another. Industrial pipe insulation provides a layer of soundproofing for facilities requiring noise control. The insulation’s noise-dampening capabilities prevent acoustic vibrations from traveling from the pipe to external areas.
Personnel Protection & Safety
Industrial pipe insulation lowers the surface temperature of piping and other equipment to a safer level. This reduces the likelihood of burns and other injuries to personnel. Additionally, because insulation provides noise control and prevents mold accumulation, it ensures more comfortable, healthy working conditions.
Types of Pipe Insulation Products From Firwin
At Firwin, we offer a range of custom industrial pipe insulation solutions to meet your specific needs. Our pipe insulation products include:
Firwin is a leading manufacturer of removable and reusable insulation blankets in a wide range of designs and configurations. For example, our ThermoWrap removable insulation blankets are used on valves, flanges, process piping, and other components to protect personnel from hot pipes and heat buildup.
Our removable insulation blankets can be used to insulate industrial process piping and exhaust piping in both indoor and outdoor environments. Permanent insulators have to leave certain areas open for maintenance and inspection accessibility, which can become a major source of energy loss. Our removable insulation blankets, on the other hand, cover all parts of hot and cold piping on process and steam lines to ensure optimal heat containment.
Our silicone-coated fiberglass sleeves and tapes are resistant to librating oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. They can be used in hosing and piping to insulate against energy loss and protect employees from burns.
T-Wrap™ combines the flexibility of tape with the benefits of removable insulation blankets. This product is especially well-suited for insulating small tubing and piping.
We also offer various other industrial insulation products. View our catalog here.
Contact Our Experts for Custom Industrial Pipe Insulation Solutions
Industrial pipe insulation offers numerous benefits, including enhanced energy efficiency, improved workplace safety, and more. At Firwin Corporation, we’re a leading manufacturer of custom insulation products for numerous industrial applications. As an ISO 9001:2015 and UL2200 certified company, Firwin is dedicated to providing superior-quality insulation solutions that meet your unique needs.
Posted by Firwin on | Comments Off on Insulation Blanket Installation – Hard to Identify Parts
Firwin insulation blankets provide critical protection for engines, generators, exhaust systems, and more. Since they are used in such a wide range of applications, insulation blankets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each blanket style has unique installation instructions. While most blankets are straightforward to install, some can be more challenging due to the shape of the blanket out of the box which doesn’t correspond with the shape of the part.
How Installation Works
Firwin’s insulation blankets are engineered to ensure accurate fits around exhaust and engine components. We understand that a clean fit is critical and time is of the essence, which is why our blankets can be immediately installed right out of the box. For complicated or unique blanket installations, we also provide a numbered diagram to simplify the process.
How to Install Insulation Blankets
Some insulation blanket installation methods for hard-to-identify parts we see at Firwin include:
Segmented Elbows
When installing an insulation blanket on segmented elbows, it is important to cover the full surface area. You can do this by curving the edges of the blanket to create the elbow’s shape. Secure the blanket to the elbow with lacing wire and avoid gaps or voids.
Flanges
Wrap the blanket around the flange and secure it temporarily with a piece of wire or lacing. Carefully pull on the blanket’s drawcords at the top and bottom until the blanket begins to tighten around the flange. When you can see the shape of the flange, you can remove the wire you used to secure the blanket and then use the wiring on the draw cords to fasten them around the rivets.
MineWrap™ Mark II Butterfly Elbows
Open the blanket and pull it over the elbow by curving the edges. Once the elbow is covered, secure the blanket to the joint with lace wire.
Purifiers with Cones
Firwin’s blankets for purifiers with cones are specifically designed to fit snugly. Simply open the blanket and curve it around the cone until the edges meet. The shape of the blanket will conform to the purifier and cone. Then, wrap the blanket with wire to secure it to the equipment.
Manifolds
Due to their complexity, manifolds require a more complex installation. Follow these steps to ensure that your Firwin insulation blanket is properly installed:
Fold the blanket around the manifold.
