What is Tank Insulation? What Does It Do?
In the industrial field, large tanks are used for the storage of raw materials, fuels, and final products, while small tanks are used for the storage of semi-finished products. It is important to maintain the temperature inside the tank at a certain level to ensure the safe preservation of stored materials and the stability of the production process. The method applied to keep the tanks within a certain temperature range is called tank insulation. Temperature control is also supported by heat monitoring systems. What is Tank Insulation? What is its Purpose? Insulation of storage tanks is important for the functionality of facilities.
Heat Loss of Materials Stored in Uninsulated Tanks is Reduced
Insulation significantly reduces the heat loss of stored materials. Moreover, the energy cost saved within a certain parameter can far exceed the cost of the insulation, thus cost control helps to prevent this. Low heat loss leads to reduced energy consumption. As a result, lower levels of carbon dioxide emissions occur. The decrease in the release of hazardous substances also contributes to environmental protection. Undesirable temperature changes such as heating caused by reasons such as exposure to cold and hot weather conditions or direct sunlight are prevented through process control in insulated tanks.
Safety in Tank Insulation
The temperature range of the stored material to be used in the process is important. Viscosity is also an important factor, as a decrease in the fluidity of the material or its solidification can lead to fatal consequences for the process. In uninsulated tanks, in addition to all these conditions, heating or cooling is required. What is Tank Insulation? What is its Purpose? In terms of safety in tank insulation, there are two different aspects. The first one is the safety of personnel. If the surface temperature of tanks exceeds 60 degrees and there is a possibility of personnel coming into contact with the tank, it is necessary to reduce the surface temperature of the tank to reasonable levels and this requires insulation.
What is Tank Insulation? Where is it Applied?
Another safety issue, apart from personnel safety, is the potential risk of fire depending on whether the stored material is flammable or combustible. Insulated tanks prevent the ignition, flashing, and burning of the material stored inside, taking into account fire safety. Tank insulation is required in ships, factories, industrial establishments, heating and boiler systems, steam circuits, hot water circuits, hot oil circuits, cold water, ammonia, glycol circuits, LPG and LNG tanks.
What is Insulation for Hot and Cold Functioning Tanks?
For pipes, tanks, and equipment in these areas, hot or cold insulation applications are carried out according to their functions, just like boiler insulation. Insulation materials such as mineral wool, ceramic fibers, and similar materials are used in hot functioning pipes and tanks. They are covered with galvanized, aluminum, stainless steel, and similar sheets to prevent heat loss. What is Tank Insulation? What is its Purpose? In cold functioning pipes and tanks, materials such as armaflex, polyurethane, and similar materials are used, and they are covered with galvanized, aluminum, and stainless steel sheets to eliminate the risk of sweating and frosting.
