Removable fibrous glass insulation fitted to complex equipment shapes results in $178,000/yr savings

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)

OSTI ID:5287548

In early 1980, PPG Industries embarked on a general plant energy conservation effort at its Lake Charles, LA plant where chlor-alkalis, various chlorinated hydrocarbons, and vinyl chloride monomer are manufactured. Company engineers sought a means of insulating process steam components that, because of their complex shapes, were not (and normally are not) insulated. These components included flanges on heat exchanger heads and reboilers, steam valves in process areas, manways and other equipment. PPG plant engineers specified removable, reusable blanket insulation. The blankets are constructed of a fibrous glass mat form insulation encased in a silicone-impregnated glass cloth or similar weather barrier. Each insulation blanket was custom-made for its particular equipment shape and service application to ensure a close fit and optimal energy efficiency. Insulation thickness, type of weather barrier, and mesh were specified according to intended use. For protection from abrasion or puncture, some of the blankets also were covered with stainless steel, Monel, or Inconel wire mesh. Overall, the blankets provide high strength, durability, low thermal conductivity ratings, and an operating range of up to 1200/sup 0/F. Reduced maintenance costs and improved worker productivity have been evidenced since installing the blanket insulation. Further, PPG has increased energy efficiency. Project savings were tracked for 30 months (insulation and installation costs vs. fuel and maintenance savings) and revealed annual plant savings of $178,000-$130,000 in energy savings and $48,000 in maintenance savings. With the cost of the insulation blankets being about $125,000, PPG recovered its investment in under a year.

• OSTI ID: 5287548
• Journal Information: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States) Vol. 48:10; ISSN CHPCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
CHEMICAL PLANTS
COST RECOVERY
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY LOSSES
FIBERS
GLASS
HEAT LOSSES
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INSTALLATION
LOSSES
STEAM LINES
THERMAL INSULATION