In high-temperature industrial environments, the service life of ceramic fiber blankets directly impacts equipment operating costs and production stability. By employing scientific usage and maintenance methods, the service life of ceramic fiber blankets can be significantly extended, thereby fully leveraging their thermal insulation value.
Firstly, selecting the appropriate model of ceramic fiber blanket is fundamental. Different models have varying high-temperature resistance ratings, such as standard-grade blankets capable of withstanding 1260°C and high-purity-grade blankets reaching 1400°C. When selecting a model, it is essential to account for a safety margin of over 200°C above the actual operating temperature to prevent fiber degradation and strength reduction caused by prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures. For example, in a kiln operating at 1000°C, selecting a ceramic fiber blanket rated for 1260°C can effectively reduce high-temperature damage to the material.
The proper installation process significantly impacts the service life of ceramic fiber blankets. During installation, ensure the blanket is tightly adhered to the equipment surface to prevent wrinkles or voids, which could allow high-temperature airflow to penetrate gaps and accelerate fiber oxidation. When securing the ceramic fiber blanket, use high-temperature-resistant stainless steel anchors with a spacing of 300–500 mm, and avoid excessive compression that could damage the fiber structure. For seams, use staggered overlaps filled with ceramic fiber cotton, then seal with high-temperature adhesive to reduce thermal shock erosion at the edges.
Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of ceramic fiber blankets. Inspect the surface of the ceramic fiber blanket regularly for damage, peeling, or powdering. If local damage is found, repair it promptly with ceramic fiber blanket of the same type. The repair area should be at least 100 mm larger than the damaged area to ensure the repaired section is tightly bonded to the original blanket. Avoid hard objects colliding with or friction against the surface of the ceramic fiber blanket to prevent fiber loss. During equipment shutdowns for maintenance, protective panels can be placed over the ceramic fiber blanket surface to minimize human-caused damage.
Controlling impurities and airflow in the operating environment is also crucial. Dust and oil residues in high-temperature environments can adhere to the ceramic fiber blanket surface, blocking fiber pores, reducing insulation performance, and accelerating aging. Therefore, regular cleaning of internal impurities is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the ceramic fiber blanket surface. In scenarios with strong airflow, a metal protective mesh can be installed on the outer side of the ceramic fiber blanket to reduce airflow erosion of the fibers.
By implementing the above methods, the aging rate of ceramic fiber blankets in high-temperature environments can be effectively slowed down, extending their service life, reducing material replacement costs for enterprises, and ensuring that ceramic fiber blankets continue to provide stable thermal insulation protection for industrial equipment.
