Aerogel felt is a flexible, high-performance thermal insulation material used in industrial pipelines, LNG systems, power plants, offshore facilities, chemical processing equipment, marine systems, and HVAC applications.

Also known as an aerogel blanket or aerogel insulation felt, it combines silica aerogel with a fibrous reinforcement layer. This structure allows the material to provide excellent thermal insulation while remaining thin, lightweight, hydrophobic, and easy to install around complex equipment.

Compared with conventional insulation materials such as mineral wool, glass wool, and calcium silicate, aerogel felt can often achieve similar thermal performance with significantly less thickness.

This guide explains what aerogel felt is, how it works, its main benefits, typical applications, and how to choose the right product for your project.

What Is Aerogel Felt?

Aerogel felt is a flexible insulation blanket made by embedding silica aerogel into a fiber-reinforced carrier, such as fiberglass or another heat-resistant material.

Silica aerogel has an extremely porous internal structure. These nanoscale pores contain a large amount of trapped air, which helps reduce heat transfer through the material.

The fiber reinforcement gives the product:

Flexibility

Mechanical strength

Dimensional stability

Easier cutting and handling

Better installation performance

Because it is supplied in rolls, aerogel felt can be wrapped around pipes, valves, elbows, tanks, flanges, vessels, and irregular surfaces.

How Does Aerogel Felt Work?

Heat is transferred mainly through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Aerogel felt reduces heat transfer by limiting the movement of air and heat through its nanoporous structure. The extremely small pores inside the aerogel restrict gas movement, helping reduce thermal conduction and convection.

As a result, aerogel felt provides strong insulation performance with a relatively thin material layer.

Its actual performance depends on several factors, including:

Product density

Aerogel content

Reinforcement material

Operating temperature

Insulation thickness

Installation method

Environmental conditions

For accurate product comparison, buyers should review the thermal conductivity data at the actual working temperature rather than relying only on a single room-temperature value.

What Is Aerogel Felt Made Of?

Aerogel felt usually consists of two main components.

Silica Aerogel

Silica aerogel is the primary insulation material. Its nanoporous structure provides low thermal conductivity and reduces heat transfer.

Fiber Reinforcement

The reinforcement supports the aerogel structure and improves handling, flexibility, and durability.

Common reinforcement materials include:

Fiberglass

High-temperature glass fiber

Polyester fiber

Ceramic fiber

Other specialized fibers

The reinforcement type affects temperature resistance, fire performance, flexibility, and mechanical strength.

Main Benefits of Aerogel Felt

1. Low Thermal Conductivity

Aerogel felt offers lower thermal conductivity than many conventional insulation materials.

Depending on the product grade and test conditions, thermal conductivity may typically fall within the range of approximately 0.013 to 0.020 W/m·K at specified temperatures.

Lower thermal conductivity means less heat passes through the insulation layer, helping improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.

2. High Performance with Less Thickness

One of the main reasons buyers choose aerogel insulation is its ability to provide strong thermal resistance with reduced thickness.

This is particularly useful for:

Congested pipe racks

Offshore platforms

Marine vessels

Retrofit projects

Compact process equipment

Skid-mounted systems

Pipes installed close to walls

Areas with limited installation clearance

A thinner insulation system may also reduce cladding size and supporting structure requirements.

3. Lightweight Construction

Aerogel felt is lighter than many rigid insulation systems.

Reduced weight can help lower the load on:

Pipelines

Equipment

Supporting frames

Offshore structures

Marine vessels

Modular skids

This advantage is especially valuable in projects where total system weight is carefully controlled.

4. Flexible and Easy to Install

Unlike rigid boards, aerogel felt can bend and conform to complex shapes.

It can be installed around:

Straight pipes

Elbows

Valves

Flanges

Tees

Heat exchangers

Storage tanks

Process vessels

Ductwork

Irregular equipment

Its flexibility can reduce installation gaps and simplify insulation work on complicated systems.

5. Hydrophobic and Moisture Resistant

Most industrial aerogel felt products are hydrophobic, meaning they resist liquid-water absorption.

Moisture resistance is important because wet insulation may:

Increase thermal conductivity

Reduce energy efficiency

Cause condensation

Damage cladding

Increase corrosion risk

Shorten insulation service life

Hydrophobic aerogel felt is well suited to humid, outdoor, marine, petrochemical, and offshore environments.

However, the insulation should still be protected with suitable cladding and properly sealed joints.

6. Wide Operating Temperature Range

Aerogel felt is available in different temperature grades for cold, medium-temperature, and high-temperature applications.

Typical uses include:

Cryogenic pipelines

LNG systems

Chilled-water systems

HVAC equipment

Hot-water pipes

Steam pipelines

Process equipment

Boilers

Exhaust systems

The selected product should have a continuous operating temperature rating above the actual working temperature.

7. Good Fire Performance

Many aerogel blanket products use non-combustible or heat-resistant reinforcement materials.

