Thermal Insulation for Refineries

Insulation in refineries helps industrial plants reduce energy costs, making chemical processing more efficient. Insulation also protects staff from workplace risks including burns and noise pollution. Because of this, insulation for refineries may also reduce the liability of refinery owners.

Alkaline acidic corrosion, stress-corrosion, and galvanic corrosion are always a risk in refinery settings, but there are prevention tactics at your disposal. The main way to prevent this corrosion is to keep liquid from intruding into or under insulation. To help prevent CUI: 

• Choose insulation that reduces condensation collection
• Include weather barriers such as insulation blankets or storage tank wraps

Use insulation sealant, coating cement, silicone caulking or other additional insulation accessories.

Fiberglass insulation is non-combustible, making it fireproof. This insulation requires no additional treatment or chemicals to resist flames, making it a great choice for thermal insulation in situations where there is a risk of fire. 

Additionally, mineral insulation can be used. This type of insulation has a Delta-Therm design making it flame and explosion proof, as well as gas tight.

Some of the most common situations of CUI occur on: 

• Heat exchanges
• Gas, Water, and steam lines (as well as other pipelines that may collect condensation)
• Pressure values
• Storage tanks (especially those outdoor)

To prevent CUI, make sure your equipment is properly insulated and protected from water and other chemicals.

By insulating equipment, pipe and steam lines, duct, and storage tanks, refinery managers and plant owners can help the environment. Insulation reduces the amount of energy required to heat equipment and chemicals, as well as the energy required to maintain the necessary temperature. This results in lower energy consumption. A lower energy consumption means lower carbon emissions.