Thermal insulation materials typically limit heat transfer via conduction where objects are in direct contact with one another.
This occurrence commonly happens where there are intense changes in temperature which needs proper refractory.
Industries such as the mining and refinery, paper and pulp, aluminum, biomass, and chemical require thermal insulation solutions.
Thus, in this article, we uncover thermal insulation and how it is applied correctly for refractory projects.
What is Thermal Insulation?
The term “thermal insulation” refers to the various methods used to prevent heat transfer from one object to another. For example, the hot and cold faces of processing equipment in industrial facilities.
Despite the wide range of uses, they all have the same basic advantages: Lowering energy losses for efficiency, which leads to higher returns on investment (ROIs).
Moreover, all methods of thermal insulation, whether used to insulate residential hollow walls or for furnace insulation from high temperatures, follow the same basic principles.
More information on thermal insulation.
How to Choose the Best Insulation Material?
In general, the thermal conductivity (k) of materials determines the rate at which heat flows between things. Heat transfer applications frequently use metals and ceramics with strong thermal conductivities.
For example, high-temperature heating elements for industrial ovens and furnaces are usually made of silicon carbide.
On the other hand, low thermal conductivities result in extraordinarily high resistance levels. Because heat absorption is mitigated by several silica-based materials, resulting in minimal heat transfer.
Although insulating materials’ thermal conductivity is important, several additional qualities must be taken into account, including:
- Density
- Heat capacity
- Thickness
- Thermal bridging
Suggested read: List of Refractory Materials in Malaysia & Its Application
Thermal Insulation Materials Performance
Basically, the most notable feature of refractory insulation materials is its performance, whereby it consistently offers the intended resistance to heat throughout the building’s lifetime.
Other elements related to the installation of refractory insulation materials must be considered during the design process, such as below:
Which Material is Best for Thermal Insulation?
Certainly, materials with high heat resistance values are the best insulation materials.
Browse through SLP Refractory Products for thermal insulation.
At SLP, we use high temperature insulation bricks, refractory insulation bricks, and many other types of insulating materials for safe and optimal performance in any application.
Our industrial insulation systems offer high performance in some of the harshest industrial applications available.
Hire an Expert for the Best Thermal Insulation Solutions
Properly installed thermal insulation materials protects your refractory and your expenses.
All in all, without the right application of insulation materials, the life of your refractory may reduce to 50% or maybe more.
So, before you worry about costly refractory repairs, consider hiring the best insulation company in Malaysia for accurate thermal insulation solutions.
Send us an inquiry for insulation refractory services to help you minimize downtime, reduce energy loss, and avoid valuable equipment failure.