However, fire performance varies by product grade. Buyers should verify compliance with the standards required for their projects.

Relevant standards may include:

ASTM standards

EN standards

ISO standards

IMO requirements

Local industrial regulations

Building fire codes

Always request test reports for the exact product being supplied.

8. Lower Lifecycle Cost

Aerogel felt generally has a higher initial material price than mineral wool or glass wool.

However, its lifecycle advantages may include:

Lower energy consumption

Reduced heat loss

Less insulation thickness

Lower structural weight

Faster installation

Reduced maintenance

Longer service life

Lower replacement frequency

Improved moisture resistance

Reduced risk of insulation failure

For continuously operating facilities, these benefits may offset the higher upfront cost.

Aerogel Felt vs. Traditional Insulation

Aerogel Felt vs. Mineral Wool

Mineral wool is widely used because of its affordability and fire resistance.

Aerogel felt may be more suitable when the project requires:

Thinner insulation

Lower weight

Better moisture resistance

Installation in confined spaces

Improved thermal efficiency

Mineral wool may still be a practical choice where space is available and moisture exposure is limited.

Aerogel Felt vs. Glass Wool

Glass wool is lightweight and commonly used in HVAC and building insulation.

Aerogel felt generally provides better thermal performance per unit of thickness and may be more suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Aerogel Felt vs. Calcium Silicate

Calcium silicate is rigid and commonly used in high-temperature industrial systems.

Aerogel felt is more flexible and easier to install around valves, elbows, flanges, and irregular equipment.

Aerogel Felt vs. Ceramic Fiber

Ceramic fiber is often used in furnaces and very high-temperature systems.

Aerogel felt may be more suitable for pipelines and process equipment where moisture resistance, reduced thickness, and easier installation are priorities.

The best insulation material depends on temperature, project budget, available space, moisture exposure, fire requirements, and mechanical conditions.

Common Applications of Aerogel Felt

Oil and Gas

Aerogel felt is used in:

Refineries

Oil and gas pipelines

Gas treatment facilities

Processing equipment

Valves and flanges

Storage systems

Its thin profile and moisture resistance make it suitable for congested industrial facilities.

LNG and Cryogenic Systems

Specialized aerogel blankets may be used for low-temperature and cryogenic applications.

Typical applications include:

LNG pipelines

Refrigeration equipment

Cryogenic vessels

Low-temperature process systems

Storage facilities

Product selection should consider minimum operating temperature, condensation control, vapor barriers, and total insulation thickness.

Petrochemical and Chemical Processing

Aerogel insulation can be applied to:

Reactors

Heat exchangers

Storage tanks

Process piping

Distillation equipment

Chemical vessels

Hydrophobic performance is especially valuable where corrosion under insulation is a concern.

Power Generation

In power plants, aerogel felt may be installed on:

Steam pipelines

Boilers

Turbines

Heat exchangers

Hot-water systems

Exhaust equipment

The insulation helps reduce heat loss and control external surface temperatures.

Marine and Offshore

Aerogel felt is suitable for marine and offshore projects because it is lightweight, flexible, and moisture resistant.

Common applications include:

Engine-room piping

Offshore modules

Marine exhaust systems

Platform equipment

Vessel piping

Compact machinery spaces

Industrial Equipment

Aerogel felt can be used on:

Tanks

Reactors

Pressure vessels

Skid-mounted systems

Machinery

Irregular equipment surfaces

Its flexible format makes it easier to install than rigid insulation around complex shapes.

HVAC Systems

Aerogel insulation may be used in specialized HVAC applications, including:

Chilled-water piping

Ductwork

Mechanical rooms

Equipment enclosures

Condensation-control systems

Retrofit insulation projects

Is Aerogel Felt Waterproof?

Aerogel felt is generally hydrophobic rather than completely waterproof.

Hydrophobicity means that the material resists liquid-water absorption. Water droplets tend to remain on the surface instead of immediately penetrating the insulation.

However, aerogel felt should still be protected against:

Rainwater

Standing water

Open joints

Damaged cladding

Poorly sealed penetrations

Mechanical damage

For outdoor installation, a properly designed weatherproof cladding system is required.

Can Aerogel Felt Reduce Corrosion Under Insulation?

Aerogel felt may help reduce some moisture-related risks associated with corrosion under insulation, commonly known as CUI.

Its hydrophobic structure helps limit water absorption and may support more stable insulation performance.

However, aerogel felt alone cannot eliminate CUI.

A complete CUI-control system should include:

Proper surface preparation

Suitable anti-corrosion coating

Correct insulation installation

Sealed cladding joints

Weather protection

Drainage design

Regular inspection

Timely maintenance

How Is Aerogel Felt Installed?

Aerogel felt is generally supplied in rolls and cut according to pipe or equipment dimensions.

A typical installation process includes:

Clean and inspect the equipment surface.

Apply the required anti-corrosion coating.

Measure and cut the aerogel blanket.

Wrap it around the pipe or equipment.

Add additional layers when required.

