Aerogel Insulation Maximizes Space and Minimizes Heat Loss On Board Classic Oil-Fired Ship

Thinner aerogel blanket meets performance requirements while allowing space to breathe beneath wood shell

• Insulate an oil-fired boiler on board a ship built with original parts from famous classic ships.
• The insulation was used to prevent heat loss and protect personnel. Maximum temperature of boiler surface can exceed 200°C (392°F).
• The boiler was surrounded by arched girders with insulation filling the voids between the girders.
• Insulation space was limited since the boiler was being transported in a container.
• Fiberglass alone did not meet the above specifications.

Aerogel Solution

• Aspen Aerogels designed a solution of one layer of Pyrogel® 2250 and two layers of Spaceloft™ 6200 wrapped around the boiler, in addition to fiberglass.
• A silicone-coated glass cloth was used to mitigate dust.
• The insulated boiler was plated with traditional wood as in classic ships.

Benefits

• Aerogel solution delivered required thermal performance while minimizing insulation thickness for optimal container loading.
• Minimal heat transfer prevented drying out of the wood plating.
• Aerogel was thin enough to leave an air gap between the insulation and the wood, allowing natural convection and preventing condensation.