Boiler Pipe Insulation

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "any surface over 120 degrees Fahrenheit should be insulated using insulation blankets, including boiler surfaces..." That also includes boiler doors, steam drum covers, access doors, etc. In addition to the main boiler body, the pipes connecting to your boiler should also be insulated. In this article, we will identify what boiler pipes are, why they should be insulated, and the best method to insulate your boiler pipes.

What are Boiler Pipes?

A boiler is a closed vessel in which fluid (water or steam) is heated. Fluid that is intended to be heated is transported to and enters the boiler via a pipe. The fluid then goes through a heating process and is carried away through pipes to its destination. The fluid-carrying pipes that enter and exit a boiler are called boiler pipes.

Why Boiler Pipes Should Be Insulated

Reducing expenses while maintaining productivity is key to your organization's success. Installing boiler pipe insulation will boost energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility costs while also ensuring a safe, productive workplace. 

The fluid heating process that occurs inside of a boiler requires energy. Supplying the energy to power a boiler to heat fluid can be costly. Therefore, every measure should be taken to prevent pricey thermal energy from escaping the system.

Leaving boiler pipes that carry heated fluid uninsulated can radiate heat into the surrounding space, requiring more of your energy dollars to make up for lost heat. Boiler pipe covers provide a support layer that helps boiler pipes retain heat, lowering your energy bill and your carbon footprint.

The hot fluid running through boiler pipes also heats the pipes themselves. The pipes are hot to the touch while the boiler is running, and that heat can potentially endanger employees who could brush against hot boiler pipes and burn themselves. Insulation serves as a buffer between hot pipes and your workforce.

How to Insulate Boiler Pipes With Reusable Insulation Wrap 

Insulating your boiler pipes with an insulation jacket is quick and easy. Thermaxx simplifies the process even more by customizing insulation to fit your boiler and any other components that may be challenging to insulate using traditional hard pipe insulation. We engineer, design, and produce jackets for an optimal fit over specific parts like pipes, valves, level gauges, steam traps, or any other serviceable component. 

Our insulation jackets feature straps, D-rings, and hook-and-loop flaps to make installation and re-installation a breeze. You can install your insulation jackets by wrapping them around the component you want to insulate, then pulling the straps through the D-rings. Tie the straps after pulling them through the D-rings to keep them out of the way. The hook-and-loop flaps make up the final system that holds the insulation in place, so fasten them last during installation and undo them first when removing the insulation. 

The installation process is just as quick and easy for any boiler component that poses an opportunity for energy savings, including: 

• Steam headers
• Steam traps
• Heat valve bonnets
• Flange components 
• Level gauges
• Level gauge piping
• Manway on top of the boiler

Best Insulation for Boiler Pipes

As mentioned above, boiler pipes transport steam and other hot fluids that reach temperatures well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The best solution for a simple residential application may be a cheap pipe wrap from a big box store. However, the best insulation for industrial boiler pipes are removable insulation blankets by Thermaxx Jackets for the following reasons:

• Made of high temperature-resistant flame-retardant materials: Our insulation jackets are made with special PTFE/Fiberglass composite materials like EJ 1650 that can withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Easily removable for servicing piping: Traditional pipe insulation like fiberglass wraps aren't recommended by the Department of Energy because insulation frequently becomes damaged or is removed and never replaced during steam system repair.
• Improves workplace safety: Workplace injuries can occur all too easily if high-temperature components are left uncovered. Removable boiler pipe insulation protects employees from getting burned by high touch temperatures and lowers the ambient temperature of the room.

Our Insulation Materials 

Thermaxx recognizes that every facility has unique needs, which is why we offer a wide range of boiler jacket options. You can customize your insulation cover to feature one of our numerous insulation materials. Each material offers unique properties that differentiate it from the next as the ideal product for a specific situation. Our insulation materials include: 

• Silica aerogel: Our Pyrogel^® XT insulation contains a hydrophobic, heat-resistant material ideal for marine piping and other warm, damp settings. 
• E needled fiberglass: We use E needled fiberglass for Lewco Sil Mat insulation that withstands temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for use with the hottest industrial equipment like boilers. 
• Mass loaded vinyl: This material combats the noise that loud industrial equipment produces. 
• Ceramic: Our Fiberfrax^® blankets are lightweight, energy-efficient products for operating temperatures ranging from 1,800 degrees to 2,450 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Closed-cell sheets: The INSUL-SHEET^® with Self Seal Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) contains polyolefin and fiberglass for heat and moisture resistance. 

Choose Thermaxx for Boiler Pipe Insulation

Thermaxx is a leading boiler pipe insulation developer with the skills and resources to develop custom solutions for your facility. We'll work with you to determine your needs, choose the right insulation, and calculate your savings. Our boiler pipe insulation wrap options have a five-year warranty to ensure your satisfaction. Work with us to see energy savings that will yield impressive returns within 24 months.  

We encourage you to read more about boiler insulation online or contact us for more info on boiler pipe insulation solutions.