thermal insulation

- Why Should I Care About Thermal Insulation? Marine News, Sep 2016 #44
Compliance, Safety, Insurance, Emissions & Maintenance

There are a million important things to worry about on any vessel, so why does high-performance thermal insulation deserve a place on the list? Answer: Because it has a very important role to play in keeping your vessel out on the water, being operated safely by a crew and safely carrying passengers.

What is High-performance Thermal Insulation?

When we talk about high-performance thermal insulation, we’re talking about insulation that can stop a significant amount of heat, in a relatively small space. Not the stuff that sits in between your drywall at home, but insulation made from sheet metal, metal foil, high-performance fabrics and composites that manage heat around exhaust and after-treatment systems, turbo chargers, high-pressure oil and hydraulic lines and other high-heat areas on a vessel.

So, now that we know what it is, why should you care about it?

Thermal Insulation, SOLAS and Safety

SOLAS and safety go hand in hand. SOLAS regulations are there to keep your crew and passengers safe. And, of course, failing a SOLAS spot-check could mean getting stuck in port. The first area where thermal insulation is critical to SOLAS compliance is fire prevention. SOLAS calls for insulating any hot surfaces that could come into contact with fuel, as well as protecting fuel and oil lines against failure. Practically, this typically means insulating engine turbochargers and exhaust and after-treatment systems, as well as shielding fuel and oil line connection and joints, and double-walled piping for high-pressure fuel and oil lines.

Another area SOLAS specifically addresses is noise, requiring compliance with the Maritime Safety Committee’s resolution MSC.337(91). This resolution prescribes acceptable noise levels for different parts of a vessel, such as machinery spaces, control rooms and other working spaces. High-performance thermal insulation not only insulates against heat, it can be designed and implemented to significantly decrease the noise emitted by engines and other mechanical systems.

One area that SOLAS doesn’t address specifically, but which we recommend considering, is safe-touch temperatures. SOLAS only requires insulating surfaces against fire danger if they reach above 220°C, but ASTM C1055 recommends keeping exposed surfaces that workers might come into contact with at or below 60°C. Many process engineers recommend 48°C as a more reasonable safe-to-touch temperature.

Typically, insulating engine components and exhaust systems to maintain safe-to-touch temperatures is impractical, and workers won’t come into contact with these surfaces while they’re at operating temperatures under standard maintenance procedures. However, if your vessel has high-temperature equipment in areas where workers could accidentally come into contact with it, such as hot water pipes, valves or other components, it is well worth implementing a thermal insulation solution that considers safe-to-touch temperatures.

Thermal Insulation & Insurance

It should be no surprise that, given thermal insulation’s role in safety, it’s also something that could be of great importance to your insurer. We were recently contacted by a company who was at risk of a significant insurance rate increase. They had experienced several fires caused by flammable materials coming into contact with exhaust components. Their insurer gave them a mandate: Fix the problem, or take a rate hike.

Thermal Structures was able to help them develop a thermal insulation solution that reduced the risk of fires, improved safety, reduced downtime and made their insurer happy. Thermal insulation has so many safety benefits that, even if you haven’t experienced any problems, it’s worth talking with your insurer to see if implementing more comprehensive thermal insulation could help to reduce your rates.

Thermal Insulation & Emissions

Whether you’re simply subject to the International Marine Organization’s (IMO) global marine engine regulations, or the more stringent Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations, thermal insulation plays a critical role in helping to meet those requirements. Meeting emissions standards often goes hand in hand with the generation of additional heat. Sometimes that heat is an essential part of the process, like with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration. Other times, it’s simply a byproduct. In either case, when engines are producing more heat, they need more effective thermal insulation.

Today, that’s largely relevant to compliance with IMO emissions standards, but it’s likely that, in the future, reducing emissions could become a source of profit. The EU and other organizations have already proposed “cap and trade” style programs for maritime emissions, where lower emissions producers would be able to sell their excess capacity to higher emissions producers. Vessels and fleets that have taken strides toward lowering emissions today will be well positioned to take advantage of those programs when they come into place.

