Microtherm® - insulation of choice for optimised energy efficiency in all petrochemical applications.
Microtherm® is the most efficient high temperature thermal insulation available with a performance that is normally up to four times better (only one quarter the thickness for equivalent performance) than conventional insulation materials at maximum temperatures. This makes it ideal for use on closely bundled runs of pipework where a minimum of space is available. In petrochemical applications where energy losses over long runs of pipe must be closely controlled, Microtherm® insulation systems will optimise thermal performance while taking up a minimum of space.
Microtherm® has an exceptionally low thermal conductivity (TC) over a wide temperature range from cryogenic temperatures right up to a stable continuous exposure capability at 1000 °C (1832 °F). It is a better insulator than still air. This is because a microporous insulation is specially formulated to block all aspects of heat transfer including IR radiation. The curve of TC against temperature remains very flat over its full temperature range and the chart of comparisons of TC for the most common insulation materials clearly shows how much better Microtherm® is than other insulations.
Microtherm® Slatted Panel Comparison with Mineral Wool 150mm Dia. Pipe at 600°
Microtherm® is available in the most versatile product range in the industry including pre-moulded pipe insulation, flexible panels and rolls, slatted panels, block and solid panels, and free flowing microporous granules. The insulation is fully load bearing, fast and easy to apply, easy to remove for routine maintenance and inspections, and it will not deteriorate with time.
The performance of Microtherm® may be even further improved by creating a vacuum inside it. Evacuated Microtherm® can have a thermal conductivity down to as little as 4.5 mW/m.K. This performance is used to good effect in the Izoflex systems that are used for sub- sea pipework to offshore platforms. Further information on this application can be found in Microtherm® in the best energy efficient pipeline systems.
Applications that benefit from the use of Microtherm® include
- Styrene monomer plants
- Polyethylene plants
- Refining
- Steam super-heater manifolds
- Hydrogen reforming
- Catalytic cracker plant
- Bio gas generators
- Asphalt transfer lines
- Offshore processing
- Fluidised bed reactors
- Fired heater backup insulation
Further information can be found in our downloadable brochure 'Microtherm - insulation for Petrochemical and industrial pipeline applications'.