Summary
Typical Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) plants are equipped with hundreds
of feet of uninsulated flexible metal "jumper" hoses. The
primary function of the "jumper" hose is to transfer hot process
oil in a primary jacketed pipe across a connection flange.
Traditional insulating technologies that utilize mineral wool
and hard aluminum cladding are not capable of servicing these
hoses as they have a small diameter and a very tight bend
radius. The result is that the "jumper" hoses are left
uninsulated and they are a significant source of heat loss
costing HMA plants thousands of dollars each year in energy
inefficiencies.
Recent improvements in thermal insulation technology have
finally enabled HMA plants to insulate the neglected "jumper"
hoses and recover significant capital in energy savings.
The Technology Recent advancements in insulation technology are
utilizing closed cell silicone sponge rubber as a primary source
of high temperature insulation protection. The advantage of this
material is that it has a very low thermal conductivity making
it an excellent insulator. In addition silicone sponge rubber is
non fiberous unlike traditional mineral wool and it does not
required a hard aluminum cladding to contain the insulation
materials. The inherent flexibility of silicone sponge rubber in
combination with the aforementioned properties, make it an
excellent solution for insulating the tight bend radius "jumper"
hoses.
Economic Benefits
Insulating 1 ½" OD flexible metal hoses with silicone sponge
rubber sleeves (under typical operating conditions) enables HMA
plants to recover up to $30 in heat losses for every foot of
"jumper" hose in one seven (7) month operating season (assuming
a winter shut down). This translates into fuel heating costs
savings of approx. $6,000 per operating season (Assuming 200 ft
of "jumper" hose. Costs are based on 2005 North America fuel
costs).
In most applications the flexible insulation sleeve will pay for
itself within the first four (4) months of installation.
Installation Benefits
In addition to the economic benefits, the new insulation sleeve
technology is easily cut to length with an ordinary pair of
scissors and is quickly installed in the field. In many cases
the insulation sleeve may be equipped with a hook and loop
closure to further simplify the installation on existing lines
without line disconnection or interuption. The hook and loop
closure also allows for easy access to process lines while
performing maintenance procedures or trouble-shooting system
components.
Conclusion
Introducing the HMA industry to silicone rubber sponge
insulation technologies will help demonstrate unrealized energy
savings while creating a safer workplace environment.
About the author:
Ryan Worral, P.Eng. Product Development Engineer, Thermal
Protection Solutions Group, Worbo Inc. An Innovative Company,
116 Division Road Peterborough, ON Canada K9J 6Y1 North America
877-743-4004 International 705-743-4000 Facsimile 705-743-3226
E-Mail rworral@worbo.com Website
www.worbo.com
