AIR GAP INSULATION
AIR GAP INSULATION
(OP)
Hi All
I am working on a gas plant upgrade project and there is a requirement to apply "air-gap insulation" to vertical and horizontal pressure vessels. The air gap insulation is basically a 50mm air gap on the outside of the vessel shell/ends and a stainless steel sheeting is then applied. There is no sold insulation material behind the sheeting-only air. This makes the sheeting susceptible to buckling as it is only supported at approx 1.2m lengths by an angle section (50mm x 50mm). There are are also issues at nozzles where the sheeting needs to be supported and also issues in applying the sheeting/shaping it to fit around the 2:1 SE dished ends.
We could apply numerous clips/supports on the outside of the shell and ends - but this is not preferred obviously due to time and money.
Has anyone applied air gap inulation as detailed above to vessels before? Some details of the set-up would be most helpful.
Thanks
I am working on a gas plant upgrade project and there is a requirement to apply "air-gap insulation" to vertical and horizontal pressure vessels. The air gap insulation is basically a 50mm air gap on the outside of the vessel shell/ends and a stainless steel sheeting is then applied. There is no sold insulation material behind the sheeting-only air. This makes the sheeting susceptible to buckling as it is only supported at approx 1.2m lengths by an angle section (50mm x 50mm). There are are also issues at nozzles where the sheeting needs to be supported and also issues in applying the sheeting/shaping it to fit around the 2:1 SE dished ends.
We could apply numerous clips/supports on the outside of the shell and ends - but this is not preferred obviously due to time and money.
Has anyone applied air gap inulation as detailed above to vessels before? Some details of the set-up would be most helpful.
Thanks





RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
Recommend you study Sec VIII, Div 1, Appendix 9 for typical jacketed vessel rules and details. If you are concerned about potential bucking, use more steel.
Regards,
Mike
The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
This is not a pressure item and has nothing to do with ASME VIII. It is basically a thin sheet cover around the vessels allowing a 50mm air gap between the outside of the shell and the inside of the 0.9mm thick sheeting.
Sorry if my post was not clear.
The only loads the sheeting will see are if someone leans on it or possibly during high winds if insufficient supports are applied.
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
Good luck with it...
Regards,
Mike
The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
Windloads need to be considered, but the air gap is as effective with many studs or offsets holding the thin plate as it is with heavier (more expensive) thick angle iron and stiffeners in only a few places. Don't overthink the problem.
Sounds like they are trying to create a radiant barrier, perhaps using it also as a safety standoff barrier around the hot PV.
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
Regards
r6155
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION
Jim Breunig P.E.
XCEED Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
FEA Consultants
RE: AIR GAP INSULATION