Stagger or overlap the joints.

Secure the insulation with bands, wires, or fasteners.

Install protective cladding.

Seal joints and penetrations.

Inspect the completed insulation system.

Workers should follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and use appropriate protective equipment during cutting and handling.

How to Choose the Right Aerogel Felt

Confirm the Operating Temperature

Check the normal operating temperature, maximum temperature, and possible temperature fluctuations.

Choose a product with a suitable continuous-use temperature rating.

Review Thermal Conductivity

Compare thermal conductivity at the actual mean operating temperature.

A complete thermal conductivity curve is more useful than a single test value.

Determine the Required Thickness

The required thickness depends on:

Operating temperature

Ambient temperature

Pipe diameter

Equipment size

Wind speed

Target surface temperature

Allowable heat loss

Condensation-control requirements

For industrial projects, a thermal calculation is recommended.

Evaluate the Installation Environment

Confirm whether the installation is:

Indoor

Outdoor

Marine

Offshore

Humid

Chemically corrosive

Exposed to vibration

Space constrained

The environment affects the product grade, cladding design, sealing method, and protection requirements.

Verify Fire Performance

Request fire test reports and confirm that the product meets the required standards.

Check Mechanical Durability

Consider whether the insulation will be exposed to:

Vibration

Compression

Repeated maintenance

Mechanical impact

Foot traffic

Thermal cycling

Additional protection may be required in high-risk areas.

Confirm Supply Specifications

Before ordering, verify:

Thickness

Roll width

Roll length

Density

Reinforcement material

Packaging method

Minimum order quantity

Custom-cutting availability

Container-loading quantity

Request Technical Documentation

A reliable supplier should provide:

Technical data sheet

Safety data sheet

Thermal conductivity report

Temperature-limit information

Fire test reports

Water-resistance data

Installation guide

Product tolerances

Quality-control information

How Much Does Aerogel Felt Cost?

Aerogel felt prices vary according to:

Product grade

Temperature rating

Thickness

Density

Reinforcement material

Roll dimensions

Order quantity

Fire requirements

Custom processing

Shipping destination

When comparing quotations, buyers should consider total installed cost rather than material price alone.

A thinner aerogel insulation system may reduce:

Installation labor

Cladding quantity

Supporting structures

Space requirements

Energy consumption

Maintenance costs

Replacement frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aerogel felt the same as an aerogel blanket?

Yes. Aerogel felt and aerogel blanket are commonly used to describe the same type of flexible insulation material.

What is aerogel felt used for?

It is used for pipelines, tanks, valves, boilers, LNG systems, marine equipment, process vessels, HVAC systems, and industrial machinery.

Is aerogel felt flexible?

Yes. It can be cut and wrapped around pipes, elbows, valves, flanges, and irregular equipment surfaces.

Can aerogel felt be used outdoors?

Yes, provided it is installed with suitable cladding, sealed joints, and proper weather protection.

Is aerogel felt suitable for high temperatures?

Certain aerogel blanket grades are designed for high-temperature applications. Always check the continuous-use temperature before selection.

Can aerogel felt be used for cryogenic systems?

Yes. Specialized grades are available for LNG and cryogenic insulation applications.

Does aerogel felt absorb water?

Most industrial aerogel felt products are hydrophobic and resist liquid-water absorption.

Is aerogel felt better than mineral wool?

Aerogel felt offers lower thermal conductivity, reduced thickness, and stronger moisture resistance. Mineral wool may be more economical where space and moisture are not major concerns.

How do I choose the correct thickness?

The thickness should be calculated according to operating temperature, ambient conditions, pipe dimensions, target surface temperature, and allowable heat loss.

Why Choose Keep Insulation Aerogel Felt?

Keep Insulation supplies aerogel felt and aerogel blanket solutions for industrial, LNG, marine, petrochemical, power-generation, and HVAC applications.

Our aerogel insulation products can be selected according to:

Operating temperature

Required thickness

Installation environment

Equipment dimensions

Fire requirements

Project quantity

Roll size

Application type

Key product advantages include:

Low thermal conductivity

Reduced insulation thickness

Lightweight structure

Hydrophobic performance

Flexible installation

Multiple thickness options

Custom dimensions

Technical selection support

To receive a suitable recommendation, provide your operating temperature, pipe or equipment dimensions, installation environment, required thickness, and project quantity.

Conclusion

Aerogel felt is a flexible, lightweight, and high-performance insulation material designed for projects where thermal efficiency, limited space, moisture resistance, and long-term reliability are important.

Compared with many traditional insulation materials, aerogel felt can provide effective thermal protection with less thickness and lower weight.

However, the correct product should be selected according to operating temperature, thermal conductivity, insulation thickness, fire performance, environmental conditions, and total lifecycle cost.

By choosing the appropriate aerogel blanket and installing it as part of a properly designed insulation system, project owners can reduce heat loss, improve energy efficiency, simplify installation, and support long-term equipment protection.