In this week’s CSR Series, we talk about the importance of protective coatings, like the ones manufactured by Syneffex™, to increase asset lifespan. This is an area where our technology really stands out because it lengthens lifespan rather than shortens it.
A big drawback of using older methods of insulation, like fiberglass or mineral wool, is that they actually can cause corrosion under insulation (CUI) and shorten the designed lifespan of pipes, tanks and other critical equipment.
Syneffex™ thermal insulation and asset protection coatings do the opposite, they prevent corrosion due to their hydrophobic nature, plus offer UV, mold, chemical, and moisture resistant benefits. This means that the operational asset life of equipment is not only preserved but can also be increased in many cases.
To give you an idea of the cost of using the wrong insulation materials that can shorten equipment life, here are a few statistics:
In a study in the oil and gas industry, one company found that in five domestic refineries, 36% of the total maintenance budget was due to corrosion. For production operations onshore, corrosion was responsible for 28% of maintenance costs, and in offshore applications it accounted for a whopping 60-70% of maintenance costs.
According to EnergySkeptic, the cost of corrosion hits multiple industries. Large ships that can be up to 80 times more energy efficient than truck transport, typically only last about 29 years on average due to accelerating corrosion.
Imagine adding even 5 or 10 years to that lifespan by insulating with a product that also controls corrosion without adding weight or taking up valuable space onboard the ship. That’s a multi-million dollar cost savings difference!
Looking to other industrial areas, corrosion, including the resulting deprecation of asset lifespan, account for $137.9 billion in costs per year.
Making the Case for Syneffex™ Products for Increased Asset Lifespan
Most plant and facility managers understand the costs of decreased asset life and the maintenance dollars needed to clean up corrosion caused by fibrous insulations and to replace insulation deteriorated due to moisture, compression, dirt, and other contaminants. Not to mention the energy dollars lost as the performance degrades over time.
So, why are so many timid about trying a nano-engineered, thermal insulation coating that solves all that and maintains consistent insulating performance?
Objection: It’s new, and I’ve never used it.
Answer: The technology has actually been performing successfully in multiple industries and commercial building application around the world since 2004.
Check out our global case studies here.
Objection: There’s no testing or R-value.
Answer: False. Syneffex™ coatings have been tested extensively by several independent laboratories for thermal, corrosion, mold, UV, and other performance benefits. No thin film coating can have an R-value, not because it doesn’t insulate, but because the R-value was specifically designed by the fiberglass insulation industry for their product.
We have several independent tests that show reduction of heat transfer, and we even go the extra mile with testing at freezing (0C/32F), we challenge you to find that with other insulation manufacturers.
Outstanding 3rd Party Testing Results:
– 34.8% reduction in heat transfer, 3-coats
– 24 cycles passed of accelerated salt fog corrosion test, no rust
– Mold and bacteria resistance testing, passed
– 80% UV resistance as tested over pane glass
– British Petroleum testing for resistance to CUI and Thermal Conductivity in a salt spray environment, passed with no flaking, loss of adhesion, or performance.
– Reduction in thermal conductivity over glass at freezing temperatures, 10% at 4-coats, 30% at 8-coats
So, if you’re ready to upgrade to the next generation of insulation that not only saves energy and lowers surfaces to a safe touch, but also has multiple protective benefits to increase asset lifespan, contact us today for a no obligation specification and quote.
