Insulation fabrication services convert, cut, laminate, sew, and/or assemble fiberglass, foam, mineral wool, ceramic, or other insulating materials into custom fabricated products such as thermal covers, blankets, and pipe wraps. Typically, insulating products are used in foundries, electric arc furnaces (EAF), or diesel engines. Specifications for the products that insulation fabrication services provide include continuous operating temperature, maximum short-term exposure temperature, flexibility, flame resistance, abrasion resistance, and water and oil resistance. Product features include molten splash resistance and resistance to water, moisture, and hydraulic oils at high temperatures.
Insulation fabrication services produce many types of thermal covers. Removable products are used with exhaust manifolds and turbochargers on heavy-duty diesel engines. Products are available in many different sizes for use with a variety of closure systems. Furnace covers are designed to protect foundry workers from high heat and splashing molten metal. Typically, these products are made of a glass-fiber base fabric, and are impregnated on both sides with silicone rubber coating. Welding spatter covers and grinding swarf protection covers are used mainly in construction applications. Insulation fabrication services that specialize in other types of covers are also available.
Blanket insulation or insulating blankets are used on process machinery and piping for improved thermal performance. Insulation fabrication services that provide insulated blankets for steam process equipment can help customers to reduce operational costs and save energy. Typically, these types of blanket insulation are used on pumps, valves, strainers, steam traps, and expansion joints. Insulation fabrication services that specialize in thermal power and gas transmission applications are also available. Customers may specify full, custom-cut insulation blankets or use blanket pieces. Other applications exhaust flanges, pipes, and manifolds; expansion cones and housings; and turbochargers.
Insulation fabrication services can produce various types of pipe wraps from foam, fiberglass, mineral wool, ceramic, or other insulating materials. In addition to materials of construction, product specifications for pipe insulation wraps include dimensions such as height, width, and length. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe wrap with an aluminum shell is used to insulate and protect piping while reflecting heat. Often, PVC pipe wrap has an adhesive backing. Fiberglass pipe may have a vapor barrier, a moisture barrier, or other specialized properties. Mineral wool pipe wrap is semi-rigid and made with fibers which are perpendicular to the surface. Insulation fabrication services that provide ceramic pipe wrap are used with engines to hold heat for consistent horsepower.