【Haichuan’s Best Practices】Using nano-air gel insulation materials to improve the insulation of steam pipes, thereby saving energy and reducing consumption

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Recently, the steam insulation upgrade project at 1.0 megapascal in the Refining and Chemical Processing Plant of Yumen Oilfield commenced, marking a significant step forward in the adoption of new insulation and energy-saving technologies and materials by the plant to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, and enhance performance. 　　The project includes the insulation upgrade works for a 1.0 MPa main steam pipeline running from the flow control room of the hydropower plant to the coking unit of the refinery, as well as for the transfer pipeline and valves between the outlet of the heating furnace in the coking unit and the feed inlet of the coke tower; the total length of the insulated pipelines is 2,498 meters. The nanogel insulation material used in this project is a lightweight material with controllable structure, known as super-insulation material. The main component of nanogel insulation materials is synthetic silica; they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic, possess excellent thermal and sound-insulating properties, and can be developed into high-quality, fully recyclable ecological building materials. 　　To ensure optimal investment and efficiency, the insulation structure of this project adopts a \"sandwich\" design consisting of nanogel + aluminum foil fiber cloth + high-alumina silicate alumina blanket + aluminum foil fiber cloth + aluminum sheet. Nanogel is used on the surface of high-temperature pipes to take advantage of its excellent insulating properties; an aluminum foil cloth reflective layer and a high-alumina silicate alumina blanket insulation layer are used in sequence to enhance the insulating effect. This approach leverages the performance advantages of the materials while also taking into account investment and cost factors. 　　During the project implementation, the refining and chemical complex strengthened supervision over construction organization, and developed a \"Construction Quality Inspection Form for the Insulation Upgrade Project of the #1 Steam Line.\" Strict quality inspections and verifications were carried out in areas such as material inspection, insulation layer installation, and metal casing installation, to ensure that the project progressed safely, with high quality and efficiency. 　　Once put into operation, this project will create the conditions necessary for Yumen Refining & Chemical to implement the concept that \"energy conservation and efficiency improvement are the top priorities in energy use,\" as well as China National Petroleum Corporation’s strategies of \"clean alternatives, strategic succession, and green transformation.\" It will also facilitate the company’s efforts toward green, low-carbon development.