New Componit

Simone Balbi

To avoid the formation of hexavalent chromium, you need to know conditions under which there is possible formation of hexavalent chromium or its compounds and adopt carefully designed systems to prevent the formation of these toxic substances.

The use of calcium-free high-temperature insulation systems takes into account safety for people and the environment, and refers to international regulations on occupational safety and environmental protection.

Textiles from the GreenFlex line, designed to prevent the formation of hexavalent chromium, are ideal for the safety of operators and environment.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?

Today I would like to talk you about an issue that I have been hearing about for several months: the development of hexavalent chromium and derivatives on equipment thermally insulated.

I have thoroughly documented myself and I think it is worthwhile to make some consideration.

We at New Componit want to highlight the danger of working in contact with waste insulation materials in general and in particular, with those containing calcium which worked under defined operating conditions.

The good news? There are fabric solutions especially designed to prevent the formation of hexavalent chromium.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?

For months now, there has been talk about the growing problem of hexavalent chromium formation on insulated structures in industrial plants.

Why has there been a debate on this issue?

Because this compound, resulting from thermochemical reactions among metal alloys containing chromium and oxides in conventional insulation materials, is a safety threat.

The danger of hexavalent chromium

Hexavalent chromium is classified as a very hazardous substance, with toxic effects on the environment and serious risks to human health. It is, therefore, essential to understand which situations are at risk and how to deal with them.

Since we have clearly in our minds what happened in the past with asbestos, we cannot ignore the situation and take decades before we recognise the hazardous nature.

It is therefore vital to understand the conditions that facilitate its formation. This compound is the result of a thermochemical reaction that causes the oxidation of chromium (contained in many metal alloys), under certain environmental conditions with the calcium oxide contained in many conventional insulation materials.

The result is a compound called hexavalent chromium, which no longer volatilises below 800°C.

But what are the environmental conditions to pay particular attention to?

  • The presence of ‘old style’ insulating materials containing calcium, sodium or potassium.
  • The reaching of operating temperatures between 300°C and 600°C.
  • The presence of metal alloys containing chromium.
  • A specific percentage of oxygen in the working environment

Should all these conditions occur, an imaginary alarm bell must be set off.

How to deal with the problem

Recognising the presence of hexavalent chromium is crucial. During dismantling operations the presence of a yellowish powder is an important indicator.

In such cases, it is essential to act promptly:

  • disassembly of insulators must be carried out by properly trained personnel;
  • the result of rapid chromium tests can confirm its presence;
  • in the event of a positive result, it is important to proceed with immediate remediation;
  • handling of materials contaminated with this compound must be entrusted to experienced personnel capable of working safely;
  • contaminated materials must be disposed of properly

But what preventive measures can be implemented?

The aspect of prevention is very close to our hearts: in addition to correct information on these risks, what preventive measures can be implemented in industrial plants?

New Componit’s response, which is the result of intensive product research and development, is the design of calcium-free high-temperature insulation systems to ensure the safety of people and environment, in full compliance with international occupational and environmental safety regulations.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?

More and more frequently we hear about Tipcheck, the energy audit. Especially those who work in chemical and pharmaceutical fields will have already heard about it and know the opportunities for energy savings that open up with this analysis.

Although the issue of energy saving is increasingly topical, also because of: increase of price and EU sustainability objectives, many companies still have doubts about this opportunity.

In particular, many people ask themselves: what an energy efficiency implies in practice, what benefits it entails but also what is the initial investment, as well as what is the repayment time.

So let us clarify.

Let’s start from Tipcheck, which, as I said, is an energy audit on plants, which has the scope of drawing up a detailed report about the possible thermal insulation interventions to be implemented in order to reduce energy consumption, achieving real and measurable energy savings.

It is a standardized instrument put in action by the Eiif, the European Industrial Insulation Foundation, with the aim of providing the industrial sector with tools and solutions to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

The audit can only be carried out by Eiif’s partner companies, which have been accredited by the certifying agency. This last point may seem obvious but it is not.

In fact, when a matter, such as energy saving, becomes so topical, there are many competent subjects or not who want to “sell” the ideal solution to save on bills.

So my first advice is: pay attention to the interlocutor with whom you choose to collaborate!

The advantages of Tipcheck

The Tipcheck audit highlights how a series of insulation interventions can bring immediate benefits to the company, such as:

  • reducing production costs;
  • increasing energy efficiency;
  • reduction of CO2 emissions;
  • improving process efficiency;
  • reducing risks to personnel and equipment;
  • increasing of business competitiveness.

But I want to remind you that Tipcheck is an audit, so a first step towards energy efficiency, which then a series of concrete insulation interventions should follow.

Furthermore, Tipcheck follows a standardized analysis protocol; therefore, when you reach the implementation step of the recommended indication stated in the report, it is suggested to collaborate with a supplier able to understand the specific needs of your plant and therefore propose the ideal solution.

I say this because recently we at New Componit worked with a company, in the tanneries field, for which we carried out a detailed energy analysis followed by a tailor-made intervention.

We have, in fact, installed insulating jackets in several hotspots which led to energy savings even higher than their expectations.

I finish by saying that, if today there are still many doubts about the benefits of insulation, I think that the Tipcheck is a great tool to overcome some unfounded reservations and evaluate the economic return (and not only) of an investment that still may scare some companies.

We at New Componit are official members of the Eiif (European Industrial Insulation Foundation) since 2019; our accredited staff has been certified to carry out plant inspections and draw up energy-saving insulation studies.

We aim to find insulation solutions, designed according to specific customer needs, focusing on three key factors:

  • the temperatures;
  • the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere;
  • the resulting economic savings.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?

 

Your company could be wasting energy and losing money every minute of its operation.

Who is the culprit? Poorly insulated or not insulated pipes, valves and equipment.

Our specialist can provide you with a technical report about the performance of your system: the “tipcheck” energy audit will show you benefits and future savings, before even starting the project.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?

Since our company was founded in 1986, we have always invested in research with the aim to solve complex problems thanks to innovative technology solutions.

Today, the market competitiveness requires organizations to always be at the forefront in all aspects.

For this reason, New Componit, after the initial commitment to the search for every possible alternative to asbestos, has always been at the forefront in the research, development and use of products that ensure effectiveness in applications and, at the same time, safeguard the safety and health of people and respect for the environment.

In order to pursue these goals, we also invest in innovative technologies of machinery and in the training of personnel that works with them.

With these assumptions, today we produce textile expansion jointsinsulating and fireproofing blankets, safety shields, rubber expansion joints and acoustic cleaning systems. Through these products we aim to find concrete and technologically advanced solutions related to heat, noise and expansion problems due to temperature changes.

Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?