Once the blanket is in position, create a loop on one end of the lacing wire by twisting the wire around itself.
Feed the loop under the manifold and pull the loop up to hook on the first capstan rivet.
Pull on the long end of the wire to tighten it around the rivet and then wrap the wire around the blanket and the first rivet under the manifold.
Feed the wire back under the manifold, tighten it, and wrap it around the next rivet.
Feed the wire down to the button on the blanket, tighten the wire, wrap it around the blanket, and snip the wire.
Continue this process until the manifold insulation blanket is fully installed.
It is important to avoid over-twisting the wire during installation, as it could break off.
Working with Firwin
At Firwin, we are pleased to provide excellent service throughout your insulation selection and installation. We take your requests seriously and strive to respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Our dedicated team of in-house insulation design experts will help you find the ideal insulation solution for your needs. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we stand by our products and services, and will always work with you to solve any problems as they arise.
Contact Firwin to Discuss Your Custom Insulation Solution
Posted by lfeltmann@thomasnet.com on | Comments Off on 5 Key Benefits of Removable Insulation Blankets
Removable insulation blankets or jackets are thermal insulating layers that, when attached to machinery and other mechanical components, can manage equipment temperature, optimize operational efficiency, and even enhance safety in the workplace. Unlike standard permanent or hard coat insulation, these blankets ensure that a covered machine or component is still accessible for maintenance. Learn more about the five key benefits of removable insulation blankets and how they compare to permanent varieties.
Key Benefits of Removable Insulation Blankets
Multi-layer insulation blankets of materials like fiberglass and CMS wool serve as moisture protection and heat insulation for equipment like pipes, valves, pumps, exhaust systems, engine components, and much more. Removable thermal insulation jackets offer various benefits to their applications.
Enhance Workplace Safety
While it’s impossible to eliminate all safety hazards from a workplace, you can minimize the risk of common injuries by using insulation covers. Removable insulation covers provide a barrier between your employees and hot equipment, helping to ensure that they won’t get burned when they accidentally make contact. These blankets also reduce ambient temperatures by managing heat generation and, as these covers are fire-resistant, they limit the risk of fire in your facility.
Extend the Life-Span of Insulated Components
Removable insulation blankets can be helpful in protecting outdoor components from extreme temperatures and the elements. If you have pipes with small diameters that run outdoors, for example, they are particularly prone to freezing. A removable insulating blanket will help safeguard against fluctuating temperatures and resulting burst pipes. Apart from external conditions, condensation can also gather on a pipe’s surface, a condition known as pipe sweating. Removable insulation blankets can protect against resulting rust and corrosion that would otherwise occur to extend the life span of machinery while still keeping its parts accessible for maintenance.
Facilitate Routine Maintenance
Removable insulation blankets make it simpler to identify potential equipment problems before they become a bigger issue that might otherwise lead to expensive downtime for your operation. You can easily conduct periodic and efficient equipment inspections and carry out any necessary maintenance.
Install With Ease
Installing a removable insulation blanket is an easy process as they simply wrap around the desired component to provide that thermal insulation. They typically utilize lacing wire fastenings for greater versatility, but other options include straps, snaps, Velcro, and springs.
Generate Cost Savings in Reduced Energy Consumption
When heat escapes through a pipe or at the heat source itself, it can result in a lot of lost energy and require greater energy consumption to make up for it. A removable insulation blanket traps such heat from escaping, thereby resulting in significant cost savings while ensuring that companies are compliant with energy-efficient regulations.
Removable Insulation Blanket vs. Permanent Insulation: Which Should You Use?
The right choice between removable and permanent insulation depends on your application. Yourdurability requirements, space constraints, a necessity for removability, and budget will ultimately be the deciding factors. When comparing the two, consider the following:
Resistance to wear. Removable blankets may be tough, but they are typically not as impervious to damage as permanent insulation. Permanent insulation may be better suited to applications involving sharp objects to prevent tears.