Thermal Insulation & Maintenance

The type of thermal insulation on your vessel can have a big impact on how easy or difficult it is to perform maintenance on systems covered by that insulation. Many times, thermal insulation has to be removed to perform maintenance on the system it’s protecting. If thermal insulation is poorly designed or implemented, it can cause a significant and costly obstacle to that maintenance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in picking the right thermal insulation, so it’s important to consider several factors. For example, fabric insulation blankets typically have a lower initial cost, but over time they can “cure” into shape, and removing them can cause them to disintegrate. Foil and sheet metal insulation might have a higher initial cost, but they can be removed and reattached for the life of the engine without being damaged.

Cleaning is also an important consideration. On many vessels, surfaces that could become contaminated with oil, fuel or other flammable chemicals are frequently cleaned. Sheet metal and foil insulation can stand up to rigorous cleaning and even pressure-washing without any issues, but fabric insulation could present a problem. Picking the right thermal insulation can have a big impact on the ongoing cost and ease or difficulty of your vessel’s maintenance.

Getting Help

The implementation of thermal insulation can be a lot to think about, and there’s no need to go it alone. Your best bet is to work closely with your engine manufacturer, or a thermal insulation provider, to make sure that your vessel or fleet is using appropriate, suitable and effective thermal insulation. It’s the first step in making sure your vessels are as safe, efficient and easy to maintain as possible.

The Author

Bruce Kaplan is Product Development Manager at Thermal Structures, Inc.

(As published in the September 2016 edition of Marine News)
- Trelleborg Debuts Thermal Insulation Portfolio Marine Technology, Jun 2014 #54
Trelleborg’s offshore operation announced it has consolidated its range of high performance thermal insulation materials to house them all under one brand – Vikotherm, which was presented last month at OTC in Houston. “As subsea environments become increasingly more demanding; going deeper and further than
- A Proven, New Approach for Vessel Insulation Maritime Reporter, Feb 2003 #50
Section for Mascoat Products • www.deltacoat.com Vessel insulation has changed very little in many years. Normally hidden from direct view, thermal insulation systems can become ineffective over time due to poor installation, vibration or moisture intrusion. In fact, if moisture is ever introduced
- Halyard Extends Noise Insulation Range Maritime Reporter, Jan 2014 #58
Firebatt 2000. Aimed at the commercial marine sector, the multipurpose Marine Firebatt 2000 is a rock mineral wool slab, providing fire protection, thermal insulation and significant noise reduction to marine craft and offshore installations. Marine Firebatt 2000 has been designed to meet stringent requirements
- Halyard Expands Insulation Product Range Maritime Reporter, Mar 2014 #57
with the introduction of Rockwool Marine Firebatt 2000. The multipurpose Marine Firebatt 2000 is a rock mineral wool slab, providing fire protection, thermal insulation and significant noise reduction to marine craft and offshore installations. Marine Firebatt 2000 has been designed to meet stringent requirements
- Claremont Offers Free Catalog On Thermal & Acoustical Insulation Maritime Reporter, Oct 1986 #39
captioned with the product's vital specifications. The catalog is divided into six sections covering: high temperature insulation pad components, thermal insulation lagging, all purpose fiberglass tapes, general welding fabrics, exterior pad and equipment covers and acoustic and gasketing compounds. The
- Brochure Available On N e w Sound Absorption Material From Soundcoat Maritime Reporter, Jun 1988 #18
material made of a flexible very low density, fireresistant polyimide foam. It provides not only excellent sound absorption but good thermal insulation, as well as being resilient and lightweight. Usable temperature range is unmatched by other noise control materials ( — 150 C to +
- Spray-On Insulation Cuts Maintenance Costs Maritime Reporter, May 2002 #42
One of the common items found on almost every vessel constructed that is frequently overlooked is thermal insulation material. As vessels increase in age. it is safe to say that the insulation systems start to degrade with time and abuse. In fact, if moisture is ever introduced to the insulation from
- Hopeman Brothers To Supply Accommodation Joiner Packages For Two Oil Skimming Vessels Maritime Reporter, May 1990 #50
, Marine, to develop a custom-designed joiner package for these vessels. Isolamin bulkhead panels, which eliminate the need for the traditional thermal insulation against the weather boundary, will be used. Momek interior doors will be supplied. Over 12,000 Momek doors were supplied to the marine industry
- Soundcoat Introduces Custom-Cut Closed Cell Foam Materials For Gasketing Maritime Reporter, May 1988 #62
materials. They are closed cell foams that are designed to provide a variety of functions, such as shock and impact absorption, acoustic sealing, thermal insulation, EMI/RFI shielding and static dissipation in use as gaskets, vibration pads, cushions and mats. Soundfoam CS materials were developed to meet
- Imi-Tech Awarded $300,000 In Navy Research Contracts Maritime Reporter, Feb 15, 1985 #4
and durability. Developed in part under a research grant from NASA, it is now in use in a wide variety of applications, including acoustical and thermal insulation, as fire barriers, vibration damping, and in cryogenic applications. Seeking a thermal insulator and a water vapor barrier that is also flame-res
- MacGregor-Navire Cargo Access Equipment Ordered For Blue Star Reefers Maritime Reporter, Dec 15, 1983 #9
3 have four hatches on each, with deck No. 4 in holds 2 and 3 having two only. The weatherdeck covers and those on deck 3 incorporate provision for thermal insulation. Chosen for all hatches are covers of the folding type. Those on the weather deck are actuated by external cylinders with the innovative "

