Considering CUI at the Design Stage

Res POWERTHERM CONTRACT SERVICES LTD www.powertherm.co.uk Considering CUI at the Design Stage The design stage of an insulation system plays an important role in helping mitigate Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). Ensuring the design of mechanical systems is compatible with the design of the insulation system and adhering to cladding best practices will help combat CUI. DESIGN MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE OR WATER: P Use materials regarded as being dimensionally stable or with small to medium movement characteristics for cladding. P Design features such as eaves and overhangs help to deflect rain. Prevent splash lines by finishing cladding at least 200mm from the ground or a horizontal surface and where possible use a surface that diffuses falling rain and run off e.g. gravel. P Surface coatings help to deflect water and reduce movement. BELOW ARE OTHER METHODS AND TECHNIQUES THAT CAN ALSO HELP PROTECT AGAINST CUI: Substructure The use of a substructure (cladding support) will help improve the overall strength of the insulation system. Consequently, this will help protect the system from becoming damaged, where water ingress could occur, resulting in accelerated corrosion. Insulation The selection of the correct insulation material to suit the required specification is also an important element to any insulation system. Research shows that corrosion can occur under any insulation regardless of the material properties. However, the rate at which corrosion takes hold can be slowed by selecting the correct insulation material. Installation During the installation phase, use qualified professional insulators and always use watertight cladding seams and follow cladding best practise, to prevent water ingress. Inspection and Maintenance As CUI is hidden under insulati materials, regular inspections need to be performed by certified inspectors, particularly in areas which are prone to CUI. You should also encourage all operatives to report any damage or concerns related to the insulation system as soon as it occurs. This will allow for immediate maintenance to be carried out, limiting the effects of CUI. Specialist Coatings Alongside appropriate surface preparation of equipment such as piping and vessels, specialist coatings can help to reduce the effects of CUI. For example, thermally sprayed aluminium (TSA) is an incredibly durable coating that has the capabilities to mitigate CUI and in turn prolong the life cycle of assets. Fabrication Quality High quality manufactured and precisely engineered cladding (fabrications) will allow insulation systems to be installed correctly, leaving water tight seals and closed joints, preventing water entering the system. THE SPACE-RING SYSTEM (SRS) The Space-Ring pipe itself, which is considerably stronger than cladding. Strengthening the insulation system, preventing seams from buckling and in turn moisture entering the system. uses support ngs to transfer the weight load onto the In addition, an air space is introduced, through which low-level drainage points, free-flowing air, and the internal cladding surface acting as a gutter, help to keep the pipe and surrounding insulation dry. Powertherm Contract Services is a multidisciplinary industrial service provider with 30 years of experience, offering a range of industry-renowned services across the UK. They have launched a revolutionary, patented (GB 2539595 A) Space-Ring System, which safeguards against CUI, for more details please visit www.powertherm.co.uk/srs RS POWERTHERM CONTRACT SERVICES LTD SPACE-RING SYSTEM EXTERNAL CLADDING SPACE-RING P POWERTHERM S CONTRACT SERVICES LTD PIPE SPACE-RING SYSTEM INSULATION AIR SPACE DRAINAGE HOLES RES POWERTHERM nga. nga. nga. CONTRACT SERVICES LTD ISO 9001 ISO 14001 ISO 45001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT +44 (0) 114 288 9119 [email protected] www.powertherm.co.uk Francis House, Orgreave Drive, Handsworth, Sheffield, S13 9NR