Choosing the Right Fire-Resistant Insulation for Your Facility
Facilities such as manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and oil and gas refineries often handle flammable materials that require careful management to ensure safety and prevent accidents or injuries to workers. Properly maintained, fire-resistant insulation plays a crucial role in these facilities’ safety management protocol because it can help contain heat and prevent the spread of fire in the event of an operational failure. Conversely, damaged, degraded, or poorly maintained insulation can compromise safety in these types of facilities and increase fire risks. Additionally, corrosion under insulation (CUI) on pipes carrying flammable materials is a significant hazard, as it can lead to leaks, explosions, or fires if not addressed promptly.
To assure the safety of workers and lessen fire risk, it is vital that higher-risk facilities employ durable, fire-resistant insulation to protect pipelines, reduce the risk of CUI, and mitigate the potential for heat transfer to nearby equipment.
Fire-Resistant Insulation – Key Factors to Consider
Heat Resistance
Heat-resistant insulation is a thermal barrier that can prevent heat transfer and fire spread in the event of an accident. The insulation’s role in delaying or preventing the spread of fire can provide critical time needed for evacuation, protect workers from harm, and minimize damage to neighboring equipment. As an element of passive fire protection, insulation can work with active fire protection measures, including sprinklers and fire extinguishers, to slow or stop the spread of fire in the event of an equipment failure or high-temperature event.
Chemical Exposure
Fire-resistant insulation is critical in chemical processing plants or facilities that use chemicals, including ammonia, hydrocarbons, or sulfuric acid. Not only does fire-resistant insulation provide a thermal barrier that helps protect the pipelines carrying flammable and caustic chemicals from external heat events or fires, it also helps to mitigate the threat of CUI that can degrade the structural integrity of the pipelines, reducing the risk of pipeline failure as the source of leaks, explosions, fires, and dangerous spills.
Durability
The importance of insulation durability in high-fire-risk environments cannot be overstated. Insulation that degrades over time becomes damaged by normal wear and tear or cannot withstand harsh operational conditions increases the risk of CUI. Damaged insulation also increases the risks of workplace injury from pipe burns and the risks associated with continually maintaining and repairing insulation at height and around hot pipes. This risk and the expense associated with regularly repairing or replacing damaged insulation may lead to maintenance delays that can result in hazardous conditions.
Types of Fire-Resistant Insulation
There are several types of fire-resistant insulation options for industrial applications. These insulations have a Class A Fire Rating, which is the highest possible and means they are highly resistant to flame spread, requiring an index of 25 or less and a smoke development rating of 0-450. For chemical plants and other higher-risk facilities, insulation should have that Class A rating, CUI protection, and the durability to withstand challenging operational conditions.
Mineral Wool
PROS:
- Class A Fire Rated
- Contributes to Noise Reduction
CONS:
- Susceptible to Water/Chemical Absorption and CUI
- Breaks Easily When Handled, Making Installation/Reinstallation Difficult
- Requires Jacketing
Ceramic Fiber
PROS:
- Class A Fire Rated
- Lightweight
CONS:
- Installation Requires Protective Gear
- High Cost
- Requires Jacketing
Calcium Silicate
PROS:
- Fire Resistant
CONS:
- Brittle and Can Break Easily
- Heavy and Difficult to Install
- Can Absorb Flammable Liquids and Become Fire Hazard
- Requires Jacketing
Dragon Jacket Insulation – Class A Fire Rated, Chemical Resistant, CUI Protective, and Durable Enough to Last Decades
One insulation solution protects pipes from CUI, while being heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and durable enough to withstand extreme operational conditions.
Dragon Jacket Insulation
- Class A Fire Rated
- UV resistant
- Chemical Resistant
- CUI Resistant (Galvanic, Acidic, Chloride)
- Impact & Weather Resistant
- 100% Waterproof
Dragon Jacket is durable enough to withstand years of removal and reinstallation, making it perfect for applications where regular pipeline maintenance is required. This can significantly lower the total costs associated with maintaining insulation over the long term. Plus, because of its superior dimensional stability, Dragon Jacket insulation won’t warp, buckle, or crack under heat, cold, humidity, vapor, solar radiation, and age conditions. This ensures the insulation will not degrade over time or with constant handling.
| Dragon Jacket Insulation™ | Polyiso Fabricated Panel System | Fiberglass & Cladding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Warranty | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Waterproof | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| CUI Resistant | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 95+ MPH Wind Resistant | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Extended 20+ Year Life | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Impact Resistant | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Uninstall, Inspect, Re-Install | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| UV Resistant | ✔ | ✘* | ✘* |
