Traditionally pipework noise in Oil & Gas/Heavy Industries has been insulated with mineral wool and metal as a simple form of mitigation. The acoustic performance of which is the minimum standard to which the Insertion Loss of pipework acoustic insulation is assessed. Unfortunately this method necessitates a large degree of weight and thickness added to the pipework, thereby increasing the requirement for supporting steelwork and is often seen as a negative element in pipework design. Additionally, the nature of these traditional systems can fundamentally lead to CUI (Corrosion Under Insulation) due to fragile cladding and the wicking effect of the material. CUI is considered to be one of the leading causes of pipework integrity breaches. Mistrust of these systems within the industry requires frequent, costly inspection and maintenance regimes. Recent material advances during the past decade renders these traditional systems effectively obsolete. Material systems incorporating Flexible Elastomeric Foams and Aerogels provide acoustic attenuation for pipework that meets/exceeds traditional material Insertion Losses. These new materials can also provide systems that are thinner and lighter than traditional systems, while simultaneously providing superior performance with respect to CUI mitigation. This paper presents a discussion and comparison of traditional materials against novel materials available to Oil & Gas/Heavy Industry, focusing on increases in mitigation of pipework noise, reduction of weight and thickness and CUI.
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