Aerogel felt is increasingly used in industrial insulation projects where conventional materials cannot provide sufficient thermal performance within the available space. Its low thermal conductivity, flexible structure and hydrophobic properties make it suitable for pipelines, tanks, valves and high-temperature equipment.

However, aerogel felt products vary in temperature range, thermal conductivity, thickness, density and reinforcement structure. Selecting a product based only on price or maximum temperature may result in excessive heat loss, difficult installation or a shorter service life.

This buying guide explains the key factors industrial buyers should evaluate before requesting a quotation or placing an order.

What Is Aerogel Felt?

Aerogel felt, also known as an aerogel blanket, is a flexible composite insulation material. It is generally manufactured by combining silica aerogel with a reinforcing fiber matrix.

The nanoporous structure of silica aerogel restricts heat transfer, while the fiber reinforcement improves flexibility and handling strength. The finished material can be supplied in rolls and cut or wrapped around curved and irregular equipment surfaces.

Common industrial applications include:

Oil and gas pipelines

High-temperature steam pipes

Petrochemical process equipment

LNG and cryogenic systems

Storage tanks and pressure vessels

Power-generation equipment

Industrial furnaces

Marine and offshore installations

Valves, flanges and pipe fittings

Removable insulation jackets

The aerogel felt product range includes different thicknesses and performance grades for various industrial insulation requirements.

1. Define the Intended Application

The first step is to identify where and how the aerogel felt will be used.

A material selected for a high-temperature steam pipe may not be appropriate for LNG equipment or a removable valve cover. Each application creates different demands for temperature resistance, moisture control, flexibility and mechanical durability.

Before contacting a supplier, confirm whether the material will be used for:

Heat conservation

Cold insulation

Condensation control

Personnel protection

Fire or heat shielding

Equipment surface-temperature control

Energy-efficiency improvement

Insulation thickness reduction

Clearly defining the purpose helps the supplier select the correct product grade and thickness.

2. Confirm the Operating Temperature

Temperature resistance is one of the most important selection factors.

Buyers should provide:

Normal operating temperature

Maximum continuous temperature

Short-term peak temperature

Minimum operating temperature

Frequency of heating and cooling cycles

Direct or indirect heat exposure

The maximum temperature shown on a product data sheet does not indicate its thermal performance across the entire operating range. It only identifies the temperature the material is designed to tolerate under specified conditions.

Different aerogel products may use different reinforcement fibers and formulations. For example, Aerogel Thermal Insulation Felt is designed for pipelines, industrial furnaces, petrochemical equipment and other demanding applications.

Always select a grade that matches the actual continuous operating temperature-not only the highest advertised temperature.

3. Compare Thermal Conductivity Correctly

Thermal conductivity indicates how easily heat passes through a material. It is normally expressed in W/(m·K). A lower value means better insulation performance at the same thickness.

Many silica aerogel felt products have a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.015–0.020 W/(m·K) at or near room temperature, depending on the grade and test method.

For example, Nano Aerogel Felt has a listed thermal conductivity of approximately 0.018–0.020 W/(m·K) at 25°C.

However, buyers should not compare products using a single room-temperature value. Thermal conductivity generally increases as the mean temperature rises.

Ask the supplier for:

Thermal conductivity at 25°C

Conductivity at relevant mean temperatures

Test method or standard

Product density and thickness used in testing

Whether the value is typical or guaranteed

Available laboratory test reports

Two products should only be compared when their conductivity values were measured under similar conditions.

4. Determine the Required Thickness

Common aerogel felt thicknesses include:

3mm

5mm

6mm

8mm

10mm

Multiple layers can be combined when greater thermal resistance is required.

The correct thickness depends on:

Operating temperature

Pipe diameter or equipment dimensions

Required outer-surface temperature

Maximum allowable heat loss

Ambient temperature

Wind speed

Indoor or outdoor installation

Cladding material

Available installation clearance

A 10mm blanket may be suitable for one project but insufficient for another. High-temperature pipelines and large vessels may require two or more layers.

Buyers should request a thermal calculation instead of selecting thickness based only on previous projects.

5. Check the Temperature-Dependent Performance

Aerogel felt may provide excellent room-temperature performance, but industrial buyers must understand how the material behaves at higher temperatures.

