What are the insulation requirements and options for commonly used insulation materials in power plants?
Release Time: 2025-08-04
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In the process of power production, the insulation effect of various equipment in power plants is directly related to energy conversion efficiency, operational safety, and operational cost control. From boilers, steam turbines to pipeline systems, different equipment has different performance requirements for insulation materials. Rosewool Insulation Refractory Co.,Ltd with a deep understanding of power plant operating conditions, provides scientific insulation material solutions for various power equipment, helping power plants achieve safe and efficient operation. The core requirement for thermal insulation in power plants focuses on temperature adaptability. The boiler furnace and flue areas are exposed to high temperatures ranging from 800-1200℃ for extended periods, necessitating insulation materials with excellent high-temperature resistance. Ceramic fiber blankets and high-alumina aluminum silicate needle-punched blankets are ideal choices for such high-temperature areas, with long-term usage temperatures exceeding 1000℃. They effectively prevent heat leakage from the furnace and have been measured to keep the external wall temperature of the boiler below 50℃, reducing heat loss by over 30%. For medium-temperature equipment such as steam turbines and steam pipelines (300-600℃), composite silicate insulation materials or high-temperature glass wool are more suitable. These materials combine thermal insulation performance with flexibility, facilitating winding construction in complex pipelines. Energy-saving efficiency is a key indicator for power plants in selecting insulation materials. Data shows that poorly insulated power plant equipment can result in 15%-20% annual energy waste. High-quality insulation materials must have an extremely low thermal conductivity coefficient (≤0.04W/(m・K) at room temperature) to achieve energy-saving goals by reducing heat conduction. The high-density calcium silicate board developed by Rosewool has a thermal conductivity coefficient of only 0.035W/(m・K). When used for steam pipeline insulation, it can control heat loss to below 60% of the national standard. For key energy-saving areas such as generator sets, the use of multi-layer composite insulation structures (high-temperature resistant layer + thermal insulation layer + protective layer) can further enhance energy-saving effects, typically improving equipment thermal efficiency by 5%-8% The uniqueness of the power plant environment imposes stringent requirements on the structural stability and durability of insulation materials. The boiler area not only experiences high temperatures but also frequent temperature fluctuations and vibrations. Insulation materials must possess excellent thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength to prevent cracking and detachment. Rosewool's high-temperature resistant composite insulation materials, after undergoing special curing treatment, exhibit a flexural strength exceeding 1.5 MPa and demonstrate stability in temperature cycling tests ranging from -50°C to 800°C. Additionally, given the prevalent water vapor environment in power plants, insulation materials must also possess moisture resistance. Glass wool products that have undergone hydrophobic treatment can control their water absorption rate to within 5%, effectively preventing a decline in insulation performance due to moisture exposure. Safety and environmental friendliness are crucial considerations in the selection of insulation materials for modern power plants. Materials must comply with national fire safety standards, with non-combustible or flame-retardant materials being preferred. Rosewool's ceramic fiber products meet the A1 non-combustible standard. Additionally, materials containing harmful substances such as asbestos and formaldehyde should be avoided. Its environmentally friendly insulation materials have passed SGS testing, with volatile organic compound (VOC) content significantly lower than national standards, providing safety guarantees for the power plant operating environment.
The insulation needs of different power plant equipment vary. Rosewool can provide customized solutions based on specific operating conditions, offering guidance from material selection, thickness design to construction. Choosing suitable insulation materials can not only reduce energy consumption in power plants but also reduce equipment maintenance costs and extend service life, establishing an efficient insulation defense line for power production.