Aluminum or StainSteel Insulation Covering?? 2

[Chance17]

My current Client allows different Environmental credits for external Fire - depending on the type of insulation covering.
Aluminum has value "X" and Stainless Steel has value "Y".
I'll typically hire a Pipe technician to complete a field survey prior to doing a vessel safety valve evaluation.
One of his tasks is to determine the types of insulation covering for correct application of the Environmental credit.
My problem is teaching the technician how to determine the difference between aluminum and SS.
I'll admit that even I have ocassional problems myself.
Does anyone have a "sure fire" method to tell the difference??

 

[pennpiper]

In a fire condition:
-If it melts, its aluminum
-If it does not melt it is Stainless Steel

 

[Duwe6]

Stab it with a screwdriver. After a tiny bit of experience, the tech will be able to tell the difference. Be sure to send the tech out with a tube of calk -- a good jab into aluminum sheathing will make a hole.

"Don't overthink simple problems"

 

[don1980]

Locate the corner of a sheet and bend it with your fingers. After doing this a couple of times on both materials, you'll be able to distinguish one from the other. SS is a much harder material.

 

[Chance17]

Many Thanks for the Advice