Success Story Summary

“Noncombustible” is Key Word in Construction of P&G's New Olestra Facility

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) olestra national production facility is comprised of a series of tanks and vessels connected by a network of piping. About 80 percent of the piping system is equipped with either electric- or steam-heat tracers. Throughout the manufacturing process, system temperatures swing from -150°F (-101°C) to 600°F (315°C), a challenging process control range for most industrial insulation materials. The system must maintain the precise temperatures or the olestra will not move through the system properly, and the plant would shut down. A reliable insulation system is essential for the plant to run. Additionally, as in virtually any manufacturing operation, there is the potential for pipe leakage. At the P&G olestra plant, because of the flammability of the manufacturing process, the selection of the insulation system took on added significance. To meet all of the system challenges, P&G chose FOAMGLAS^® Insulation for the plant because it is noncombustible, nonabsorbent, impermeable and nonwicking – it cannot absorb or transport combustible liquids. Because it is 100 percent glass, without binders or fillers, it cannot burn, even when in contact with the most intense flames. FOAMGLAS^® Insulation was also specified because of its high load-bearing strength. Many of the pipes rest on half-pipe saddles that were designed to be used as support bases. The FOAMGLAS^® Insulation was capable of supporting those heavy loads without deformity.

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