Removable insulation jackets serve as engineered thermal barriers that protect critical components, such as valves, actuators, piping, and wellheads, in the oil & gas sector. They guard against extreme temperatures, environmental exposure, and fire-related risks, while allowing easy access for ongoing maintenance and inspection.
One of the primary functions of these insulation jackets is to ensure that the protected equipment remains operational during a fire event. Engineered and tested to meet stringent fire protection standards, these jackets can preserve the integrity and performance of critical components for up to two hours under direct fire exposure. This extended protection period allows systems to either continue operating safely or be shut down in a controlled manner—minimizing risk to personnel, infrastructure, and operational continuity.
Why Use Removable Insulation Jackets for Oil & Gas?
- Quick access: Enables maintenance or inspection without equipment disassembly or operational shutdown
- Durable protection: Resistant to jets of fire, chemicals, UV, and abrasion
- Custom-fit design: CAD-modeled with optimal thickness via thermal analysis—reducing unnecessary bulk
What are the Key Equipment Applications?
ProSol™ Removable Jackets are widely used to shield:
Valves and actuators
Why insulate:
- Susceptible to heat distortion during fire exposure
- Critical for system shutdown and pressure control
- Frequently accessed for inspection, testing, or repair
- Allow fast, tool-free access without disrupting system function
- Avoid damage or downtime caused by coatings or permanent covers
- Flanges, wellheads, riser tensioners
- Process vessels, piping, cable trays, bulkheads, and associated components
Flanges & Piping Interfaces
Why insulate:
- Vulnerable to leaks due to thermal cycling or pressure surges
- High potential for corrosion under insulation (CUI)
- Often located in exposed, weather-affected areas
- Moisture-vented designs reduce the risk of CUI
- Enable routine inspection of gaskets and seals
- Custom fit ensures proper sealing and minimal thermal loss
Wellheads & Riser Tensioners
Why insulate:
- Operate under extreme thermal and mechanical stress
- Key pressure points in offshore and deep well environments
- Exposure to fire or blast can trigger catastrophic failure
- Offer fire and blast protection with Lloyd’s and DNV approvals
- Can be quickly removed for inspection after pressure tests
- Provide lightweight protection with minimal added load
Cable Trays, Bulkheads & Instrumentation Panels
Why insulate:
- Protect sensitive wiring and controls from rapid heat rise
- Prevent cascading system failure in fire events
- Shield high-value instruments from corrosive vapors
- Accessible without full removal: NPC jackets can be partially opened for inspection or maintenance, unlike other systems that require full disassembly.
- Easier cable modifications: While competitor solutions often need to be cut or replaced to add or reroute wiring, NPC jackets can be opened and reclosed without damage.
- Can be custom-designed to fit around connectors, sensors, and complex cable paths
- Maintains performance in environments with high moisture and, high-vibration settings
Why are PFP Jackets important for actuators, valves and control equipment for oil & gas?
Passive fire protection jackets, also known as PFP jackets, are engineered thermal insulation systems designed to safeguard critical components—such as actuators, valves, and control equipment—during fire exposure. These jackets offer a flexible yet robust alternative to rigid insulation, enabling regular maintenance and inspections without compromising protection.
At Nutec Protective Concepts, our ProSol™ passive fire protection jackets are custom-designed for industrial environments requiring reliable PFP fire protection. Built to withstand jet fire, hydrocarbon fire, and blast scenarios, these jackets are optimized for components that must remain accessible during routine operations.
When protecting high-value equipment in oil & gas facilities, PFP passive fire protection plays a vital role in achieving three core objectives:
- Life safety – Protecting personnel by delaying fire spread and reducing thermal exposure.
- Continuity of operations – Preserving the functionality of essential systems during and after a fire event.
- Property protection – Minimizing equipment damage, structural loss, and unplanned downtime.
By integrating passive fire protection jackets as part of a comprehensive fire risk mitigation strategy, operators can ensure regulatory compliance, improve asset resilience, and enhance operational safety
Where are removable insulation jackets typically used for oil & gas?
Onshore and Offshore Operations
Commonly installed across a wide range of industrial facilities—whether land-based or marine—these systems are suited for environments such as:
- Refining units and petrochemical facilities
- Flare chambers, production equipment, and high-risk zones
- Anywhere explosive risks, thermal shock, or corrosive environments demand robust protection
- Cold Climate Environments
- Protects valves and piping systems from freezing in low-temperature environments.
- Supports consistent operations in harsh, low-temperature conditions. - High-Temperature Operations
- Risk of burns or ignition.
- Use of fire-resistant insulation jackets.
How do removable insulation jackets support safety and compliance?
ProSol™ PFP jackets are fully certified for fire scenarios such as hydrocarbon pool fire, jet fire, rapid rise fires, and blast overpressure, meeting standards like UL 1709, and approved by Lloyd’s, DNV & ABS for offshore use.
Their corrosion-resistant, ventilated design also prevents moisture-induced degradation (CUI/CUF), enhancing long-term safety
Recommendations to evaluate high-priority equipment for removable insulation
- Identify critical assets: valves, actuators, leaky interfaces, and high-temperature piping.
- Assess exposure risks: fire, thermal shock, corrosive vapors, weather, and accessibility needs.
- Engage NPC thermal analysis: determine required insulation thickness and response time.
- Consider maintenance frequency: frequent access favors removable over permanent solutions.
- Match to certifications: ensure required protection matches UL 1709 or overpressure specs.
For more information, feel free to contact us.
