How does Aerogel Insulation Help Manage Space and Weight Constraints?

Aerogel is a lightweight solid derived from silica gel, the liquid component of which has been extracted and replaced with air. The trapped air has little room to move, thus inhibiting convection. The solid part of the silica aerogel is a poor conductor. These properties make aerogel insulation one of the highest performing industrial insulation materials on the market.

This means that when using Aspen's Aerogel thermal (Pyrogel XTE) or cold (Cryogel Z) insulation blankets, you will be able to achieve the same amount of thermal insulation in a smaller form factor than other traditional insulation materials such as calcium silicate. Thin. , perlite, honeycomb glass and mineral wool. A comparison of equivalent thicknesses is shown in Figures 1 and 2 below.

This significantly reduced thickness is ideal for offshore platforms as it allows designers to install more insulated piping in a smaller footprint, saving valuable piping space and minimizing points of conflict with existing equipment .

In the latest version of the Standard Recommended Practices for the Selection of Pipe Assemblies, Aerogel Insulation was identified as the "Best Alternative Pipe Insulation Solution" because it reduces drag on offshore platforms as insulation thickness is reduced and, as a result, profile reduction occurs The area of wind resistance and blast load at the time of explosion.