Assessment of asbestos insulation substitutes

A state-of-the-art study of asbestos insulation alternatives has been conducted to identify the best substitute material for steam lines in power plants. A survey of utilities across the nation showed that calcium silicate is the most commonly employed material today, followed by mineral wool, fiberglass, and ceramic fibers. However, the calcium silicate was found to be dusty and to become brittle once exposed to elevated temperatures. Although it is asbestos-free, studies on its carcinogenicity are incomplete. Characteristic data on existing substitute materials is compiled and an optimum choice of insulation combination is configured. Potential cost savings of using this combination is evaluated for a major utility. A PC-based computer program is developed to assist utility personnel in selecting the proper insulation materials for steam lines. 31 refs., 8 figs.