energy diversification through nanotechnology

The Canadian Oil Sands deposits are the largest known hydrocarbon resource in the world,
estimated to contain well over 500 billion barrels of recoverable oil. This oil could meet 14% of North American demand by 2015, reducing dependence on Middle Eastern sources. Aspen Aerogels is playing
a crucial role by providing energy-conserving insulation products for process pipes, vessels, and other equipment.

Aspen Aerogels’ products offer the twin benefits of extreme thermal performance and a flexible
blanket form. Nowhere is this combination more powerful than in the insulation of process
equipment, piping, and vessels. Whether for energy conservation, personnel protection, or
condensation or freeze control, low-conductivity materials provide advantages disproportionate
to their thermal performance. Insulation on convex surfaces becomes less efficient with each
incremental layer due to the ever-expanding surface area. This effect is illustrated in Figure 1,
which shows the heat loss from three insulation systems with the same surface temperature.

Photo courtesy of Petro-Canada

Thickness Comparison

Logistical Savings

This compounding effect flows down to the logistics of moving and storing insulation
(Figure 2 and Figure 3), as volume and weight savings of over 90% can be realized. This,
combined with the blanket form’s faster lay rates, offers significant savings in the total installed cost of the insulation system. In addition, the reduced profile of the insulated
pipe allows up to 56% more pipe on the same rack.

Fig.1

Fig.2

Fig.3

Local Insulation Portage

Pipe Rack Efficiency

R Value Comparison

Piping
Tanks & Vessels
Heat Tracing
Heat Exchangers
Manifolds
Pumps
Valves

Use 1/3 to 1/8th the thickness of incumbent solutions
Reduced outer jacket touch temperature
Reduced heat losses and, therefore, lower operating costs
Reduced shipping weight and less storage space required at job site
Lower outer jacketing costs due to smaller insulation profile
Reduced labor and total installed cost
Inherently hydrophobic
Reduced pipe rack spacing – more pipes on the same sized racks (see Figure 5)
Reduced installation time
Environmentally Safe

Fig.4

Fig.5

The incredible thermal efficiency of Aspen Aerogels' insulation provides for a smaller surface area at the same touch temperatures on piping. You can meet all your safety requirements and increase rack efficiency just by switching to Aspen Aerogels’ insulation.