Heat resistant insulation is a vital component of fire safety in a wide range of heavy industries and within applications that must be protected from extreme temperatures. One key element for heat resistant insulation in protecting equipment is the use of passive fire protection, such as the use of polymer coated glass fabrics, including glass woven tape used as wire protection as part of industrial fire safety protocols.
Why is passive fire protection important?
Heat resistant, thermal insulation plays an important role in passive fire protection in a wide range of industries where equipment and applications are present within extreme temperatures and environments. They can prevent damage to equipment and the spread of flames and fire in the worst-case scenarios. This helps protect the work environment from disruption to production and keeps people safe. The fabrics and applications used within passive fire safety techniques include the use of polymer coated glass fabrics, which are fire resistant and offer an enhanced layer of protection against high temperatures, flames, and chemicals.
How do polymer coated glass fabrics work?
Fabrics that utilise this type of protection are created through the application of a layer of polymer onto woven glass fibres. This enhances the properties and resistance of the fabric in different extreme conditions. The polymer chosen depends on the requirements of the specific application, such as a specific temperature range, chemical resistance, or other requirements to maintain equipment and worksite safety levels.
Different applications for polymer coated glass fabrics
There are several applications where heat resistant insulation in the form of polymer coated glass fabrics are needed, including:
- Insulation jackets and mattresses
- Fire blankets
- Hose protection within industrial applications
- Welding blankets
- Wire and cable protection
- Protective covers
Example of heat resistant insulation
A great example of heat resistant insulation used within an industrial setting is the Sleeve It fire sleeve. It is manufactured with ‘E’ glass fibre yarn that is knitted to form a sleeve coated with high-grade silicone. The design makes it the perfect material to protect cables, hoses, and wires from high ambient temperatures up to 260C, and is resistant to most oils, fluids, acids, and alkalis.
Polymer coated glass fabrics play a crucial role in passive fire protection and thermal insulation. When protecting equipment in high temperature environments, it is important to use fabrics that can withstand extreme conditions. These are fabrics that offer an enhanced level of protection against fire, heat, and chemicals, ensuring the integrity of the applications they are protecting and the efficiency and safety of the entire operation. A range of specialised coatings are used within industries where there are extreme environmental conditions, and are seen within cable and wiring protection applications, fire blankets, insulation jackets, and a whole host of other protective covers and applications.
