Insulation jackets provide protection from mechanical damage, moisture intrusion and chemical contamination of pipes and ducting insulation systems. They can be fixed into place using clips, ties or banding or installed onto removable insulation with spring fasteners for convenient installation.
This White PVC Cut and Curled Jacket fits over insulated pipes to form a sealed system suitable for washdown applications in food processing facilities (USDA/FDA approved). Sold by the 4′ section.
Metal
Pipe insulation jackets protect mechanical insulation systems from damage and moisture intrusion, and come in various materials depending on the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and environmental requirements of their application.
Aluminum jackets, foil-film laminates (all service jacket – ASJ – and foil scrim kraft – FSK), synthetic rubber laminates with pressure-sensitive adhesive and synthetic rubber jackets may all be used to protect ducting and pipes exposed to weather, while other jackets may be necessary when it comes to protecting against vapor, corrosion or cleanliness.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe insulation jackets provide weatherproof cladding to protect insulated piping or ducting from UV rays and water exposure indoors and outdoors. Available in 4-foot sections for convenient fitting around fiberglass or elastomeric rubber pipe insulation systems, PVC jackets also help resist the transfer of corrosive liquids into insulation systems (Figure 11 in A Tale of Two Pipes illustrates this). Failure to replace damaged jacketing will lead to wet insulation resulting in corrosion under insulation (CUI).
Fabric
Pipe insulation jacketing serves to safeguard mechanical piping systems in industrial and commercial facilities from harsh environmental conditions that expose them to corrosive materials, high process temperatures, inclement weather conditions or mechanical abuse such as being stepped upon. In addition, protective jacketing may also be desired due to hygiene, visual or aesthetic considerations.
Fiberglass and fabric jacketing products have long been utilized within the industry, oftentimes used as finish systems that utilize woven textile materials such as cotton canvas, glass fiber or texturized fiberglass combined with pasting or laggaging mastic pastes to provide protection.
Aluminum Service Jacketing (ASJ) combines mechanical wear, heat and tear resistance with chemical vapor and chemical protection in a pre-applied laminate construction. Foil Scrim Kraft (FSK), on the other hand, features an aluminum layer reinforced by glass reinforcing scrim and low cost Kraft paper for additional durability. Jacketing comes in rolls cut to fit insulation diameters as well as covers or specialty shapes tailored specifically for installations – which make these options very economical solutions.
Plastic
Insulation jacketing is used in industrial settings to protect soft insulation against mechanical wear, impact and other adverse environmental influences such as weather. Fabric or plastic jacketing materials may be selected depending on factors like mechanical wear, chemical exposure and moisture conditions of an installation site.
Plastic jackets made of materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Their PVC construction offers great resistance to weather elements like water vapor, rain, wind, sun exposure as well as protection against abrasion corrosion rusting.
Plastic jackets can be manufactured with either a smooth or embossed surface finish. Smooth surfaces tend to show signs of surface damage more readily but clean up easily with soap and water, while embossed surfaces typically hold less debris, although more frequent cleaning may be required for these surfaces.
Stainless Steel
Insulation jackets are an indispensable component of mechanical insulation systems, acting to safeguard insulation against moisture intrusion, wear and mechanical damage while helping establish overall system emissivity – particularly important in cold-service applications where condensation could form.
Insulator jackets can be constructed from various materials and feature either smooth, embossed or corrugated surface finishes. Smooth surfaces may be easier to maintain but tend to show wear more readily while stiffer embossed or corrugated finishes provide greater water penetration resistance.
Aluminum roll jacketing is an economical solution that can protect the insulation of pipes, tanks and vessels up to 8 feet in diameter from physical damage, UV exposure and chemical corrosion. Due to its low melt point and good durability, aluminum jacketing makes for an excellent fire protection measure; in comparison, stainless steel jackets may provide greater emissivity.