Applications of Aerogels in Chemical Production
Aerogels, with their abundant pores, large specific surface area, and stable structure, can improve reaction efficiency and ensure more complete reactions when used as catalyst supports. Their high-temperature resistance makes them suitable for continuous production environments, leading to applications in various chemical reactions.
In processes such as carbon dioxide conversion, some aerogel composites demonstrate outstanding performance, participating in photothermal reactions to convert solar energy into chemical energy, reducing emissions and improving resource utilization. These materials have significant potential for development in chemical production.
Aerogel Applications in Chemical Production
Aerogel insulation materials are increasingly adopted across chemical production environments where thermal stability, energy efficiency, and space constraints are critical. This page outlines practical use cases, selection considerations, and procurement insights for engineers and sourcing teams evaluating aerogel solutions.
Who This Is For
Key decision-makers evaluating insulation materials in chemical production environments
This guide is designed for procurement managers, plant engineers, EPC contractors, and technical buyers responsible for selecting insulation materials in high-temperature or complex chemical processing systems.
Typical Procurement Triggers
Common scenarios where aerogel becomes a priority solution
- • Energy efficiency upgrades
- • Space-constrained retrofits
- • High-temperature insulation replacement
- • Corrosion under insulation (CUI) mitigation
Aerogel vs Traditional Insulation Materials
Chemical production environments have stringent requirements for thermal stability, energy efficiency, and space constraints, leading to a growing application of aerogel insulation materials. The table below compares the performance of aerogels and traditional materials in terms of thermal conductivity, thickness, temperature resistance, and moisture resistance, facilitating selection reference.
| Parameter | Aerogel (FMB350) | Traditional Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.018 – 0.045 W/m·K (25–400°C) | 0.035 – 0.045 W/m·K |
| Thermal Performance | Excellent (stable up to 400°C) | Moderate |
| Thickness Required | Thin (3–6 mm typical) | Thicker (30–100 mm typical) |
| Moisture Resistance | Hydrophobic | Variable (often absorbs moisture) |
| Fire Rating | S5 (DIN 5510) | A1 / Non-combustible |
| Compressive Strength | Up to 100 kPa | Moderate |
| Density | Low (lightweight) | Medium to High |
| Installation Space | Space-saving | Requires more space |
| Application | Rail transit, EV battery insulation, industrial equipment | Building & general insulation |
Heat Preservation And Insulation
Aerogel has very low thermal conductivity and is an excellent thermal insulation material. In chemical production, it can be used for thermal insulation of equipment (such as distillation towers, pipelines, pumps, valves, etc.) and natural gas and liquefied gas pipelines, which can reduce heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and improve efficiency. Petrochemical enterprises use it to heat the light oil tank, which can reduce the internal temperature of the tank, reduce the frequency of spray and prevent the premature failure of the tank corrosion protection in the summer high temperature. It also has important applications in the insulation of deep-sea pipelines, high-temperature equipment in power plants and pipelines, which can ensure material transportation, improve energy utilization efficiency and reduce costs.
Adsorption and Separation
Aerogel with high specific surface area, rich pore structure and specific pore size and surface properties, in terms of gas adsorption and storage, can store hydrogen, natural gas and other clean energy and adsorption such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other harmful gases, to ensure energy supply and achieve environmental protection and emission reduction; In terms of liquid adsorption and separation, it can treat chemical wastewater to remove harmful substances, recover organic solvents, and achieve the effect of purifying water quality, recycling water resources, reducing costs and reducing pollution. In gas separation, the gas related to ammonia synthesis, methanol synthesis and other chemical processes can be selectively adsorbed and separated to optimize the production process and improve the reaction selectivity and conversion rate.
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