Custom Removable Insulation Blankets | Valves, Piping & Equipment

Removable Insulation Blankets

Custom removable insulation blankets are used to reduce heat loss, protect personnel, and provide safe, repeatable access to valves, piping, and equipment that require routine maintenance or inspection. Unlike permanent insulation systems, removable blankets are designed to be taken off and reinstalled without damaging the insulation or surrounding equipment.

These systems are commonly applied in industrial environments where process temperatures, access requirements, or safety considerations make traditional insulation impractical.

What Are Removable Insulation Blankets?

Removable insulation blankets are custom-fabricated, multi-layer insulation assemblies designed to fit specific equipment geometries. They are typically constructed with an outer protective cover, internal insulation layers, and fastening systems that allow the blanket to be installed and removed as needed.

Because each blanket is built to match the application, removable insulation is well suited for irregular shapes and components such as valves, flanges, pumps, strainers, and instrument connections.

Typical Applications

Removable insulation blankets are widely used across industrial facilities to support both thermal and operational requirements. Common applications include:

Valves and valve actuators
Flanges and expansion joints
Pumps and compressors
Heat exchangers and vessels
Process piping sections requiring periodic access

In many cases, removable insulation is selected specifically to balance thermal performance and maintenance accessibility.

Design and Fit Considerations

Effective removable insulation systems depend heavily on proper design and fit. Blanket geometry, fastening methods, and layer construction are selected based on the equipment configuration, operating temperature, and service environment.

Considerations typically include:

Equipment shape and access points
Operating temperature and duty cycle
Environmental exposure (indoor vs outdoor)
Installation and removal frequency
Clearance requirements around moving components

Accurate field measurements or drawings are critical to achieving a secure, repeatable fit.

Removable Insulation vs Fixed Insulation

While fixed insulation systems are effective for straight piping runs and permanent installations, they can complicate access to components that require regular service. Removable insulation blankets address this limitation by combining insulation performance with operational flexibility.

As a result, removable insulation is often used alongside fixed insulation systems rather than as a replacement for all insulation in a facility.