Ask for a conductivity curve showing performance at several mean temperatures. This is particularly important for:

Steam pipelines

Refinery process lines

Exhaust systems

Boilers

Industrial furnaces

High-temperature vessels

At elevated temperatures, radiative heat transfer becomes more significant and the effective thermal conductivity increases.

A product with a slightly lower value at 25°C may not necessarily perform better at 300°C or 500°C. The comparison should cover the complete operating range.

6. Evaluate Hydrophobic Performance

Moisture can significantly reduce the effectiveness of insulation and contribute to corrosion under insulation.

Hydrophobic aerogel felt is designed to repel liquid water while retaining its insulating structure. This property is particularly valuable for:

Outdoor pipelines

Offshore facilities

Marine equipment

Humid processing environments

Systems exposed to rain or washdown

Equipment subject to condensation

Some aerogel felt grades provide hydrophobic rates above 99%.

However, hydrophobicity should not be confused with complete system waterproofing. Water may still enter through poorly sealed cladding, joints or penetrations.

The complete insulation system should include:

Properly sealed external cladding

Correct overlaps

Weatherproof joints

Sealed pipe penetrations

Suitable vapor barriers for cold systems

Regular inspection and maintenance

7. Review Density and Mechanical Properties

Density can affect handling, compression resistance and thermal performance.

A higher-density aerogel felt is not automatically a better insulation product. Excessive solid content may increase heat transfer, while very low-density material may lack sufficient handling strength.

Important mechanical properties include:

Tensile strength

Compressive strength

Flexibility

Resistance to vibration

Resistance to repeated handling

Dimensional stability

Dust generation during installation

If the insulation will be installed on equipment exposed to vibration or frequent maintenance, request data on mechanical durability.

Rigid or high-load areas may also require protective boards, load-bearing inserts or reinforced cladding.

8. Confirm Fire Performance

Many silica aerogel insulation products are manufactured primarily from inorganic materials and may provide good fire performance.

However, the complete product may also contain:

Organic binders

Reinforcing fibers

Facings

Adhesives

Coatings

These components can affect the final fire classification.

For applications with specific fire requirements, request:

Fire test standard

Test report

Combustibility classification

Smoke-development information

Maximum exposure temperature

Details of any facing or adhesive

Do not rely only on descriptions such as "fireproof" or "flame resistant." Verify compliance with the project's required standard.

9. Select the Correct Roll Width and Length

Aerogel felt is normally supplied in rolls. Selecting the correct dimensions can reduce waste and installation time.

Confirm:

Roll width

Roll length

Usable width

Thickness tolerance

Edge condition

Packaging method

Weight per roll

Number of rolls per pallet

A suitable roll width can reduce the number of joints on tanks and large-diameter pipes.

For valves, elbows and small components, narrower sections may be easier to cut and install. The cutting plan should be reviewed before finalizing the order quantity.

10. Consider Installation Conditions

The same aerogel felt can perform differently depending on installation quality.

Before purchasing, determine:

How the material will be cut

How many layers will be installed

How joints will be staggered

Which fastening method will be used

Whether adhesive is required

How valves and flanges will be treated

Which outer cladding will be installed

Whether the insulation must be removable

When multiple layers are used, longitudinal and circumferential joints should be staggered to reduce thermal bridging.

The material should be secured without excessive compression. Crushing a nominal 10mm blanket to a lower installed thickness reduces its thermal resistance.

11. Select Suitable External Protection

Aerogel felt normally requires an external covering in industrial environments.

Common options include:

Aluminum jacketing

Stainless-steel jacketing

Galvanized steel cladding

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric

PTFE-coated fabric

Weather-resistant protective membranes

The correct covering depends on moisture, chemical exposure, mechanical damage and installation location.

Metal jacketing is commonly used for industrial pipelines and outdoor equipment. Flexible coated fabrics may be more suitable for removable insulation covers.

External protection should be selected together with the aerogel felt rather than treated as a separate decision.

12. Consider Corrosion Under Insulation

Aerogel felt's hydrophobic performance can help reduce moisture retention, but it cannot eliminate corrosion under insulation by itself.

