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A common concern among those with thermal insulation experience is CUI, where metal under insulation corrodes, whether it’s pipes, oven walls, valves, or other insulated metal components. In reality, these metals don’t corrode because of the insulation itself, but due to gaps between the insulation and metal surface, or poor exterior insulation finishing that allows water or other liquids to penetrate the insulation and contact the metal surface and oxygen. Over time, this leads to metal surface corrosion. CUI is most commonly found at support points of structures holding insulated equipment, as these junction points create areas where water can accumulate.
While thermal insulation isn’t the direct cause of metal corrosion, it undeniably acts as a medium that traps moisture. Therefore, preventing CUI before installing thermal insulation is crucial and can be achieved through:
1) Choose Insulation with High Water Resistance (Very High Hydrophobicity)
Modern insulation materials are manufactured with minimal water absorption properties. Users can request test reports or documentation regarding water resistance from manufacturers.
2) Select Waterproof External Surface Materials
Even with water-resistant insulation, if the external covering isn’t waterproof or cracks easily, water can still penetrate to the insulation. Choose genuinely waterproof external surface materials for additional protection.
3) Use Waterproof Paint or Silicone for Joints
After selecting water-resistant insulation and waterproof surface materials, don’t neglect the joints in external covering materials. Poor finishing or lack of maintenance in these areas can lead to water penetration to the internal insulation and metal.
4) Emphasize Quality Workmanship in High-Risk Areas
While the above three factors might seem sufficient for preventing CUI, poor workmanship or finishing can still lead to problems. Inspection and quality control during installation are crucial.
5) Use Removable Insulation with Water-Resistant Coating
Removable insulation facilitates easier inspection for preventing CUI, allowing spot checks at high-risk points. Particularly, removable insulation with water-resistant coating or an additional layer of waterproof heat-resistant fabric provides extra confidence and reduces the frequency of CUI inspection points.
