This article was written by Meghan Reilly, an insulation expert at Thermaxx Jackets
Thermaxx Jackets manufactures jackets for virtually all types of industrial applications. Many of our customers request water resistant and/or flame resistant jackets/blankets for their facilities.
When choosing insulation material for flame resistant applications it is important to consider application type, surrounding environment and ASTM standards when choosing materials.
Fire resistant insulation materials
There are a few ASTM standards that deal with mechanical insulation
ASTM 84 rating 25 flame spread/ 50 smoked developed Pipe insulation above a drop ceiling that acts as a plenum should be 25/50 flame/smoke rated. If the insulation is made of foam it should contain fire retardant chemicals
ASTM E136 categorizes a material that in non-combustible which means that a material will not support a fire (this is used mainly in confined spaces and chemical facilities.)
ASTM E119 is the standard test method for building and construction materials. Its used to determine the fire resistance of a complete assembly. ASTM E119 is also known as UL 263 or NFPA 251
Thermaxx uses a variety of flame resistant/retardant materials such as Silica Cloth, Vermiculite and Teflon LFP.
Water resistant insulation materials
Water resistant insulation materials are used to reduce pipe and valve corrosion and are used on the following applications:
- Insulation systems in pits/vaults/manholes or any other area susceptible to
- Frequent wash downs of the insulation system flooding
- Insulation for valves/piping systems that are outdoors
- Cold piping systems do prevent and withstand condensation
- Weather resistance
When implementing a project where water resistant insulation is needed, choosing the appropriate material is key. Thermaxx Jackets uses state of highest development of water-resistant insulation materials such as EJ 1650, Teflon LFP and Pyrogel XTE.
