The Red Bucket - Episode 28. Is it time to replace traditional tank and pipe insulation? (feat. Michael Stelmach)
Summary
For decades, standard practice for insulating storage tanks and piping has been to wrap them in mineral wool, foam, or other low-conductivity materials before sealing them in cladding. This method works well-for a few years, anyway. But guest Michael Stelmach explains how liquid-applied insulative coatings are a longer-lived solution that achieve similar thermal efficiency, similar personnel protection, similar energy savings, and similar process stability while eliminating CUI and other risk factors.
Also, Michael pulls his hamstring and admits it is possible to have good barbecue outside of Texas.
Timestamps
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 00:43 - The evolution of insulative coatings
- 02:58 - Understanding traditional insulation methods
- 05:32 - The mechanics of insulation and moisture ingress
- 08:49 - Challenges with traditional insulation materials
- 11:20 - Weather damage and safety concerns
- 13:39 - Construction challenges with traditional insulation
- 16:41 - Performance analysis and thermal conductivity
- 22:36 - Corrosion under insulation: challenges and solutions
- 26:17 - The role of topcoating
- 29:06 - Liquid-applied vs. traditional insulation costs
- 31:58 - Limitations of liquid applied insulation
- 34:07 - The four questions
