Thermal insulation blankets have many applications, from boilers to steam turbines. As a leading industrial heater distributor, Hi-Watt carries insulation blankets from some of the best manufacturers in the industry, including Tempco, Jaco, and UniTherm. Read on to learn more about thermal insulation  blankets, why they’re used, their benefits, and how Hi-Watt can help you select the best one for your needs.

thermal insulation blankets

Thermal Insulation Blankets

Thermal insulation blankets are the most basic type of thermal covering. They are rolls of (typically) fiberglass fabric. Unlike thermal jackets, blankets allow you to customize your coverage to fit any application. Thermal blankets are ideal for circular objects like pipes, and for rectangular objects like ovens. Thermal blankets and boards can also be formed into a pad or a roll.

Thermal Jackets

Thermal jackets are generally designed to cover cylindrical objects like pipes and valves. These jackets contain several layers of thermal blankets and an outer covering. Thermal jackets come in various pre-made shapes and sizes. While thermal jackets do not offer quite as much customization as blankets, they are more convenient because you do not have to size the covering yourself.

Thermal Boards

Thermal boards are semi-rigid pads that are usually made from fiberglass or various ceramic materials. They are usually used for non-cylindrical applications like ovens, kilns, and furnaces. The thermal boards that are made from ceramics or mineral wool can withstand incredibly high temperatures. Hi-Watt specializes in all three types of thermal coverings. We carry the proven Tempco, Jaco and Unitherm insulation brands. These products are specially designed to lower energy costs and protect employees from hot environments, as they reduce interior air temperatures. If you have questions about which type is best for your application, call us today. Keep reading to learn more about the brands that we carry.

Benefits of Thermal Insulation Blankets

Industrial thermal insulation blankets offer several benefits, but most companies use them for cost savings on electric bills. A single uninsulated gate valve can cost you over $500 per year in wasted energy. If you consider how many hot components may be uncovered in your facility, you could be wasting thousands of dollars each year. Covering up these components with thermal insulation blankets can prevent this from happening. The savings on your power bill will quickly cover the cost of the thermal blankets, sometimes in six months or less. In addition to saving on your facility’s electric bill, you can also benefit from a safer work environment. OSHA requires that most surfaces be kept at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler to eliminate the risk of burns. Exceptions are made in certain circumstances, but this is still a good target temperature for the hot components in your facility. Thermal insulation makes it easier to follow these guidelines. A safer work environment means fewer workers’ compensation claims and less downtime. Using a thermal blanket on hot components also offers several benefits that might not be immediately obvious. For example, thermal insulation blankets can often reduce the noise levels in a loud industrial environment by muffling various components. Employees will also be more comfortable in cooler work environments, which will improve morale.

Applications for Thermal Insulation Blankets

As previously mentioned, plastic processing is one of the most common applications for industrial thermal insulation. Plastic injection molding and extrusion equipment often operate at extremely high temperatures. Thermal insulation blankets are often used to cover various components, including melt pipes, extruders, and manifolds. Industrial thermal insulation boards are often used for furnaces, kilns, and ovens. Like plastics processing equipment, furnaces, kilns, and ovens tend to be inefficient users of energy. As these machines use a great deal of power, you could be wasting thousands of dollars each year. Mica and calcium silicate boards are often used for this application because of their extremely high maximum operating temperatures. Thermal insulation is also used in less obvious places. For example, many power plants use thermal insulation on their steam and gas turbines. This can make the operation much more efficient. The equipment used in petrochemical processing facilities often generates extreme heat, making this a fitting application for industrial thermal insulation. Finally, many industrial and commercial ships use thermal insulation blankets for the ship’s heating and engine systems. No matter what application you need thermal coverings for, Hi-Watt is here to help. Contact us today to get started with a consultation.

Tempco Modular Thermal Insulation Blankets

removeable insulation blankets industrial

Tempco is an innovator in the thermal insulation space, and their modular thermal insulation blankets continue this tradition. Their blankets are conveniently sized to fit between thermocouples for maximum coverage. Although their modular thermal insulation blankets are intended for use on a plastic molding machine, they can also be used for other applications. Tempco’s blankets are engineered in three parts: the inside face, the outside face, and the insulation. The inside face is the fabric that actually touches the hot surface. It is made from silica fabric with vermiculite. It can withstand temperatures of up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The insulation goes between the inside and outside faces. It is made from one-inch-thick ceramic fiber. The outside face is made from fiberglass cloth. It can withstand temperatures of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It is designed to provide the coolest surface possible to protect your employees from contact burns.

Pacor

Pacor, Inc. stands as a seasoned leader in fabricating insulation for diverse industrial applications. Renowned for a comprehensive range of services including die cutting, CAD-driven systems, and industrial sewing, Pacor caters to HVAC, rail, and acoustical industries, among others. Their flagship products, like the reusable RapidWrap® thermal insulation covers and innovative UltraGard® aerogel pipe wraps for petrochemical use, showcase their commitment to pioneering solutions. With manufacturing plants in multiple locations, Pacor boasts a skilled workforce, cutting-edge equipment, and a Lean Manufacturing ethos, ensuring they deliver superior, customized insulation solutions while meeting stringent deadlines.

UniTherm

UniTherm is best known for its UniVest thermal insulation jackets, but they also make insulation for pipe valves and flanges. Their thermal solutions can be pre-made or customized. One of the best features of UniTherm’s insulation jackets is the drawcords and quick fasteners, which can be easily removed for maintenance and/or replacement. UniTherm’s UniVest thermal insulation jackets are made specifically for plastics processing equipment. They are designed to greatly reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the surfaces of the equipment. This means that the machine will be wasting less heat, and providing you with better energy efficiency. Additionally, employees will be protected from dangerously hot surfaces.

Choosing the Right Thermal Insulation Covering

When it comes time to choose thermal insulation covering, you should consider the application that you need it for. If you still have questions about thermal insulation blankets and other insulation materials, contact Hi-Watt today. We’ve been the go-to supplier of heaters, temperature sensors, temperature controls, thermal blankets, and more since 1979. From application-specific insulation to high-temperature wire, Hi-Watt caters to demanding environments. If you would like to receive a quote, call (855) 467-5628 or fill out our online form today. We can’t wait to earn your trust!

Insulation Blanket and Removable Jacket Materials

The insulation of industrial equipment can lead to energy conservation and savings. Insulation blanket materials and removable jackets keep more heat within machinery, minimizing its escape into the plant or facility. The result? Cooler environments, better-protected personnel, energy savings, and quick payback potential. Industrial insulating materials are typically used in these applications:

  • Injection molding
  • Extrusion
  • Blown film and blow molding
  • Hoppers and driers
  • Hot oil lines
  • Manifolds
  • Melt pipe dies and adaptors