With increasingly stringent requirements for building energy conservation and industrial insulation, aerogel, as a high-performance insulation material, is gradually being applied in various fields such as pipelines, equipment, and building envelopes. Compared to traditional insulation materials, aerogel has advantages such as low thermal conductivity, thinness, and adaptability to space-constrained environments; however, it also places higher demands on construction and installation. Therefore, a thorough understanding and strict adherence to aerogel construction and installation precautions are crucial to ensuring its insulation effect and service life.

I. Preparatory Work Before Construction

1. Determine the Construction Location and Operating Conditions

Before aerogel construction, it is essential to fully understand the operating temperature, surface morphology, and presence of vibration, corrosion, or temperature fluctuations of the object to be insulated. Aerogel is suitable for high-temperature, low-temperature, and ambient-temperature insulation, but the requirements for fixing methods and protective structures differ under different operating conditions.

2. Inspect the Surface Condition of the Substrate

The surface to be insulated should be dry, clean, and free of oil stains and obvious rust. If surface rust or oil stains are present, they should be treated in advance to avoid affecting the adhesion between the aerogel and the substrate.

II. Material Cutting and Laying Precautions

1. Aerogel Cutting Specifications

Aerogel is usually supplied in felt or sheet form. Use a sharp tool to cut it, ensuring a clean cut. The cut size should be slightly larger than the actual covering size to avoid gaps due to shrinkage or installation errors.

2. Laying Direction and Overlap Method

In pipe or equipment insulation, aerogel should be laid along the direction of heat flow. A certain overlap length should be maintained between adjacent materials to avoid thermal bridging. Overlaps should be tightly fitted without noticeable gaps.

III. Fixing and Covering Construction Key Points

1. Fixing Method Selection

Although aerogel is lightweight, it still requires reliable fixing under conditions of vibration or large temperature differences. Common fixing methods include stainless steel cable ties, wire mesh, or special fasteners. The fixing spacing should be reasonably set according to the construction location to ensure the overall structural stability.

2. Prevent Over-Compression

While aerogel possesses a degree of flexibility, excessive compression can damage its internal nanoporous structure, thus affecting its thermal insulation performance. During installation, avoid strong pressure or uneven stress.

IV. Moisture-Proofing and Protective Layer Installation Requirements

1. Importance of Moisture-Proofing Measures

Although aerogel itself has some hydrophobic properties, a moisture-proof layer is still recommended in humid environments or low-temperature systems to prevent moisture from adversely affecting the system during long-term operation.

2. Outer Sheath Construction Requirements

In outdoor or industrial environments, a metal casing (such as aluminum or stainless steel) is usually required on the outside of the aerogel to prevent mechanical damage and environmental corrosion. The outer sheath should be installed flat and sealed, and joints must be properly treated.

V. Construction Precautions under Special Working Conditions

1. Construction in High-Temperature Environments

When constructing on high-temperature equipment or pipelines, select an aerogel product with a high-temperature resistance rating that meets the requirements, and allow sufficient space for thermal expansion to prevent stress concentration caused by temperature changes.

2. Low Temperature and Anti-Condensation Conditions

In low temperature systems, special attention must be paid to the sealing of joints during aerogel construction to prevent cold bridging and condensation. Multi-layer structural designs may be necessary to improve overall insulation and anti-condensation performance.

VI. Construction Quality Inspection and Maintenance Recommendations

1. Post-Installation Inspection

After construction, check whether the aerogel layer is continuous and intact, whether the fixing is secure, and whether the outer protective layer is well-sealed. Any problems should be addressed promptly to avoid affecting system operation.

2. Post-Maintenance Considerations

Aerogel insulation systems require relatively low maintenance during normal operation, but it is still recommended to periodically check the integrity of the outer protective layer to prevent a decrease in insulation performance due to external damage.

Overall, precautions for aerogel construction and installation are crucial throughout the entire process, from pre-construction preparation, material laying, fixing and protection, to post-construction maintenance. Only by strictly adhering to construction specifications can the technical advantages of aerogel's ultra-thin and highly efficient insulation be fully realized.

In actual projects, it is recommended to develop a targeted aerogel construction plan based on the specific characteristics of the project to ensure the safe, stable, and long-term operation of the system.