Know-how from gas tank freeze to exhaust heat

Innovative, yet simple solutions to prevent corrosion under insulation at piping installations, combined with an impressive track record on providing solutions for LNG tanker insulation help Temati to find customers among ship owners and yards all over the world. A Dubai office is coming up and the company plans to jump onward to Australia.

Relatively simple solutions to detect leakage of pipe lines or moisture in woolly insulation materials help to prevent corrosion under insulation. This industry-wide problem of material degeneration, secretly and invisibly going on underneath the insulation that covers pipes is experienced in all sorts of industries, as well as engine room installations and fuel carrying provisions on board ships. The problem has become so wide-spread, it has been given a name and goes by the acronym of CUI (Corrosion Under Insulation). Temati has come up with three products that enable engineers to detect leakage and moist at an early stage: the Flangebelt, Vessel Inspection Plug and the Drain Plug. Inspection for maintenance and prevention of failure is now incorporated in the complete insulation product line. The time has now come for Temati to move on and strengthen its position in the global market for insulation aboard vessels and in other industrial installations.

Early detection

”CUI really is a big problem both ship owners and factory operators face”, director Frank Scheerder explains. ”Piping systems in general are constructions of pipes and flanges. In operating circumstances, constant motion may cause wear and leakage. As the most probable place for leakage is at the joining points of different parts of the pipe system, we developed the Flangebelt.” This stainless steel belt fits around the flanges and collects eventual fluid leaking from the joint. At the bottom, the belt has its tightening mechanism, from which a small pipe leads to a transparent tube, in which leaking fluid is collected. This tube is visible outside the insulation material. Even in case of really small leakage, this is immediately visible as there will be fluid inside the tube.

”When piping systems leak, even if it is only small amounts, it is absorbed by the insulation material”, Scheerder states. ”Therefore, it takes a very long time before the problem becomes visible. By then, the whole insulation system may have absorbed gallons of water or other fluid, the pipes are wet from the outside and may have started rusting. So corrosion starts well before leakage is discovered.”

Ambition and customer support drive now-independent Temati

However not all leakage or intrusion of moist inside insulated piping systems occur at the flanges. The drain plug can determine moisture going through the insulation material from other sources than leaks at the flanges.

The small composite device is installed in the bottom of a pipe’s insulation at a low point in the piping m route. Any accumulating amount of moisture will m flow there and start dripping from the drain plug. The plug helps to drain the insulation to prevent A moist to build up inside the insulation layer, but also makes it easy for mechanics to determine leaks at an early stage. The Vessel Inspection Plug as a third tool eliminates the need to dismantle the protective layers that insulate pipes just to conduct an inspection. Building in the watertight and flexible plug enables inspection at any  moment to see if leaks or corrosion are taking place and can save a lot in maintenance and therefore costs.

Hot and cold

Temati’s involvement in the maritime industry started with the supply of ‘Navy Board’ during the 1970s. These boards were then used aboard navy vessels and commercial ships for sound and vibration reduction. The company started in 1962 and has been dedicated to supplying products a wide range industries ever since, both for hot as well as cold insulation. Temati is an abbreviation of three words in Dutch: ‘TEchnische MATerialen Isolatiebescherming’ (technical materials insulation protection). Besides supplying insulation solutions, Temati is the European Licensee for Foster Mastics, Coatings and Adhesives. Foster Products are designed and specified for cold insulation applications between eight degrees Celsius and minus 196 degrees Celsius (cryogenic). Since the mid 1990s, Temati has been involved in offering solutions for cryogenic insulation on LNG carriers.

”Our customers, shipyards and contractors need to ensure that insulation meets the technical specifications as described by classification societies”, Scheerder specifies. ”A durable insulation system needs a lot of know-how and technical experience, especially under cryogenic circumstances. Temati has always been involved in industrial plants where cryogenic temperatures were part of the process. In 1994 we were slowly getting involved, together with our clients, designing and specifying adhesives and sealants for LNG carriers. This was an enormous challenge, but with a lot of testing we were able to find the right solutions for this market. Now in 2013, we have built up a flawless track record of almost 20 years where experience and know-how are leading the way.”

Support

Besides finding solutions for CUI and cryogenic situations, Temati also provides materials used by installation companies that make custom mattresses, removable and re-useable to cover piping installations. Both active in commercial shipping and the super yacht industry, they provide custom-made solutions, together with their specialised distributors. Scheerder says: ”Our mattresses are designed for pipe exhaust systems and other applications where customers need hot insulation and easy access for repair and maintenance. Besides the manufacturing of these mattresses, we also have the technical glass fabrics produced according to our own specification, so we really know what we are talking about. In the meantime we service different marinas where numerous super yachts get serviced or refitted. The added value that we offer is the on-site support and instructions for correct installation.”

Hub

Acting as the sole European Licensee for Foster and combining this with the company’s own expertise in insulation solutions, the company has built up a strong market position in Europe. Research into new solutions for effective insulation and eliminating problems that occur within insulated structures, Temati has enhanced the product portfolio. When looking for expansion in the Gulf region, Temati recognised the infrastructure hub of Dubai offers in the Middle East. The company has now plans to set up offices there, to be opened in 2014. ”This may well be our stepping stone toward the Australian market”, Scheerder says looking ahead.

Together with general manager Arjan Jongkind and financial controller Stefan Naenen, managing director Scheerder was able to buy the shares from Hertel Holding mid January this year and continue operations as an independent company. Judging by Scheerder’s words, the three new owners show ambition and belief in their company’s potential.

Hans Buitelaar