)
August 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 51
George Pasha, IV, marking three generations plant, the power distribution system, the heat recovery system, the of service to Hawaii. level from thermal insulation to the ef? ciency of air conditioning. The diesel electric propulsion system will combine three main variable speed generator sets (suitable
)
July 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 41
design of the power plant, the power distribution eries and Marine Institute (MI), School of Ocean system, the heat recovery system, the level from thermal insulation to the Technology. The primary function of the Sub- ef? ciency of air conditioning. Atlantic Mohican ROV system will be to support The diesel
)
September 2022 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 71
of Nichrome wire. Current through the wire causes the nichrome to heat up, slicing its way through the nylon. Performance may be improved with thermal insulation from the environment. Ice Ice has a very high compressive strength, as evidenced by Ti- Desert Star Systems Kevin Hardy Ocean Appliances, Australia
)
October 2022 - Marine News page: 64
history and extensive testing to provide lighting performance requirements, and creating speci? c prod- some of the best coatings available for thermal insulation, ucts for the application rather than trying to sell generic prod- condensation protection and sound control. The company uct, and convincing
)
July 2020 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 10
is a leader for buoyancy, protection and insulation product solutions. Its product range includes drilling and distributed riser buoyancy, thermal insulation, cable protec- tion, bend restrictors, stiffeners and riser protection guards. The company’s purpose-built production facilities, subsea test
)
July 2019 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 22
provides introduced in the early part of 2019. buoyancy, elastomer and composite solutions including drilling and distributed riser buoyancy, thermal insulation, cable protection, bend The Tech restrictors, stiffeners and riser protection guards. Installers and opera- Sea Sentry is an exhaust gas scrubber
)
December 2018 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 31
approximately 5,000m3 from the second largest MOSS type LNG carrier constructed by KHI. Ka- wasaki Panel System was adopted for the thermal insulation system of the cargo tanks, which offers outstanding LNG boil-off rate performance of no more than 0.08% per day. This ship is equipped with
)
December 2017 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 31
highlights include: 0 (Ozone depletion potential), GWP equipped with variable frequency drive Aspo Plc, built at the Jinling shipyard in • Thermal insulation & Heat recov- max 1300 (Global warming potential) (VFD) to reduce power consumption. Nanjing, China. Viikki is the ? rst LNG- ery: Improved
)
February 2016 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 21
pipe rupture from shock. Even with Warfare (ASU) engagement, and Anti- ated stiffening and thermal insulation, in designed to withstand an impact and meticulous maintenance practices, situ- Air Warfare (AAW) engagement. It is order to represent almost 600 compart- only be able to remain a? oat.
)
September 2016 - Marine News page: 45
SAFETY & FIRE PROTECTION thermal insulation solution that re- maintenance on systems covered by oil, fuel or other ? ammable chemicals duced the risk of ? res, improved that insulation. Many times, thermal are frequently cleaned. Sheet metal safety, reduced downtime and made insulation has to be
)
September 2016 - Marine News page: 44
the list? Answer: spaces, control rooms and other working spaces. High-per- Because it has a very important role to play in keeping your formance thermal insulation not only insulates against heat, vessel out on the water, being operated safely by a crew and it can be designed and implemented to signi?
)
April 2016 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 57
the years they have nology designed to extend the battery are no dynamic seals anywhere on the performed ? awlessly for us.” Seatooth PipeLogger Thermal Insulation. Deep Trekker DT340 Pipe Crawler. Planet Ocean WSF www.marinetechnologynews.com Marine Technology Reporter 57 MTR #3 (50-64).indd 57 4/4/2016
)
