Reduce heat loss and emissions and improve worker safety by installing removable insulation.

During maintenance, insulation over pipes, valves and fittings often is damaged or removed and not replaced. Uninsulated pipes, valves and fittings can be safety hazards and sources of heat loss. Removable and reusable insulating pads are available to cover almost any surface. The pads are made of a noncombustible inside cover, insulation material and a noncombustible outside cover that is tear and abrasion resistant.

Reusable insulating pads commonly are used in industrial facilities for flanges, valves, expansion joints, heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, tanks and other irregular surfaces. The pads are flexible and vibration resistant and can be used with equipment that is horizontally or vertically mounted or difficult to access. Any high temperature piping or equipment should be insulated to reduce heat loss, reduce emissions and improve safety. As a rule of thumb, any surface over 120oF (49oC) should be insulated for protection of personnel. Insulating pads can be removed easily for periodic inspection or maintenance and replaced as needed. Insulating pads can also contain built-in acoustical barriers for noise control.

Energy Savings

Table 1 summarizes energy savings due to the use of insulating valve covers for a range of valve sizes and operating temperatures. To achieve similar savings in your facility, consider conducting a survey of your steam distribution system to identify locations where removable and reusable insulation covers can be used. Also, use removable insulation on components requiring periodic inspections or repair.

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