Discussion on insulation materials
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As the title suggests, what are the advantages and disadvantages of conventional insulation materials (silicate blankets) compared to the new insulation material, aerogel?
Silicate is inexpensive, while aerogel is much more costly; it offers excellent insulation properties, with a 1-cm thickness providing roughly the same insulation effect as 3–4 cm of silicate.
What is the current status of the use of aerogel insulation in chemical industry projects? Are there any comparison figures regarding cost and cost-effectiveness in terms of usage? Thank you
Currently, aerogels have many applications in the chemical industry; once national standards for aerogels were established, the three major oil companies also began to use aerogel materials. In terms of performance, aerogels are undoubtedly the materials with the most comprehensive set of properties and the best insulation capabilities (especially at temperatures between 200–600°). However, their cost is currently very high, with a payback period of 3–4 years. Reducing the cost of aerogels will be a task for manufacturers. If it can be reduced by 1/2 to 2/3 on the current basis, aerogels are expected to become widespread
Currently, the application of chemicals is widespread in both state-owned and foreign enterprises. Moreover, when in use, it is often not pure aerogel that is employed, but rather a combination of aerogel and traditional insulation materials. At lower temperatures (such as below 150°), the insulation advantages of aerogel are not as significant, in which case ordinary materials can be used. After all, cost-effectiveness comes down to the payback period; it depends on how it is used. When combined with traditional materials, the payback period is 3–5 years, and in the long run, it is still a worthwhile option