Industrial insulation is an important component of the oil & gas, manufacturing, power generation and petrochemical industries. It improves energy efficiency, maintains ideal operating temperatures and ensures worker safety.
Hiring a good industrial insulation contractor is one of those investments that will save you money over time. It lowers your energy usage, which in turn cuts your overhead costs.
Material Selection
Industrial insulation companies often have a number of options for the type of material they use. For instance, they can use fiberglass batts, mineral wool, and even spray foam. They should make sure the insulation they use is suitable for the application at hand and meets all industry standards. For example, it should be non-combustible, moisture resistant, mildew resistant, and sound attenuating. They should also make sure the insulation is durable and easy to install.
The most common type of industrial insulation in the United States is made from a fiberglass material. This type of insulation can be used in a variety of applications, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. It is often installed on pipes and tanks, and can help keep the temperature in these areas consistent. It can also help to reduce energy costs, as well as improve efficiency.
Another type of industrial insulation is made from rock wool. This is often used in hot-tempered environments such as power plants and oil and gas production facilities. This insulation is lightweight and has good thermal properties. It is also effective in reducing vibration and noise.
The most popular types of industrial insulation in Latin America are rock wool and glasswool. These are made from natural fibers and are highly sustainable. They are also breathable and can withstand high temperatures.
Installation
Industrial insulation companies offer a wide range of thermal and mechanical insulation services. They can provide insulation for piping, equipment systems and ducts in industrial plants as well as commercial and residential sites. They can install a variety of materials to reduce energy costs, prevent condensation and protect personnel from heat-related injuries.
Before beginning the insulation installation process, an industrial insulation company should carefully review the project specifications and drawings to ensure they meet all objectives. They may need to highlight or resolve any inconsistencies or errors in the specifications. Additionally, they should be aware of the limitations of any products specified and be prepared to recommend an alternative if needed.
In some cases, certain insulation materials may require a minimum application temperature or operate within specific temperature ranges. The insulation contractor must be aware of these requirements and communicate them to the general or mechanical contractor. In addition, the insulation contractor must ensure that the installation area is ready for the next trade by clearing away any debris and ensuring that the space is clean, dry and free of moisture.
Many industrial insulation projects involve working in tight spaces. In power plants, for example, the insulation team must build scaffolding to access a pipe or electrical line. This requires creativity and ingenuity to navigate spaces that were not designed with insulation installation and repair as a primary consideration. It also necessitates the use of safety-related equipment like respirators and goggles.
Maintenance
Many industrial insulation contractors also offer maintenance and repair services. They can help you identify areas that need repairing and provide the necessary materials. They can also help you schedule regular inspections to prevent damage and keep your facilities running smoothly.
Mechanical insulation can save companies huge amounts of energy and money over time, improving process control and equipment life. It can also reduce environmental emissions and greenhouse gases, as well as reduce the amount of energy used at power plants to produce electricity.
Insulation maintains process temperatures, protects personnel from burn hazards, and reduces condensation that can cause corrosion and other problems in the plant. It can also improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by reducing the flow of airborne contaminants.
Choose a contractor with an online presence that offers information about their company and experience. A website can provide a wealth of useful information and can be an excellent way to evaluate a potential industrial insulation company’s work. It’s a good idea to read through the site and look for customer testimonials, which can be a strong indicator of the company’s reputation and quality.
An industrial insulation company must be properly trained and certified to work on a commercial or residential project. In addition, they must be knowledgeable about the complexities of working in an industrial setting, as the piping and equipment systems will likely be under greater pressures and temperature fluctuations than other types of spaces. Moreover, they must be familiar with the many chemicals and hydrocarbons that are found in most industrial facilities.
Training
The right training programs can help your insulation installers perform their jobs well, increase your profitability and build repeat business. Choose an industrial insulation company that makes it a point to keep its crews up-to-date on the latest techniques, technologies and products.
For example, the NIA’s Mechanical Insulation Inspector Certification program is a two-part four-day course to educate insulation inspectors on how to evaluate the installation work and determine whether it is compliant with mechanical insulation specifications. This certification-level class is designed for experienced insulation professionals ready to learn a new specialty or companies that want to offer inspection services as part of their offerings.
Choosing an industrial insulation contractor that offers this kind of training can also save you money in the long run by cutting down on energy costs and reducing the need for costly maintenance. In addition, a properly installed and maintained system can provide sound control and fire safety features to meet building codes and regulations.
For example, industrial insulation contractors can spray foam your pole barn to minimize sound and fire hazards, or apply lifesaving firestop technology in your commercial and industrial structures. Moreover, they can also install the mechanical insulation and noise reducing acoustical materials that ensure your equipment runs efficiently. These projects require stamina since the job involves plenty of standing and bending.