Share this page by mail Ceramic fibre sleeves vs silica sleeves: which one should I choose for exposure to over 1,200°C?
Few materials are suitable for exposure to contact temperatures over 1,200°C in continuous service, without radiation. Silica fibres, for example, are not stable during prolonged exposure. If you are seeking electrical insulation without the risk of deformation at such temperatures, ceramic fibre is the only viable solution. Other materials may also be suitable, depending on the duration and frequency of exposure, such as materials made of coated or uncoated glass fibres, basalt fibres, or silica fibres. However, these parts will need to be replaced regularly, and the replacement frequency will depend on the usage.
Sleeves are tubes, usually flexible, designed to protect cables or electrical components from electricity, heat, and mechanical forces or impacts. Final Advanced Materials offers sleeves capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,300°C in continuous service. For protection against radiant heat, Final Advanced Materials manufactures custom laminated sleeves using thin aluminium foils. This construction reflects up to 95% of radiation exchanges, thereby protecting cables from exposure to excessively high temperatures.
The primary downside of textile products is their low resistance to abrasion. To counteract this downside, Final Advanced Materials offers numerous treatments (silicone, PTFE) which improve this resistance. It should however be noted that these treatments can modify the sleeve’s behaviour when exposed to temperature.
For optimal thermal insulation, whether for operator protection or for reduced heat loss, it is important to select the correct insulating material and thickness. Final Advanced Materials has the necessary teams and skills to simulate these thermal exchanges and can determine not only the appropriate material but also the required thickness.