Space limitations. Permanent insulation such as Firwin’s Hard Coat insulation is applied directly to a component and conforms tightly to the part surface, making it ideal for applications with space constraints.
Removability. For applications where periodic maintenance is beneficial, removable blankets are the obvious choice. They are even capable of reuse.
Budget. With higher performance comes higher costs. High-performance permanent insulation such as Firwin’s Hard Coating is more expensive than the removable option for its durability.
Lead times. Depending on the company, both permanent and removable insulation blankets typically have turn times of approximately two to three weeks. However, keep in mind that components for hard coat insulation need to be first shipped to the factory, where the insulation is applied, and then the insulated component is shipped back to the customer. This can result in additional delays and expenses.
Firwin: Your Removable Insulation Blanket Experts
Removable insulation blankets are critical additions for piping and machinery in various industrial processes, and Firwin Corporation is here to help. Whether you need a removable jacket or a permanent Firwin HC™ Hard Coat, you can count on us for high-performance products that meet your needs. We ensure high-quality blankets through our commitment to continuous process and production improvement, with our team embracing technological advancements to incorporate innovation into our product line.
Here at Firwin, we do our best to reply to all inquiries within a 24-hour period to best serve you with superior customer service. If you have any questions about our products, contact us today, and we will help you make the right insulation choice for your project.
Posted by Firwin on | Comments Off on High Temperature Thermal Insulation Product
Making sure you select a material that can withstand the parameters of your application is a central requirement when choosing a high-temperature thermal insulation product. There are a variety of materials that can be used for insulation, and your selected material must be able to tolerate the specific demands of your equipment and operational environment.
High-Temperature Applications
When choosing an insulation solution for high-temperature environments, the tolerances of considered materials should be carefully examined to ensure safe operation and long service life.
Typical applications that experience high temperatures include:
Furnaces and boilers
Ovens and kilns
Expansion joints
Flanges
Heat exchangers
Compressors
Turbines
Chillers
Incinerators
Catalytic converters
Engine & Exhaust Components
Welding
Dryers
High-pressure steam piping
High-Temperature Insulation Materials
There is a range of insulation materials suitable for high-temperature usages, such as:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass offers superb flexibility and dimensional stability for temperatures up to 1200º F. User-friendly with little odor or smoke, fiberglass will not corrode the metals it protects. One of the most common insulation materials, fiberglass is used in a wide array of everyday applications.
CMS Wool
Even though CMS wool is marginally more expensive than fiberglass, it is odorless and can withstand temperatures up to 2192º F. CMS wool is used in a broad range of common applications.
Super Wool
Super wool features a distinct low biopersistance and therefore requires fewer safety and health requirements when managing the material. Super wool exhibits low heat storage capacity and low thermal conductivity, as well as exceptional thermal shock resistance. Able to withstand a temperature range of 500º to 2000º F, common applications for super wool include domestic appliances, furnaces, kilns, laboratory ovens, boiler lining, reformers, fire protection, high-temperature gaskets, turbine insulations, expansion joints, and industrial equipment.
Ceramic fiber
This material is inorganic, smoke-free and features above-average insulation properties, low heat storage capacity, low thermal conductivity, and dependable thermal shock resistance. It is suggested for use in applications exceeding 2000º F. Typical applications of ceramic fiber include furnaces and kilns, high-temperature gaskets, expansion joints, boiler lining, laboratory ovens, reformers, and fire protection.
Polycrystalline Fiber
Made primarily of aluminum and silicon, polycrystalline fiber is created by using sol-gel technology. Double-needled fibers make polycrystalline fibers particularly strong and flexible. They can endure temperatures up to 2912º F and are tolerant of chemically destructive, oxidizing, or atmospherically reduced environments. Common applications include ceramic kilns and furnace linings.
