What Type of Industrial Vessel Insulation is Right for You?

Several manufacturing processes rely on industrial vessels for the storage and processing of materials, and industrial vessel insulation plays a major role in ensuring they function properly. This is because insulation helps to maintain the temperature of the contents in the vessel and contributes to energy efficiency. 

However, different varieties of industrial vessel insulation are available for specific applications, and choosing the right type is vital to ensure optimal performance. To help you figure out which type of insulation is ideal for your industrial operations, here are some of the varieties of industrial vessel insulation on the market and their typical use cases.

Mineral Wool Insulation 

Mineral wool is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used types of industrial vessel insulation. It is made out of natural material such as stone or silica, which is heated until molten, spun into thin fibres, and then bonded together by a resin. As it is resistant to fire, chemicals, and moisture, mineral wool is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

The foremost applications of mineral wool are thermal insulation and acoustic insulation. Mineral wool is a great thermal insulator as its woolly structure traps air within and prevents heat transfer through convection, while this trapped air and the spaces between the solid material prevent conduction. This woolly structure similarly provides acoustic insulation, as the air trapped within the porous material dissipates sound energy as heat, allowing for effective soundproofing.

Along with being a low-cost solution, mineral wool can be easily cut and shaped to fit any vessel’s shape and size. It is often used to insulate industrial vessels that operate at moderately high temperatures, such as pipelines, storage tanks, and boilers. However, mineral wool tends to be heavier than other insulation materials and may release dust particles that can be harmful to workers. It is also unsuitable for temperatures above 900°C, as it can melt or degrade at such high temperatures.

Fibreglass Insulation 

Fibreglass insulation is, in many cases, the most cost-effective insulation option and is used for more general-purpose insulation solutions. It is made from thin strands of glass fibres that are woven into a plastic mat. It is lightweight, easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and has a reasonable resistance to heat flow.

However, fibreglass is not suitable for more heavy-duty insulation applications, as it can melt under high temperatures, and mineral wool offers better thermal and acoustic insulation in most cases. Still, the low weight and high flexibility of fibreglass make it suitable for insulating irregularly-shaped vessels that operate under moderate temperatures. It is commonly used to insulate piping, ductwork, and storage tanks.

Foam Insulation

Foam insulation, or spray foam, is another popular type of industrial vessel insulation. It is made from a mixture of chemicals that react to expand into a foam, which is then sprayed onto the surface of the vessel to be insulated. It is lightweight, resistant to moisture and high temperatures, and creates an airtight seal when applied. 

While spray foam is an excellent thermal insulator, its key advantage is that it can be easily sprayed onto a vessel of any shape, making installation a breeze. It is typically used to insulate industrial vessels for low to medium temperatures, such as refrigeration and cold storage units, as well as chemical processing equipment.

Spray foam has a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective option. However, it cannot be used with vessels that are exposed to fire or have a risk of such, as it releases toxic fumes when burned. Periodic inspection may also be required to ensure that the foam has not degraded or become damaged.

Ceramic Fibre Insulation

Ceramic fibre insulation is a more specialised type of industrial vessel insulation that is used for vessels that operate at high temperatures, typically above 1,000°C. Lightweight and durable, it is made from ceramic fibres of aluminium and silicon. 

This type of insulation is ideal for high-temperature thermal insulation as it does not retain heat and has low thermal conductivity. Ceramic fibre insulation is most commonly used in industrial vessels such as furnaces, kilns, and ovens. It is also resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it suitable for harsher industrial environments such as chemical processing facilities. 

However, it is relatively expensive, as well as susceptible to damage from collisions, which means that it can result in significant expenses if not maintained regularly. 

Excel Insulation – The Right Industrial Vessel Insulation to Suit Your Operations

Selecting the right type of insulation for your industrial vessels will depend on several factors, including the materials they will contain, the temperatures they will operate at, and the environment they are housed in, not to mention your budget. This is where a professional firm engaged in vessel insulation services can assist you in making the ideal choice.

With a wide range of insulation options available and the expertise to recommend what’s most appropriate for your operations, Excel Insulation Services is your go-to partner for industrial vessel insulation in Singapore. Our tailor-made end-to-end solutions have benefitted clients at varying operational scales and placed us among Singapore’s leading companies for insulation solutions and ship repairs. Get in touch with us today!