Aerogel Insulation Blanket
An Aerogel Insulation Blanket is a flexible, thin, and highly effective thermal insulation product. It is composed of nanoporous silica aerogel integrated into a high-loft, non-woven fiber batting (typically fiberglass or PET). Aerogel is a synthetic, ultra-light material derived from a gel in which the liquid component has been replaced with gas. It is renowned for having the lowest thermal conductivity (k) of any solid material, making these blankets superior to traditional insulation in applications where space is extremely limited.
Main Components and Structure
The blanket is a composite of the aerogel and a fiber matrix that provides mechanical strength and ease of handling.
| COMPONENT | COMPOSITION | FUNCTION |
| Aerogel | Nanoporous SiO2 (Silica) | Provides the insulation via low k and suppresses gas-phase conduction. |
| Fiber Matrix | Fiberglass or PET (Polyester) | Provides flexibility, strength, and prevents powdering of the aerogel. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MAXIMUM SERVICE T | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| High-Temp Grade | 650°C (1200 F) | Lowest thermal conductivity (k) of any insulation material. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Conductivity (k) | EXTREMELY LOW | Aerogel’s nanostructure suppresses all three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation). |
| Thickness Equivalence | Superior | Achieves the same thermal performance as thick traditional insulation in a fraction of the space. |
| Hydrophobicity | HIGH | Resists moisture absorption, maintaining insulating performance even when exposed to water/humidity. |
| Flexibility | EXCELLENT | Can be wrapped around complex shapes like pipes and vessels. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Aerogel blankets are a revolutionary insulation solution primarily used where traditional materials are too bulky or where extreme efficiency is demanded.
- Space and Weight Saving: The core advantage. Because its k value is so low (often 2-8 times better than RCF or mineral wool), the required insulation thickness can be dramatically reduced (e.g., 10 mm of aerogel replacing 40 mm of conventional material). This is critical in cramped spaces or mobile applications.
- Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Mitigation: The material’s high hydrophobicity means it actively resists water penetration, dramatically lowering the risk of CUI on metallic pipes and vessels compared to materials that readily absorb moisture.
- Thermal Bridging Reduction: Its flexibility and thinness allow it to be wrapped tightly, minimizing gaps and thermal bridges which are common sources of heat loss in conventional systems.
- Ease of Installation: The blanket is lightweight, easily cut with standard tools, and installed by wrapping and taping, requiring less labor than sectional rigid insulation.
Typical Industries and Applications
Aerogel blankets are specialized for high-value and space-constrained thermal control:
- Oil and Gas/Petrochemical: Primary use for insulating high-temperature pipes, vessels, and equipment both onshore and offshore (where space and weight are at a premium).
- Industrial Piping: Insulating complex piping runs, valves, and flanges where rigid insulation is impossible to fit.
- Aerospace and Marine: Used for lightweight, high-performance thermal breaks and insulation in demanding environments.
- Process Equipment: Used to insulate small batch reactors, ovens, and dryers where the shell temperature must be kept very low.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection must focus on the temperature limit and compression behavior:
- Maximum Service Temperature (MST): CRITICAL VALUE. Note that the MST is typically around 650°C, lower than many RCF products, limiting its use in ultra-high-temperature furnaces.
- Thermal Conductivity (k): Check the k value at the required mean operating temperature (often measured at 200°C or 300°C), as it is temperature-dependent.
- Compressibility: Unlike rigid materials, aerogel’s performance can degrade if severely compressed beyond recommended limits.
Technical Guidance: While the material provides superior thermal performance, the maximum operating temperature is generally lower than high-alumina ceramic fiber. The aerogel itself is typically safe, but the material can shed fine dust if cut carelessly, requiring appropriate dust mask use during installation.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
