Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI): What it is and how to prevent it Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is the corrosion of piping and vessels that occurs beneath insulation as a result of water penetration. The water can come from rain water, leakage, deluge system water, wash water, or sweating from temperature cycling or low temperature operation such as refrigeration units.
Corrosion Under Insulation Corrosion under insulation has been plaguing the industrial equipment since the 1970s energy crisis first prompted companies to reduce energy costs by insulating their equipment. Corrosion under insulation (or CUI) can be a major problem if left unchecked; CUI can cause massive damage that is expensive and dangerous.
Stainless steel is resistant, but certainly not immune, to corrosion. In a previous article, we examined the need for inspecting stainless steel pipes further, including a discussion of conditions which encourage corrosion. When corrosion does occur in stainless steel, the corrosion often manifests in a very localized manner rather than uniform (or “general”) corrosion. Two forms of corrosion...
This article was written by Brian Bannon & Meghan Dubielewicz
This article was written by Jack McTigue of Thermaxx Jackets
Chiller insulation blankets are becoming the standard replacement insulation for factory applied chiller insulation. The factory applies insulation to the low temperature surfaces such as the evaporator, water boxes and suction elbow. The insulation is usually ¾” thick rubber insulation with a K factor of 0.3 Btu-in./hr.-ft²-°F. If maintenance is required on any of the low temperature areas of...
Spray drying is the process of converting a mixture in its liquid form to a powder. This is done by removing the moisture component from the liquid solution. The solution, sometimes called an emulsion, is sprayed through a nozzle into a chamber that simultaneously has hot air being blown into it. This is the preferred method of drying of many thermally-sensitive materials such as foods and...
Thermaxx Jackets has worked with many clients who are trying to make their food processing plant more energy efficient, safer, and cleaner (such as Calabro Cheese). The USDA recommends insulating pipes in food processing facilities, providing a layer of protection between the piping and your product. The insulation blankets used should be food grade or food safe. “Food grade” or “food safe” means...
To be considered an expert in the insulation industry, there's a lot you have to know. From understanding steam systems inside and out to being a master of physics, it takes a lot to be able to call yourself an expert. Think you can make the cut? Take our insulation test for experts to find out!
This article was written by Will Jones, an insulation expert at Thermaxx Jackets.