Sherwin-Williams Introduces Thermal Coating Targeting Corrosion Under Insulation

Sherwin-Williams has introduced a new thermal coating designed to replace conventional insulation systems, a technology the company says can help eliminate corrosion under insulation on industrial assets.

(P&GJ) — Sherwin-Williams has introduced Heat-Flex AEB, a thermal insulating coating the company says can replace traditional insulation systems while helping eliminate corrosion under insulation (CUI) on storage tanks, process vessels and piping.

According to Sherwin-Williams, the coating is designed to retain operating temperatures of up to 177 C (350 F), with excursions to 204 C (400 F), while removing the moisture-trapping conditions that can lead to CUI in conventional mineral-based insulation systems.

Unlike traditional insulation, which relies on mineral wool and metal cladding, Heat-Flex AEB is applied as a thick-film coating over a corrosion-resistant primer. Sherwin-Williams said the product also can be applied to equipment operating at temperatures up to 148 C (300 F), allowing facilities to reduce downtime during installation.

Neil Wilds, Sherwin-Williams' global product director for corrosion under insulation, said the technology is intended to remove the root cause of the problem rather than simply protect against it.

"Corrosion under insulation requires the presence of insulation," Wilds said. "By removing this from an asset and applying the thermal insulative coating in its place, there is no longer any physical system under which corrosion under insulation could occur."

The company said replacing conventional insulation systems could also reduce installation time, lower maintenance requirements and improve thermal efficiency by preventing moisture intrusion that can diminish insulation performance over time.

Wilds said the coating was engineered to retain process heat at temperatures high enough to replace traditional insulation while maintaining product flow inside industrial assets.

"Careful manipulation of the coating molecule and product formulation enabled this surprising capability, which has notable ramifications for reducing costs and improving carbon footprints, while enabling efficiencies in various facility applications," he said.

Sherwin-Williams recommends applying Heat-Flex AEB over corrosion-resistant primers, including its Heat-Flex 750 and Heat-Flex ACE systems.