June 2014 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 54
Trelleborg’s offshore operation an- nounced it has consolidated its range of high performance thermal insulation materials to house them all under one brand – Vikotherm, which was presented last month at OTC in Houston. “As sub- sea environments become increasingly more demanding; going deeper
)
March 15, 1983 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 9
supplier — Isolamin — saves time and money. Quiet — Sound reduction is incredible: 33 dB cabin-to-corridor; 45 dB between units. Plus superior thermal insulation: 66 BTU/hr. at 2°F. Bright — Available in a wide range of fresh, attractive colors and finishes to provide a warm, pleasant environment.
)
March 2014 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 57
of Rock- wool Marine Firebatt 2000. The multipurpose Marine Firebatt 2000 is a rock mineral wool slab, providing fi re protection, thermal insulation and signifi cant noise reduction to marine craft and offshore installations. Marine Firebatt 2000 has been designed to meet stringent requiremen
)
June 1983 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 21
supplier — Isolamin — saves time and money. Quiet — Sound reduction is incredible: 33 dB cabin-to-corridor; 45 dB between units. Plus superior thermal insulation: 66 BTU/hr. at 2°F. Bright — Available in a wide range of fresh, attractive colors and finishes to provide a warm, pleasant environment.
)
November 1983 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 4th Cover
supplier — Isolamin — saves time and money. Quiet — Sound reduction is incredible: 33 dB cabin-to-corridor; 45 dB between units. Plus superior thermal insulation: 66 BTU/hr. at 2°F. Bright — Available in a wide range of fresh, attractive colors and finishes to provide a warm, pleasant environment.
)
March 1989 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 7
doors Floating floors Engineering and supervision Non Progressive and Progressive Panels • Modular (quick) installation • Built-in Thermal insulation • High aesthetic appeal • SOLAS, USCG, ABS, DNV, B-15/A-60 certification • Engineering and supervision • Integrated accessories;
)
March 1989 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 5
doors Floating floors Engineering and supervision Non Progressive and Progressive Panels • Modular (quick) installation • Built-in Thermal insulation • High aesthetic appeal • SOLAS, USCG, ABS, DNV, B-15/A-60 certification • Engineering and supervision • Integrated accessories;
)
April 1992 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 66
Circle 161 on Reader Service Card Darchem Engineering, Inc., offers thermal insu- lation and fire protection with its Darmet all metal- lic thermal insulation and Darmatt fire protection blanket. The firm will display at Booth 510. DAYTON T. BROWN Circle 159 on Reader Service Card Dayton T.
)
June 15, 2000 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 43
. Circle 242 on Reader Service Card Why Paint and Insulate? Seal, hstfats and Protect afl with Delta T Marine Insulating Coating Replaces thermal insulation! • A 40 mil layer achieves an R11-R15 (actor! • Non toxic and contains no harmful VOCs! • USCG, Lloyds, ABS and DNV Approved • Cost Effective
)
August 2000 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 3rd Cover
on Reader Service Card Why O^jfcl LmiJwl seal, ktsiiate and Insulate? and Protect all with Delta T Marine Insulating Coating Replaces thermal insulation! • A 40 mil layer achieves an R11-R15 (actor! • Non toxic and contains no harmful VOCs! • USC9, Lloyds, ABS and DNV Approved • Cost Effective
)
October 2000 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16
, in e-commerce and operations. Why Pafeit and hsulate? Seal, hsulate and Protect ail with Delta T Marine Insulating Coating Replaces thermal insulation! • A 40 mil layer achieves an R11-R15 (actor! • Non toxic and contains no harmful VOCs! • usee, Uoyds, ABS and DNV Approved • Cost Effective
)
December 2000 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 46
Circle 270 on Reader Service Card Why Paint and Insulate? Seal, Insulate and Protect all with Delta T Marine Insulating Coating Replaces thermal insulation! ' A 40 mil layer achieves an R11-R15 factor! ' Non toxic and contains no harmful VOCs! > USCG, Lloyds, ABS and DNV Approved • Cost Effective

Thermal Insulation