Insulation by Industry — Petrochemical, Power, Food, Semiconductor and Shipbuilding

Insulation is used across every industry, but the requirements differ completely from one to the next. The hot, chemically aggressive conditions of a petrochemical plant, the hygiene standards of a food factory, the cleanroom class of a semiconductor fab, the fire and weight requirements of shipbuilding — matching the material to the industry is what delivers the best performance.

1. Petrochemical and gas plants

• Characteristics: high temperature (300 to over 1000°C), high pressure, chemical resistance, non-combustibility essential
• Pipe insulation: mineral wool (300–600°C), Cerakwool (600°C+), aerogel (confined spaces)
• LNG lines: PIR urethane pipe insulation, aerogel — cryogenic insulation
• Valves and flanges: removable insulation jackets are essential
• Duct joints: silica and Kevlar canvas — high-temperature expansion joints
• Refractory linings: Cerakwool 1260°C or above with rigidizer hardening

2. Power stations (thermal, nuclear, gas turbine)

• Characteristics: hot steam (300–600°C), vibration, long-term durability, non-combustibility
• Steam lines: mineral wool pipe sections with aluminum cladding
• Hot pipework (600°C+): Cerakwool blanket with metal cladding
• Around turbines and generators: Cerakwool modules, mineral wool board
• Duct expansion: Kevlar and silicone canvas — for high pressure and vibration
• Insulation covers: removable jackets, taken off during scheduled overhauls

3. Food, beverage and pharmaceutical plants

• Characteristics: hygiene (GMP, HACCP), waterproofing, antimicrobial, non-combustibility, stainless finishes
• Chilled and refrigeration lines: Basofoam, rubber foam — antimicrobial with condensation control
• Hot water and steam lines: PIR urethane pipe insulation with PVC or stainless facing
• Equipment insulation: jackets with Teflon coated skins, easy to wash down
• Ductwork: glasswool board with galvanised facing (stainless in GMP zones)
• Exposed glasswool is prohibited — the risk of fiber shedding and contamination

4. Semiconductor and display plants

• Characteristics: ISO cleanroom class, low shedding, non-combustibility, chemical resistance
• Cooling water lines: PIR urethane pipe insulation with fully sealed aluminum facing
• Process gas lines: aerogel — for confined spaces at low thickness
• Ductwork: non-combustible glasswool board with aluminum facing, joints fully taped
• High-temperature process equipment: Cerakwool with a carbon coated cloth skin (anti-static)
• Exposed glasswool and mineral wool are absolutely prohibited

5. Shipbuilding and offshore

• Characteristics: weight saving, fire protection (IMO standards), vibration and impact resistance, salt corrosion resistance
• LNG cargo tanks: perlite fill, PIR urethane — cryogenic insulation
• Engine room pipework: mineral wool pipe sections with aluminum cladding
• Fire bulkheads: mineral wool board — IMO A-60 fire standard
• Engine and exhaust lines: Cerakwool blanket with silicone coated cloth
• Insulation jackets: Kevlar and silicone skins — durable in the vibration of a vessel

Key materials by industry