Steam pipeline insulation replacement in SINOPEC Henan Oil Field

Products：: Aerogel Blanket DRT0606（6mm thickness）

Operation Conditions：: Pipeline diameter：114mm; Interior liquid temperature：300℃; Wind speed：0m/s; Pipeline length：2000m

Challenges：: Considerations of economy and of energy conservation are two important factors, therefore, a solution of aerogel blanket mixed with other insulation materials is recommended.; Thermal bridges associated with pipe racks must be stopped in order to further minimized heat loss.; Water-proof performance must be improved.

Solution：: A mixed solution of aerogel blanket and other insulation material, from interior to exterior:2 layers of 6mm thickness aerogel blanket + 50mm titanium ceramic insulation + aluminum cladding; Glass fiber fabric with single-face aluminum foil was applied in between every 2 layers of aerogel blanket to prevent heat leakage from the gaps.

Data Comparison：

Insulation Solution	Unit	Rock wool	Mixed solution of aerogel blanket and other insulation materials
Pipeline diameter	mm	114	114
Interior liquid temperature	℃	300	300
Ambient temperature	℃	20	20
Wind speed	m/s	0	0
Thickness for insulation	mm	120	65
Heat emission area	㎡	1.112	0.766
Surface temperature of insulation	℃	29	28
Heat loss after insulation	W/m	290.31	137.88
Plus and minus		Uneven insulation structure	Even insulation structure, no heat leakage from gaps

Benefits：

According to the requirement, the allowed maximum of heat loss for seasonal operation is 308W/m2, the allowed maximum of heat loss for annual operation is 186W/m2. Such requirement cannot be satisfied by rock wool, what’s more, the rock wool as they used would collapse 2 years after installation because of the loose structure of rock wool, frequent replacement of rock wool is inevitable. With the mixed solution of aerogel, requirement for heat loss is satisfied and frequency of insulation replacement is sharply reduced.

Engineering Picture：

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