Appropriate Insulation for Marine Applications

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Marine applications differ from land-based applications in three main areas: Firstly, a ship engine is typically used for prime power, so it is running all the time and generating a lot of continuous heat, unlike a back-up power generator. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, are the additional safety concerns that arise from being a […]

Alternative Fastening Techniques for Insulation Blankets

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Over the years, Firwin has developed more than a few ways of building fasteners for its removable insulation blankets, but its traditional modus operandi has always been with stainless steel lacing wire. “We find that stainless steel lacing wire works best,” says Paul Herman, Firwin’s president. “But for certain applications, where speedy installation is key, […]

Insulation Outer Fabric: What are the Options?

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An insulation blanket is composed of three main layers: An inner face, the insulation media itself, and the outer fabric. The inner face, known as the hot face, comes in direct contact with the hot component. Typically a stainless steel mesh, it holds the insulation in place. The outer fabric, known as the cold face, […]

How to Install Firwin Removable Insulation Blankets

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Last week, we discussed fastening techniques for insulation blankets. But what about proper installation? Combined with the right fastener, proper insulation installation is crucial in maximizing heat reduction. An improperly installed blanket can result in uncovered parts, heat leakage, or damage to the blanket—all of which can cost you time and money. To help our […]

Energy Savings with Removable Valve Insulation

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Getting the most out of your pipeline applications requires attention to heat—and sources of heat loss. The more heat you lose the higher the cost, so identifying key areas for insulation can go a long way towards increasing efficiency. Valves, flanges, expansion joints, and other irregular surfaces are common culprits of heat leakage, and maintenance […]

An Inside Look: Are Insulation Surface Temperatures Safe?

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How hot does the outer surface of an insulation blanket get? When thinking about insulation temperatures, it’s important to remember that fabrics do not conduct heat; metals do. As a result, the relative temperature of a fabric surface can be higher, and still be safe to touch. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that a formal […]

Insulation Thickness: What’s Right for You?

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Determining the right insulation blanket thickness for your application depends on a range of factors—ambient temperature, air flow velocity, material, emissivity, and more—and it’s not always obvious what level of thickness you need. While 1-inch blanket thickness typically suffices for most insulation applications, blankets can vary in thickness from ½ of an inch to 4 […]

Insulation Insights: 6 Tips for Proper Insulation Blanket Care

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We’ve talked a lot about selecting the right insulation combination for a given project, but effective insulation depends on much more than materials: it depends on consistent and proper maintenance. Here are six easy tips to help you ensure proper insulation blanket performance and longevity. 1. The fastening system is more than suitable to hold […]

Green Insulation Spotlight: CMS Materials

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As a result of legislation in Europe, developed in response to increasing awareness for health and safety regulations, a new group of fibers has been developed for temperature ranges higher than 1100⁰F (590⁰C). Produced in much the same way as mineral wool, these new fibers are made from calcium, magnesium, and silica, and are referred […]

4 Asbestos Alternatives: Making the Right Choice

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Although it’s common knowledge that asbestos poses numerous health risks, it has been difficult to find one fiber that covers the same temperature ranges and offers the same level of chemical resistance. These inherent characteristics established asbestos as the insulation of choice for engines, boilers, and piping, from the 1800s through the 1980s. As serious […]