From batteries to heated tube bundles to heat-sensitive products and more, thermal insulation is needed in a wide range of applications. Many demanding industries rely on these solutions that need optimal thermal environments to run critical processes, including those in energy, industrial, medical, and others. To maintain these optimal thermal environments, insulation is needed. Let’s explore the purpose of thermal insulation and why it is necessary.
How Does Thermal Insulation Work?
Thermal insulation is used to maintain temperatures in specific environments. These materials can do this by limiting the rate of heat flow between objects or substances. Materials with low thermal conductivity provide the highest-performance insulation; however, there are a few other properties that can contribute to the effectiveness of the insulation including density, thickness, and specific heat capacity.
What is the Purpose of Thermal Insulation
The main purpose of thermal insulation is to reduce the amount of heat lost or gained through a system. There are additional purposes that are specific to their applications:
Preventing Thermal Runaway
Thermal runaway is an extremely dangerous phenomenon that occurs in lithium-ion batteries. It starts when heat is generated within a battery and that heat exceeds the amount that is dissipated to its surroundings. The battery temperature will keep rising, causing the current to rise as well. This starts a domino effect of rising temperatures which can spread to other battery cells, causing fires or explosions.
Thermal insulation solutions prevent the heat from escaping the affected battery cell, preventing additional cells from overheating and ultimately reducing the risk of thermal runaway. This makes your lithium-ion battery-powered products safer and more reliable.
Maintaining Temperatures in Heated Tube Bundles
Heated tube bundles are used in a wide range of industries, including HVAC, power generation, and industrial processes. These bundles transfer heat between fluids. Insulation materials allow for very little heat to be lost, keeping the heated tube bundles at the ideal temperature.
Protects Heat-Sensitive Products
Products that are sensitive to heat need to be kept at the ideal temperature in order for them to function properly. Thermal insulation can be used to prevent heat from being lost or gained, keeping these products at their necessary temperature.
Thermal Insulation Material Offerings
Many materials can be used as thermal insulation. Based on the needs and environment of your application one material may be better than others. Here are some of the most common materials:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is composed of fine glass fibers and is commonly used as a thermal insulation solution. Within the fiberglass, pockets of air are trapped, disrupting the flow of heat from one place to another, acting as an insulator.
Mica
Mica has many properties that make it an ideal insulator. Not only can it resist high temperatures and is non-flammable, but it also exhibits low thermal conductivity. This material is also resistant to chemicals and has high tensile strength making it common for use in many industries.
Are You Looking for Thermal Insulation Solutions? Contact Electrolock
At Electrolock, we have been engineering thermal insulation solutions since 1957. We carry a wide range of products and materials to meet all of your needs. Plus, if you can’t find the perfect solution, our team is ready to work with you to design and manufacture a solution that fits your exact requirements.
Contact our team today to get started.