A complete corrosion-control strategy may include:

Suitable pipe coating

Dry and clean surfaces before installation

Correctly sealed cladding

Drainage at low points

Inspection ports

Proper treatment of supports and penetrations

Routine inspection

Buyers should confirm whether the aerogel product contains substances that may affect stainless-steel piping or project-specific corrosion requirements.

Where required, request relevant chemical composition and leachable-ion test information.

13. Compare Initial Cost and Lifecycle Cost

Aerogel felt generally has a higher initial price than mineral wool or glass wool. However, unit price alone does not represent the total project cost.

A lifecycle evaluation should include:

Required insulation thickness

Number of installed layers

Installation labour

Cladding dimensions

Transportation volume

Storage requirements

Energy loss

Maintenance frequency

Downtime

Replacement cost

Expected service life

Aerogel felt may provide greater value when it reduces system thickness, installation complexity or long-term energy consumption.

Traditional insulation may remain more economical for large, uncomplicated areas where space and moisture are not major concerns.

14. Request Samples Before Bulk Ordering

For a new project or supplier, sample evaluation can help confirm:

Actual thickness

Surface condition

Flexibility

Ease of cutting

Dust generation

Roll consistency

Packaging quality

Suitability for the planned fabrication method

A sample should represent the same grade, thickness, density and reinforcement structure as the bulk order.

If the material will be fabricated into removable insulation jackets, conduct a trial cutting and sewing test before confirming the full quantity.

15. Check Documentation and Quality Control

Industrial buyers should request appropriate technical and commercial documentation.

Useful documents include:

Technical data sheet

Safety data sheet

Thermal conductivity test report

Fire-performance report

Hydrophobicity data

Density and thickness tolerances

Material composition

Quality inspection records

Certificate of analysis

Packing list

Product identification and traceability

For project orders, confirm which properties will be inspected before shipment.

Typical inspection items may include:

Thickness

Width and length

Density

Surface appearance

Roll weight

Packaging condition

Product quantity

Batch identification

Aerogel Felt Selection Checklist

Information to Provide When Requesting a Quotation

To receive an accurate recommendation and quotation, send the supplier:

Intended application

Pipeline or equipment dimensions

Normal operating temperature

Maximum and minimum temperatures

Required outer-surface temperature

Maximum allowable heat loss

Ambient temperature and wind conditions

Indoor or outdoor installation

Exposure to water, oil or chemicals

Available insulation clearance

Preferred thickness

Required fire standard

Roll size requirements

External cladding design

Total project quantity

Delivery destination and schedule

Complete project data allows the supplier to recommend a suitable aerogel insulation blanket rather than simply quoting the lowest-cost available grade.

What is the most important specification when buying aerogel felt?

Thermal conductivity at the actual service temperature is one of the most important specifications. Temperature range, thickness, hydrophobicity, fire performance and mechanical strength should also be evaluated.

Is lower thermal conductivity always better?

A lower value generally indicates better insulation performance, but only when products are tested at the same temperature and under comparable conditions.

What thickness should I order?

The correct thickness depends on temperature, pipe diameter, allowable heat loss and required surface temperature. A thermal calculation should be completed before ordering.

Can aerogel felt be used outdoors?

Yes. Hydrophobic aerogel felt is suitable for many outdoor applications, but it still requires correctly installed weatherproof cladding.

Can different layers be combined?

Yes. Multiple aerogel layers can be installed to achieve the required total thickness. Their joints should be staggered to reduce thermal bridging.

Should I request a sample?

Yes, especially for a new supplier, grade or fabrication method. A sample helps verify thickness, flexibility, surface quality and processing performance.

Is the cheapest aerogel felt suitable for industrial projects?

Not necessarily. A low-priced product may have different aerogel content, density, tolerances or test data. Buyers should compare technical performance and total installed cost rather than price alone.

Conclusion

Purchasing aerogel felt for an industrial insulation project requires more than selecting a thickness and requesting a price.

Buyers should evaluate operating temperature, temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, total thickness, hydrophobic performance, fire classification, mechanical properties and installation conditions. Roll dimensions, external cladding and technical documentation should also be confirmed before ordering.

Aerogel felt is particularly valuable where space is limited, moisture resistance is important or conventional insulation requires excessive thickness. By providing complete project data and comparing products under equivalent test conditions, buyers can select an aerogel insulation solution that balances thermal performance, installation efficiency and lifecycle cost.