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Tnemec Co. has introduced the first thermal insulating coatings featuring Enova aerogel by Cabot Corp.
Series 971 Aerolon Acrylic and Series 975 Aerolon Epoxy are fluid-applied, high-build coatings that are designed to resist high operating temperatures when spray-applied to piping, tanks, valves or other steel substrates in refineries, processing plants and other industrial facilities.
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| The Aerolon series is made with Cabot’s Enova brand aerogel, a thermally insulative coatings additive. |
“Aerolon’s hydrophobic formulations bond with high-performance primers for a durable barrier that resists corrosion under insulation (CUI), which is a major problem in industrial applications, including the oil and gas industry,” said Andy Hoffman, Tnemec market support manager, Industrial Market.
New Coating Option
Typically, aerogel has been used for thermal insulation in a particle form or in a blanket that is wrapped around piping and covered with cladding, said James Pidhurney, Cabot global commercial manager for Aerogel Coatings.
“The insulating blankets have to be cut, shaped and wrapped, then clad with aluminum or stainless steel,” Pidhurney said. “This process can be time consuming and labor intensive, especially around valves and on intricately shaped pipes. With Aerolon spray-applied insulation coatings, the complexity of shapes is not a factor.”
He added: “The Enova aerogel particle size in Aerolon has been optimized for improved thermal efficiency in maximum operating temperatures. This is breakthrough technology.”
Features and Specs
The product is formulated to achieve higher, single-coat film build, resulting in shorter application times for a quicker return to service and lower labor costs, according to Tnemec.
A single coat of Aerolon Epoxy can achieve 160 mils (4mm) dry film thickness (DFT); Aerolon Acrylic can achieve up to 60 mils (1.5mm) DFT.
The Aerolon coatings “are comparable to most conventional forms of industrial insulation,” Hoffman explained. “The thermal insulation properties of Aerolon coatings provide safe-touch performance on hot pipes and other surfaces to prevent serious worksite accidents. And their low K-value ratings offer thermal efficiencies that result in substantial energy cost reductions.”
Aerolon coatings are water-based with practically zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), minimizing environmental impact. Once mixed, Aerolon resembles a slurry that can be spray applied. Aerolon coatings are part of a complete system that includes specialty primers and topcoats, Tnemec said.
Established in 1921, Tnemec is one of the largest privately held companies in North America specializing in industrial coatings for steel, concrete and other substrates for new construction and maintenance.
More information: www.tnemec.com.
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