How to Insulate Distillation Columns with ROCKWOOL Mineral Wool
Distillation Columns or Columns are pressure vessels that look like vertical body pillows, designed for extraction or distillation in the petrochemical industry. The internal process involves both temperature and pressure control, making thermal insulation crucial for maintaining heat within the column
Importance of Insulating Distillation Columns
- Reduce heat loss within the distillation column
- Prevent human contact and potential scalding from the column
- Prevent internal fluid cooling
- Maintain stable internal temperature of the distillation column
Laws and Regulations for Distillation Column Thermal Insulation
- ASTM C1696 : Standard Guide for Industrial Insulation Systems
- NACE SP0198 : Control of corrosion under thermal insulation and fireproofing materials – a system approach
- ASME : Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- MICA : National Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards
- DIN 4140 : (Insulation works on industrial plants and building services installations
- AGI Q101 : Insulation works on power plant components
- CINI-Manual : Insulation in industry
- BS 5970 : Code of practice for thermal insulation of pipe work, equipment and other industrial installations
Insulation Systems for Distillation Columns
The insulation system for distillation columns consists of the following components
- ROCKWOOL Mineral Wool
- Support Construction and Spacer
- Jacketing Sheets
Selection and Installation of Mineral Wool Insulation
Select appropriate insulation for distillation columns based on operating temperature, jacket surface temperature, heat loss, and site conditions.
Typically, for distillation column insulation, we use ROCKWOOL ProRox BL, which comes in rolls without wire mesh for installation.
Distillation columns are usually installed outdoors, exposed to weather conditions including rain, sun, and in some areas, salt spray. Therefore, the selected insulation must have low thermal conductivity and excellent water resistance.
During installation, we use wire or stainless steel bands to secure the insulation to the column wall, fastened with butterfly nuts and quick-release fasteners
|
Column Diameter After Insulation |
Band Size for First Layer Insulation
(Width x Thickness) |
Band Size for Second Layer Insulation
(Width x Thickness) |
Band Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8″ to 72″ (200 – 1800 mm) |
1/2″ x 0.02″ (13 x 0.5 mm) | 5/8″ x 0.02″ (16 x 0.5 mm) |
10″ (250 mm) |
|
> 72″ (1800 mm) |
5/8″ x 0.02″ (16 x 0.5 mm) | 3/4″ x 0.02″ (19 x 0.5 mm) |
10″ (250 mm) |
Image - Insulation of conical column head
Image - Insulation of a reinforcement ring
Image - Insulation of column base
Image - Insulation of vertical pipe connection
Image - Insulation of horizontal pipe connection
Image - Various pipe insulation methods
Support and Spacer for Distillation Columns
Support and spacer installation for distillation columns is necessary to bear the weight of the insulation system, as the heavy mineral wool insulation on vertical tanks tends to settle due to gravity
Image - Support and spacer installation
Jacketing for Distillation Columns
Jacketing for distillation columns is installed to protect people from contact with the insulation system and to protect against weather conditions. Jacketing material can be selected according to the table