Posted by Firwin on | Comments Off on Research and Development
Firwin Corporation is a premier manufacturer of custom insulation products for gas/diesel engines and exhaust systems as well as industrial applications. We invest heavily in R&D to ensure that Firwin is at the forefront of the latest developments in the insulation industry. Our goal remains to offer our customers the best possible insulation solutions for their unique applications.
Here are some examples of products that have resulted from our R&D efforts over the years.
MineWrap™ Mark I and Mark III
If equipment malfunctions in underground mining sites, it can have disastrous consequences for workers and facilities. In the event of an engine oil leak or a leak from a burst hydraulic line, there is a danger of the oil seeping into the insulation material and catching fire. To prevent these hazards, our R&D team developed MineWrap™—a unique line of insulation blankets for wrapping underground mining equipment.
MineWrap™ Mark I and Mark III feature a foil and mesh inner liner that isolates the insulation material, as well as extra rigidity to withstand wear and tear in harsh environments. On the Mark III, we designed the outer liner with reinforced stainless steel foil and mesh for extra puncture resistance.
Permanent Hard Coat Insulation™
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Our Permanent Composite Hard Coat™ is more durable and compact than most conventional insulation products. It can withstand extremely high temperatures and fit in tight spaces. This product is ideal for heat-prone applications like engines, exhaust systems, elbows, and turbochargers, where space is at a premium and removable insulation is not required. Clients in the automotive, mining, marine, and defense industries currently use the Permanent Composite Hard Coat™ to manage their heat-related issues.
Metal Foil Insulation
Firwin MFI Metal Foil Insulation is ideal for exhaust system parts (tubing, piping, elbows) that require pre-installed installation. The insulation is encased by an outer foil that is permanently welded to the part. It provides a visually appealing insulation cover that offers excellent durability, can withstand steam washing and solvents, and keeps fluids from seeping into the insulation material.
Fire Blankets
Our removable fire blankets are designed to protect heat-sensitive components from chemical fires. The blanket slips over the valve or other part to protect it from fires for up to 30 minutes. This gives the operator enough time to initiate safety procedures by shutting down the line, controlling the fire, and minimizing damage.
Our fire blankets have been applied successfully in the oil and gas and chemical industries.
Remote Scanning
In situations where it is impractical for clients or Firwin to take manual measurements at the client’s facility, we employ remote scanning technology to create digital replicas around which we design our insulation products. Some machines have complex geometries, making it challenging to get accurate, reliable measurements by hand. With remote scanning technology, the customer can scan their machinery and send the 3D models to Firwin. We use these models to develop accurate insulation products that fit the customer’s application and save on travel costs and time.
3D Printing
Firwin’s in-house 3D printing technology allows us to accommodate more complex designs and streamline the production process, ultimately saving our customers time and money. Our ability to 3D print exhaust component prototypes allows us to test fit our blankets in house, which is especially important when developing insulation blankets for new customer applications.
Innovation
Firwin takes pride in innovation and excellence. We encourage our people to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and provide cutting-edge solutions for demanding applications across diverse industries. Our research and development teams focus on continually improving existing products and adding new ones to benefit our customers.
Working with Firwin Corporation
As a leader in insulation engineering, Firwin Corporation is dedicated to providing high-quality permanent and removable insulation products. For over 40 years, our R&D department has been at the forefront of groundbreaking insulation research. We create solutions for a diverse range of applications, including gas-powered and diesel engines, offroaders, and industrial steam lines and vents. Contact us to learn more about our research and development efforts or to start your custom insulation solution.
Knowing what you need is a critical first step before you start crossing potential suppliers off your list. Understand what your company or procurement team needs regarding the following elements.
Removable insulation blankets or jackets are thermal insulating layers that, when attached to machinery and other mechanical components, can manage equipment temperature, optimize operational efficiency, and even enhance safety in the workplace. Unlike standard permanent or hard coat insulation, these blankets ensure that a covered machine or component is still accessible for maintenance. Learn more about the five key benefits of 
